Inner reflection, caring for the whole person, and serving others are all familiar aspects of Ignatian spirituality.
Dancing, on the other hand? Not so much. But at the Ignatian one-day staff and faculty retreat hosted by Campus Ministry in November, an ’80s-themed dance session was a hit among attendees.
“I loved it. It was such a good reminder that we were being rejuvenated physically too—not just emotionally or spiritually,” said first-time retreatant Kirsten Lee-Javadi, distance learning liaison at Quinn Library.
Lee-Javadi was one of roughly 30 participants at the off-site event. Traditionally offered by Campus Ministry once a semester, the retreat gives Fordham employees the opportunity to meet one another and gain a deeper, first-hand understanding of the University’s Jesuit mission and principles.
Its theme aligned with the Thanksgiving holiday. Robert Parmach, Ph.D., senior director of Ignatian mission and education, said the day’s activities offered a chance to reflect on “how an attitude of spiritual gratitude can transform our daily work and relationships at Fordham.”
Attracting More Employees
The fall retreat was the first one held at the Westchester campus, which is closer and more convenient to get to than Fordham’s retreat house in Goshen. This semester was also the first in which administrators were able to take advantage of the University’s new mission leave policy. All members of the Fordham community are invited to attend Campus Ministry events; however, this new policy allows administrators who are eligible for benefits to do so without taking a personal or vacation day.
Joan Cavanagh, PhD, senior director of spirituality, was impressed by the turnout. “I think a lot of people would love to know more about the Ignatian mission. They’re here at an Ignatian university,” she said, so it’s natural to wonder, “‘what is it all about?’”
To answer that question, Cavanaugh and Parmach shared presentations on Ignatian spirituality. Participants also had time to reflect, to journal, and to move around during chair yoga, followed by what “became affectionately known as our dance party,” said Cavanagh.
“To see people who had been sitting very staid get loose and dance—it was just delightful,” she said. “One person said, ‘This should be mandatory!’”
Shlomit Yanisky-Ravid, PhD, visiting law professor at Fordham Law School, was another happy retreatant. “The tranquility I experienced, the authentic interactions with colleagues, and even the dancing—which allowed us to release tension from the routine of working hard every day and simply enjoy the moment—were exceptionally uplifting,” she said. “I already look forward to the next one.”
To learn about next year’s retreats, sign up for and select the Campus Ministry newsletter here.
