Mission Officers

Registration and Breakfast

Introduction and Prayer

Integration Amidst Diversity: Mission and Identity as the Foundational Framework

Hispanic/Latinx Catholics already constitute more than half of all Catholics under 25 in the United States. How are Catholic colleges and universities responding to this demographic reality? Dr. Ospino shares challenges and possibilities that Hispanics bring to Catholic institutions of higher education while offering advice that leads to practices of integration through the lens of mission and identity.

Hosffman Ospino, Associate Professor, Hispanic Ministry and Religious Education, Boston College

10:30 – 11:00  a.m.

Break

Discerning What We Need to Learn About Ourselves: Mission Integration & Innovation through Critical Institutional History

The values of our respective charisms and the motivations for our work in Catholic higher education are highlighted in the stories we tell about our institutions. However, these stories sometimes downplay the shadow side of our histories. We gain the integrity required to turn challenges into opportunities for growth and innovation when we face the issues of our past. Dr. O’Connell will explore the ways in which mission leaders and offices are particularly well-equipped for truth-telling and creating emotionally honest spaces that incarnate authentic encounters with difference. She will highlight examples of Catholic communities engaging in “critical family histories” and share insights and practices she has learned through this kind of truth-telling in her own family’s Catholic story. 

Maureen O’Connell, Associate Professor and Chair, Religion and Theology Department, LaSalle University

Lunch

Chart Your Course:  LCHE Overview

Kyle Ryan, Media Specialist, ACCU

Innovation: Exploring Next Steps 

Facilitated discussion on content from the morning sessions

1:50 – 2:50 p.m.

The Way Forward Is Together: Addressing the Sexual Abuse Crisis

This session will offer the opportunity to reflect on the role of the mission officer in responding to the sexual abuse crisis. Focus areas include partnering with church officials and laity, facilitating healing, and cultivating better models of leadership.

Francesco Cesareo, President, Assumption College