Show-Me State Times

Saint Louis University is offering a supportive environment for individuals considering religious vocations. The institution's College of Philosophy and Letters, established in 1889, oversees programs that align with the Jesuit mission to serve faith and justice through cultural dialogue. These programs aim to provide the necessary philosophical and intellectual foundation for those pursuing further studies in theology and ministry.

The university recently hosted a vocation fair on April 25, where students engaged with priests and nuns. This event is part of SLU's broader effort to support vocational discernment among its students.

Rosenberg, a representative from the university, stated, "We have around 27 Jesuits, approximately 30 seminarians from the Archdiocese of St. Louis and a few women religious." He emphasized that SLU graduates often become leaders in social justice, education, and their parishes.

In 2018, Saint Louis University integrated the Archdiocese’s Kenrick-Glennon Seminary undergraduate program into its College of Philosophy and Letters. This change means seminarians now receive their degrees directly from SLU.

"Our strategic priority is to ensure their goal of religious discernment," Rosenberg said. The college provides core coursework in philosophy, theology, and history to help students focus on building a community.

SLU hosts one of two Jesuit First Studies programs in North America. Bellarmine House of Studies serves as home for these scholars within a residential neighborhood near campus. It is noted for being embedded within a university setting since its inception.

Bellarmine House offers scholastics opportunities to study required subjects while also working toward master's degrees in various disciplines like social work or education. Scholastics participate in community service weekly at local shelters or schools.

"Our Jesuits take a core set of classes together with their cohort," Rosenberg mentioned about fostering deep reflection during academic pursuits.

Rosenberg praised William Rehg, S.J., former dean of the College, for advancing SLU’s educational approach: "SLU took seriously changes in formation guidelines and developed a well-balanced curriculum."

The presence of the College impacts the entire SLU campus positively according to Rosenberg: "Our students have a presence on campus...It is a reminder of our Jesuit identity."

"Java with the Jesuits" events are held each Friday morning during semesters at Lipic Clock Tower Plaza on campus offering free coffee alongside conversation opportunities led by Jesuits themselves who share experiences related not only towards vocational life but also other aspects regarding career choices post-graduation such as finding future spouses while studying there too among others seeking out what they want doing ahead after leaving school eventually someday soon enough hopefully ideally altogether better prepared finally able handling whatever comes next down line successfully thereafter forevermore onward journey continues always forward motion never backward steps taken whatsoever no matter circumstances arise along way encountered overcome triumphantly every single time possible ultimately resulting greater good achieved collectively overall benefit society large end result outcome desired hoped anticipated expected all involved parties concerned stakeholders alike fully 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