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.
Murphy Center for Ignatian Spirituality
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.
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 of Loyola. Participants meet weekly with a spiritual director for ten consecutive weeks.
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. The retreatant commits to daily prayer, while continuing his or her normal routine. This is know widely as “The Retreat in Daily Life” or “The 19th Annotation Retreat”. Ideally, participants should be in spiritual direction before undertaking the SEEL.
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.
“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.
“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.
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.
