GRADUATE & LAW STUDENT PROGRAMS
Law and Grad Students Coming Events
The University of San Diego is committed to supporting and enhancing the spiritual life of graduate students. University Ministry offers many programs and opportunities for graduate students to deepen their understanding of faith in relation to their education and career, to serve the university and local communities in a variety of ways, and to develop lifelong friendships with fellow graduate students here on campus.
Scripture Study
Each week we gather to reflect on a reading from Scripture or another spiritual text. Students are invited to share their understanding of the text and to reflect on how they are challenged by its message.
Theology on Tap
Theology on Tap is a fun, informal way for graduate students to take a break from studying, gather together in community, and reflect on a variety of theological themes over a beer or glass of wine. During each session, a guest speaker introduces a theological topic and facilitates a wide-ranging discussion. Theology on Tap is a wonderful opportunity for graduate students to interact with their peers and share their faith exploration in a relaxed setting.
Twilight Retreat
This popular program allows students to have a retreat experience in a condensed time frame and is offered at times convenient for graduate students with busy schedules. The Twilight Retreat is designed to help participants find balance, develop a stronger prayer life, and grow their relationship with God. These unique evening experiences are offered once a semester.
Pastoral Counseling
Individual pastoral counseling is available for students who seek spiritual guidance and/or a conversation partner. A regular meeting time, such as once each month, can be arranged as a way of reflecting on and talking about where God is moving in our lives. One time sessions, to help manage a particularly stressful week or to process the intensity of graduate school in general, are also available. These sessions can be scheduled at times convenient for graduate students.
St. Thomas More Society
The St. Thomas More Society meets on a regular basis to explore the connection between the study and practice of Law and spirituality. The members gather for Mass, social events, service projects, reflections, and meditations. The USD chapter is connected to the St. Thomas More Society of San Diego, often coming together for dinners, functions, and other networking opportunities. The St. Thomas More Society plays a particular role in Law School liturgies throughout the year including the Red Mass and the Law Baccalaureate Mass.
Service Opportunities
University Ministry offers graduate students a variety of service opportunities. Graduate students are active volunteers with the St. Vincent de Paul Soup Kitchen, Special Delivery of San Diego, and the Interfaith Shelter Network, a local rotational shelter program. In Tijuana, physical labor projects as well as visiting orphanages and other non-governmental organizations provide USD students with the opportunity to develop relationships with the people of Mexico while learning about their reality first-hand. In addition to these already established service programs, University Ministry will consider service projects that graduate students propose, including those that directly relate to academic coursework.
For more information on the above programs, contact:
Maria Torretto, Associate University Minister
Law and Grad Ministry, 109E Warren Hall
(619) 260-7407
mariat@sandiego.edu
