As we continue to adapt to new modes of engagement at the University, the Office of Mission Integration hopes to be a resource for you by offering a Weekly Video Reflection as well as links to other sources that you might find helpful to continue to cultivate your own spiritual practice in these times as well as deepening your understanding and engagement with our mission. Please let me know if I and those who partner with the Office can accompany you as you navigate these challenging and disconcerting times. Contact me at punsalca@udmercy.edu or mission-integration@udmercy.edu.
Weekly Video Reflection
As we continue to pray and keep in our hearts the health workers serving in our hospitals locally and throughout the country, the Office of Mission Integration offers this brief video reflection featuring Sr. Judy Mouch, RSM, Faculty, College of Health Professions/McAuley School of Nursing (ret.). Special thanks to University Ministry staff, Billy Myers for producing the OMI videos and Dan Greig for providing the music. Please click the link below the photo.
Willingness to Love One Another
University of Detroit Mercy is shaped by two religious orders whose care for the sick dates back to the very beginning of their foundations. Saint Ignatius of Loyola and the early Jesuits ministered to the sick just as many Jesuits continue to do so today. The Religious Sisters of Mercy are known globally and nationally as leaders in healthcare. For them and those they have trained, our students and alumni who are now serving on the frontlines, we give thanks, especially in this time of a global pandemic.
Resources
There are a number of resources that can be food for reflection during this time of the pandemic. Here are only a few links that you may find helpful:
Pope Francis’ Message: Pope at Urbe et Orbi (to the City and to the World)
Mercy Global Presence: Gift in this troubling time of COVID-19
Father General Arturo Sosa’s Message: The Preferences in a time of Uncertainty and COVID-19
Online Resources at Xavier University: Prayer Resources in times of COVID-19
An Examen for Life during COVID-19
Take a moment to settle. Take a deep breath. Get comfortable. Like a rock settling on the bottom of a lake after it’s thrown in, let yourself settle.
1. Acknowledge how you are feeling in this moment. If being calm is hard, acknowledge it. If you find yourself frustrated or stressed, acknowledge it. God wants to be present in all parts of our lives—not just the easy or serene moments.
2. Ask for light and insight as you prepare to review your day. For some that light may come in the form of a sense of the Divine. For others it’s from a deep sense of your true self.
3. Take a moment to think about how COVID-19 has impacted your life. Even as we are being asked to distance ourselves from one another socially, ask yourself what connections you find yourself grateful for? Who makes you feel grounded and connected to God?
4. Public health issues have a way of making us recognize how interwoven our lives are with others in society. It can help us realize who we may often choose not to see or connect with. Is there a person or group of people especially affected by COVID-19 that you don’t often choose to see or connect with normally? What connections to others are you becoming more aware of? Who do you normally choose to reach out and connect to? Who do you avoid or refuse to see? If you can, picture the faces of these people. What connections do you take for granted in your life? What connections impact you the most?
5. Note the emotions you feel when you think of these individuals without judging or overanalyzing. Simply acknowledge them, pay attention, and listen to where God may be speaking.
6. As you think of the ways we are connected or disconnected to one another, pick a connection (or lack thereof) that seems important, significant, or is manifesting itself the strongest. Pause and reflect on where you’re being invited to grow from that moment. If you are a person of faith, take a moment to pray with it.
7. God gifted us with limitless creativity and imagination. Even in this time of separation and possible isolation, what is one way you can maintain meaningful connection to others—whether directly, through technology, or intentional focus and attention?
Take a deep breath and moment of quiet. When you are ready, return to your day.
– By Susan Haarman, Loyola University Chicago
Celebrating Holy Days
Palm Sunday, which is this Sunday, marks the beginning of a most sacred time in the Christian liturgical calendar. With Holy Week and then the Easter Triduum being celebrated globally when so many of the world are practicing physical distancing, we can still celebrate together.
Join the Detroit Jesuit community as they lead us in the celebration of Holy Week and the Easter Triduum by following them on:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DetroitJesuits/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/detroitjesuits/
Palm Sunday – 11:15 a.m. with Fr. Gilbert Sunghera, S.J. superior of Jesuit Community at the University of Detroit Mercy
Holy Thursday – 7:00 p.m. with Fr. Peter Etzel, S.J., associate pastor of Gesu Catholic Church Detroit
Good Friday – 1:30 p.m. with Fr. Phil Cooke, S.J. pastor of Gesu Catholic Church Detroit
Easter Vigil – We encourage the faithful to join the Archdiocese of Detroit’s live stream (www.aod.org/holyweek) or celebrate online at the Vatican (more info can be found here: www.vaticannews.va)
Easter Sunday – 11:15 a.m. with Fr. Gary Wright, S.J. pastor of Sts. Peter and Paul Jesuit Church Detroit
Sundown on Wednesday marks the beginning of Passover for members of the Jewish community. Hillel of Metro Detroit is our partner in connecting you with local Jewish communities. Visit their website to learn about the organization and the resources they offer.