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About

We are a Center on Fairfield University’s campus that offers spiritual direction to students, faculty and staff, the Diocese of Bridgeport, and community members of all faiths. In the Ignatian tradition, the Murphy Center’s spiritual directors help people explore the sacred aspect of being human, and finding God in all things.

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Programs We Offer

 When looking for God, we often find ourselves.

The doors to the Murphy Center for Ignatian Spirituality of Fairfield University open wide and invite anyone seeking deeper meaning and a closer relationship with God to explore the opportunities for spiritual engagement. No prior experience or background in spiritual direction needed. All who feel invited are welcome!

Monthly Spiritual Direction

Is for anyone, of any faith, who is seeking a deeper connection with God. Participants meet monthly with a spiritual director who can assist them in developing the skills needed to recognize the presence of God in their life. A spiritual director is a companion who aids in listening for the movements of the Sacred. The spiritual director helps a person pay attention to God’s personal communication, respond, grow in intimacy with God, and live out the invitations that emerge from that relationship.

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Encountering the Living God | 10-Week Program

A 10-week program of prayer and reflection, under the personal guidance of one of the Murphy Center’s trained spiritual directors. This program is open to Fairfield students, faculty, staff and members of the larger community. Its method and content are inspired by the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius o f Loyola. Participants meet weekly with a spiritual director for ten consecutive weeks.

Student Registration Form
Non-Student Registration Form

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19th Annotation, Spiritual Exercises in Everyday Life (SEEL) | Year-Long Program

A guided retreat accompanied by a Spiritual Director, the 19th Annotation, Spiritual Exercises in Everyday Life (SEEL) program helps participants better discern God's presence in their everyday life. The SEEL retreat usually lasts at least a year, during which time the retreatant meets weekly with a director and follows the model of prayer outlined by St. Ignatius of Loyola.

Student Registration Form
Non-Student Registration Form

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Walking Examen

Fairfield University's Walking Examen is the first of its kind on a Jesuit campus. Beginning on the plaza of Egan Chapel, this mile-long prayer and meditation trail was designed to cultivate prayerful discernment and an awareness of God’s presence around us.

The Examen is a contemplative prayer practice made popular by St. Ignatius of Loyola that invites us to see God in our everyday lives. There are five steps to the Walking Examen identified by five large rocks with a plaque. Each step signifies the five movements of the Examen prayer: Thanksgiving, Illumination, Examination, Contrition, and Hope.

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Programs for Fairfield University Students

 

statue of st ignatius of loyola

“Finding God in All Things” | Semester-Long Course

“Finding God in All Things” is offered to Fairfield University undergraduates every semester of the academic year, and introduces students to the spiritual legacy of St. Ignatius Loyola, as expressed in his writings and in the history and on-going mission of the Jesuits. As part of the class, students are offered the opportunity to participate in the Ten-Week Ignatian Experience.

student participating in ignatian experience course

“Christian Spirituality” | Semester-Long Course

This for-credit course is intended for Fairfield University undergraduates, and is led by a team of Murphy Center spiritual directors. “Christian Spirituality” introduces students to the fundamentals of spirituality through a variety of different traditions, and offers students the opportunity to participate in the Ten-Week Ignatian Experience.

Fairfield University student athletes posing with Lucas the Stag mascot.

STAG Athlete Support

MCIS offers retreats and spiritual support for all student athletes. Team retreats are coordinated through Athletics and individual one-on-one Spiritual Direction is available through MCIS.

Any student athlete who is interested in deepening his or her spiritual connection and personal growth is invited to explore opportunities at the Murphy Center in a meeting with one of the Center’s spiritual directors. For more information or to arrange a meeting, please contact Marcy Haley at mhaley1@fairfield.edu.

Programs for Faculty, Staff, and Community Members

MCIS Women’s Initiative | During Advent and Lent

The MCIS Women's Initiative seeks to assist women in their desire to find God in all things. Programs are designed to nurture personal spiritual growth in both a communal and individual atmosphere with biannual meetings consisting of a brief talk followed by self-reflection and small faith-sharing groups. The group is open to Fairfield faculty, staff and members of the larger community.

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A multi-month program offered in parishes of the Diocese of Bridgeport, providing participants with an introduction to Ignatian Spirituality in both theory and practice. The program includes lectures, discussions in faith-sharing groups and opportunities for individually directed prayer experiences.

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“Aging With Grace” meets every Wednesday, virtually via Zoom. Open to retirees of all faiths, the course uses prayer, assigned readings and personal reflection to guide participants through an exploration of the spiritual dynamics of growing older. All are welcome!

Rev. John Murray, S.J., will offer "Aging With Grace" this semester on Wednesdays from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Fall 2024 AWG participants are asked to purchase this semester's required book prior to the beginning of the course: The Wisdom of Tenderness by Brennan Manning.

To register by mail, please provide the following information:

Full Name
Mailing Address
A $40.00 check payable to Fairfield University (Please write "AWG Spring 2024" in Memo line.)
Mail to:
Colleen Gilbertson
Murphy Center for Ignatian Spirituality
1073 North Benson Rd.
Fairfield, CT 06824

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A two-year certificate program conducted at Fairfield University, intended for persons with a ministerial and theological background who wish to be trained as spiritual directors in the Ignatian tradition.

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Where to Find Us 

Murphy Center for Ignatian Spirituality
Dolan House 115

1073 North Benson Road
Fairfield, CT 06824
(203) 254-4000 x2373

Monday – Friday
8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. 

   

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