Companions in Mission, a popular Mission and Ministry program, has guided about 150 staff and faculty from across campus to a deeper understanding of the university’s history, identity and mission. The program is rooted in Ignatian spiritualty and pedagogy and explores how they shape the education offered at LMU. The program consists of roughly once-a-month weekday lunchtime gatherings during the fall and spring, as well as three weekend reflective engagements over the course of the year (half-day or overnight). There is no cost to participate, and all materials, meals, and program fees are covered by the Center for Mission and Identity.
Marissa Contreras Koller, interim director of communications services and digital solutions, was a part of the 10th Companions in Mission cohort. Koller has worked at LMU for the past 16 years and after the COVID-19 pandemic and working remotely for several months, she wanted to reconnect with others and decided to participate in Companions in Mission. “In all my years at LMU, I had never participated in a mission program, and at that moment, more than ever, I felt drawn to deepening my spirituality and investing in my personal growth and well-being,” said Koller.
“Going through the program gave me a renewed sense of belonging and purpose at LMU,” said Koller. “It’s given me tools for discernment and reminded me of the importance of taking time for reflection. These are things that have helped me feel more grounded at work and in my personal life. It’s also reminded me that there are so many people here who exemplify our mission in their daily work and I’m so fortunate to be part of this community.”
Koller said she built friendships and had meaningful shared experiences with other participants with whom she might not otherwise have crossed paths. “I also appreciated the guest speakers who were incredibly generous in sharing their knowledge and experiences,” said Koller. “For example, when Sister Cathy Minhoto, R.S.H.M., and Sister MaryAnne Huepper, C.S.J., spoke about their respective religious communities, it gave me a new sense of appreciation for how women have shaped LMU, and how that sets us apart from other Jesuit universities.”
Those interested in learning more about LMU’s history, and the traditions in which LMU is rooted, can apply for the 2022-23 cohort. To learn more about the program and to submit your application, visit the Companions in Mission website.
Applications accepted through Sept. 2, 2022. For any questions or to discuss the program in more detail, contact Kat Brown, director of mission and identity programs, at Katherine.Brown@lmu.edu.
More about Companions in Mission:
