Are you interested in growing in your faith and meeting new people?

Join a SPARK Group – a weekly, ecumenical small group opportunity where CSB/SJU students gather to pray, reflect on faith and life, and have fun! Using the prayer practice of Lectio Divina as a foundation, each SPARK group will explore topics relevant to their theme. followed by time for fellowship. All levels of familiarity with Lectio and small group sharing are welcome!

When & Where: Times and Location to be determined by each group.  

Who: Johnnies and Bennies desiring growth and companionship on their Christian journeys 

Why: To encounter God and one another in a committed small faith community and to be propelled out into our CSB/SJU and broader communities as faith-filled servant leaders. 

This semester's SPARK Groups:

Her Story: This group is for everyone interested in learning more about the women in the Bible while also reflecting on their faith and how it can connect to our lives today.

Genesis: For students with a love for nature, conservation, and outdoor recreation, this is a community for fostering an awareness of God in creation while growing together in prayer and stewardship 

Proud Group: For LGBTQ+ students to gather in a welcoming and affirming space to pray and reflect on our lives and what it means to be an LGBTQ+ person of faith

Estudio Biblico en Español: El estudio Biblico en español es para todos, no importa si perteneces en alguna religón. Lo importante es estudiar la santa escritura y poder practicar tu español.

Trails: For students who attended the Trails retreat and anyone interested in exploring questions of vocation and discernment. Who are you called to be, how do you use your gifts, what are you passionate about?

Visio Divina: This group will be praying and exploring scripture through the illuminations of the Saint John's Bible. 

Student Athletes: This group is for any student involved in a university sport seeking to reflect on how to balance faith with a busy life.

First Years: For any first-year students looking to build community and reflect on new beginnings. 

Ready to Join? Indicate your interest here!

Please contact [email protected] if you would like to learn more or have questions!

First Year Johnnies - Apply to be a member of Johnnie Brothers!

Click Here for the application!

APPLY BY October 22nd at 11:59 pm!

Read on for more information:

First Year Johnnies, learn more about this amazing opportunity today!  Follow us on Social Media @SJUfaith and look for updates!

WHO

This is an all-male opportunity designed for first-year Johnnies.  SJU students are placed in a group with seven to nine other classmates and two monastic or lay guides. All SJU students are welcome to apply.

WHAT

Johnnie Brothers meet regularly for about an hour in a residence hall or other on-campus room over a shared meal and conversation.  The meetings follow a simple theme and each year builds on the next.  The meetings are pretty simple:  Get together, enjoy a meal, talk about issues encountered by peers at SJU. Themes are questions like, "Who am I?," "How did I get here?," "Who are the important people in my life?," "Who am I called to be," and "What's God's role in my life?"  By talking about these with a trusted group of men, you can make the most out of your SJU experience. 

WHEN

Join for one semester and then your group decides whether or not you would like to advance to the next year.  Most groups tend to continue after one semester, even for four years. There is a one-day retreat when all Johnnie Brothers groups come together for a day of reflection. Groups have a chance for some really exciting programming like a week of dogsledding over winter break.

HOW MUCH

The program is fully funded and supported by SJU.  All we ask is for your commitment to your group and your openness to others.

WHY

While many Johnnies have already made great friends with floormates, this is a chance to form deep, meaningful relationships. Additionally, Johnnies have access to two leaders on campus and learn more about who you are becoming.  Formerly known as "Men's Spirituality Groups," this program has been a foundation of Saint John's since 1995.  Hundreds of SJU alumni say that this was one of the most impactful programs during their time here.

If you have any questions, or are interested in joining this program please email [email protected].

Applications for First Year Johnnie Brothers are open!  Follow us on Social Media @SJUfaith and look for updates!

TOT is an event held several times per semester at 7:00 p.m. in Br. Willie's Pub, where students can gather to hear a faculty, student, or qualified professional speak on real-world topics related to theology. 

This is one of our most beloved, well attended events throughout the year, so don't miss out!

If you have a topic or speaker suggestion for a future Theology on Tap, contact SJU Campus Ministry at [email protected] or 320-363-2790. 

Stay on the lookout for Theology on Tap once a month on Thursday evening! Follow us on social media @SJUfaith. 

Upcoming

“Dorothy Day; A Saint for Our Time?”

SJUfaith presents the first “Theology on Tap” of the semester, October 26th, 2024 at 8:00PM in Br. Willie’s Pub join us for a conversation around an undeniably intriguing contemporary figure. She’s been called a Servant of God, a communist, and an anarchist. Co-founder of the Catholic Worker Movement (a 90-year-old Catholic movement that addresses injustice and violence) and author of her memoir, The Long Loneliness, one of the most beloved spiritual autobiographies of the 20th Century. Dorothy Day’s life story centers on faith and a passion for justice. She was someone who answered the question, “What would happen if we took the teachings of Jesus seriously?”.

Jeffry Odell Korgen will share excerpts from his forthcoming graphic biography of Dorothy Day as well as stories from his seven-year experience collecting and bringing to the Vatican evidence for her sainthood. He will be joined by Molly Weyrens of Catholic Worker and Kateri Mancini of Catholic Charities for a robust conversation.

This event is generously cosponsored by SJU Campus Ministry CSB Campus Ministry Gender Studies Saint John's School of Theology & Seminary The Benedictine Institute Department of Theology Koch Chair in Catholic Thought.

Email questions to [email protected].

Need a little inspiration? Plug in to our new virtual, Theology-on-Tap-inspired conversation series, Theo on Tap[e]. In each episode, SJUfaith students interview a member of our CSB/SJU community about topics relevant to leading a life of faith today!

Missed an episode? Check them out here:

Fall 2020:

Episode 1: Fr. Nickolas Becker, OSB on Voting with you Moral Conscience |  YouTube - Spotify 

Episode 2: Brandyn Woodard of IISS on the intersection of Racial Justice and Faith - Part I  |  YouTube - Spotify 

Episode 3: Brandyn Woodard of IISS on the intersection of Faith and Racial Justice - Part II  |  Youtube - Spotify

Episode 4: The Benedictine Volunteer Corps with Cameron Swanson  |  Youtube - Spotify

Episode 5: Theology and Economics with Dan Finn  |  Youtube - Spotify

Spring 2021:

Episode 6: Eric LeCompte and Jubilee Economics  |  Youtube - Spotify

Episode 7: Derek Larson on the Benedictine Value of Stewardship  |  Youtube - Spotify 

Episode 8: Chris Conway on Interfaith and Comparative Theology  |  Youtube - Spotify 

Episode 9: Kristin Colberg and Shawn Colberg on Vocations  |  Youtube - Spotify 

Check back soon for new episodes or follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @SJUfaith for new releases!

Have a great idea for a topic or conversation partner for our series?  Let us know at [email protected]