Faculty
Faculty Chaplaincy is a ministry that emerges from Holy Cross and Notre Dame’s Catholic tradition and serves all faculty regardless of religious affiliation or no religious affiliation. The emphasis on community at Notre Dame means that all are welcome. Important to community life and human flourishing are pastoral and spiritual support. Through pastoral availability, a variety of spiritual programming and opportunities for service, connecting people through conversation and social gatherings, support groups, the sacraments, and more, the Faculty Chaplaincy supports a diverse faculty in a demanding academic environment. While there are new and on-going programs available to meet the diverse interest and needs of the faculty, the Faculty Chaplain is always receptive to new initiatives and requests.
For pastoral needs (death of loved one, illness, spiritual, faith or other concerns) or to offer suggestions, please contact Fr. Frank Murphy, C.S.C., Faculty Chaplain, at fmurphy4@nd.edu or 574-631-5242.
Spiritual Direction
Spiritual direction is the practice of entering into a conversation with an experienced guide with whom you can discuss your spiritual journey, relationship with God, prayer, and the integration of faith and life. It can help you become more aware of God’s presence and invitation. If you have a desire for a deeper relationship with God, want to develop your prayer life, discern a decision or direction in life, or if you are simply looking for guidance in your faith life, no matter where you are on your spiritual journey, spiritual direction may be for you. Spiritual direction is open to all faculty regardless of church affiliation. Click on the link below to see the list of spiritual directors available to you on campus, and a few off campus.
A dedicated list of spiritual directors is available to faculty and includes women, men, lay, religious, and priests.
Offerings for Faculty
Directed Retreat in Daily Life for Faculty
The retreat in daily life is a directed retreat in the Ignatian tradition for busy people.
The retreat includes:
- Half Hour of Daily Private Prayer
- Weekly Individual 45 minute Meeting with an experienced Spiritual Director
- 5 Weeks: Jan. 31 to March 3
During this retreat you will maintain your daily commitments while making space for prayer, as well as a weekly individual meeting with an experienced spiritual director. Your spiritual director will suggest prayer content specifically for you and reflect with you on your prayer and spiritual life. This retreat offers a way to find God in your busy life, discover new ways of praying, create some quiet space for yourself, and deepen your spiritual practices. The retreat lasts for five weeks: you pray daily at a time you set aside and meet once a week with a spiritual director (5 times).
Caregivers Support Group for Faculty & Staff
If you are a Faculty or Staff member who is currently caring for an aging parent, a spouse, or a child with special needs, you are welcome to join the Caregivers Support Group. This group can offer the opportunity to connect with others, share struggles and information about resources in the community, and listen to how others deal with their situations. The group is confidential, non-denominational and all Faculty and Staff are welcome.
- The Caregivers Group meets monthly on the third Wednesday of the month from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. in room 301 of Coleman-Morse (3rd floor across from the elevator and south stairwell).
Grief Support Group for Faculty & Staff
If you are a Faculty or Staff member who has experienced the death of a loved one--a child, a parent, a spouse, a friend, a colleague, or other loved one, you are welcome to join this group. Grief affects us in many ways, and we all grieve differently. Many people find understanding and healing through sharing their journey with others who have experienced the loss of a loved one. This group is confidential, non-denominational and all Faculty and Staff are welcome. It is an on-going group that you join when you need it and move on when you feel ready to.
- The Grief Group meets monthly on the third Tuesday of the month from 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m. in room 301 of Coleman-Morse (3rd floor across from the elevator and south stairwell).
Faculty Happy Hours
Happy Hours are a response to the faculty’s desire to meet colleagues across departments and colleges. They are opportunities to meet someone new, share ideas and research, relax together, and build community. All faculty are welcome along with their spouses and partners. Appetizers and non-alcoholic beverages are included. There are 3-4 Happy Hours each semester.
Young Singles Community for Faculty and Professional Staff
The Young Singles Community of Notre Dame (YSC) is a social group for Notre Dame Faculty and Professional Staff. It is an on-going group that meets for socials, dinners, game nights, and other events, such as a local wine tour, backyard socials, fruit-picking, axe-throwing, ice skating, and more. If you are interested in participating, look for announcements of upcoming events or contact one of the planning team members to be put on the email list for announcements. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about the group. Vanessa Chan (Psychology), Megan Hall (Medieval Institute), Jen Hames (Psychology), Kevin Jacquinot (Turbomachinery Laboratory) and Walter Scheirer (Computer Science & Engineering). Sponsored by Faculty and Staff Chaplaincies.
Contact
Fr. Frank Murphy, C.S.C., Faculty Chaplain, fmurphy4@nd.edu +1 574-631-5242