Minutes
St. Louis
University High School
Ignatian Mission
& Identity Committee
May 8, 2007
Attendance:
Michael Finucane, Robert Bannister, Thomas Auffenberg, Thom Digman, Ralph Houlihan, S.J., David Laughlin, Mark Michalski, and Thomas Cummings, S.J.
Absent:
Kate Hochmuth, Michael Marchlewski, S.J., Kyle McCollom, Matthew Sciuto, Joey Vitale, Matthew Stewart.
The meeting was called to order at 3:15 p.m. with a prayer offered by Mr. Laughlin.
Fr. Houlihan then requested approval of the October 24, 2006 minutes. Upon a motion made by Dr. Bannister, seconded by Mr. Michalski, the motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Laughlin proposed that the committee inquire into the topics being discussed in the Ignatian Mission/Identity committees at other Jesuit institutions. He said that this information might be a source of data for this committee’s agenda setting. Dr. Bannister, Mr. Auffenberg, and Mr. Michalski agreed to undertake this process and to present a report at the next meeting.
Mr. Digman introduced a discussion on the issue of the fees charged for student participation in junior and senior retreats. The discussion focused on whether retreat fees should be eliminated since the retreats are an integral part of the school’s mission and curriculum. This led to discussions about whether or not junior and/or senior retreats should be mandatory, efficient use of the pastoral staff’s time, and the lead-time that would be necessary to eliminate retreat fees. Mr. Digman suggested that the Pastoral Department, Business Office, and Academic Administration should discuss the matter.
Mr. Laughlin addressed the issue of the management of student charitable fundraising that led to a discussion of the topic. Upon a motion made by Mr. Laughlin, seconded by Dr. Bannister, the motion passed unanimously to ask the academic administration to take up this topic and report back to this committee.
Mr. Laughlin introduced a brainstorming activity to help the members of the committee recognize the scope of activities directly in support of the Ignatian mission that are currently taking place at SLUH. The results of the activity are attached as an addendum to these minutes.
The Committee took up the nomination of students to serve on the committee for the 2007-2008 school year. Michael Finucane agreed to serve again next year. Connor Hagan and Ben Merrill were identified as students who will be asked to serve next year.
Fr. Houlihan reported on the state of vocation promotion at SLUH. He said that a few current students and recent alums are considering vocations to the Jesuits and that we continue to be a top feeder to the Kenrick/Glennon seminary program. He went on to say that he would like to develop a broader program to institutionalize the vocation process at SLUH. A discussion followed.
Mr. Laughlin introduced the topic of possibly using the SLUH building to provide an outreach to the poor or our community. He mentioned other Jesuit high schools whose buildings serve as homeless shelters and soup kitchens during after-school hours. A discussion followed.
The meeting adjourned at 4:15 p.m.
Action Items: