Alumni Blog

Alumni are invited to join us for our  Alumni Day of Prayer led by Dave Anderson, S.J. and Liz Johnson, ‘78.

This year, we will be reflecting on the theme of "walking in a manner worthy of the vocation to which we are called," which was recently shared in Pope Francis’ address to the Jesuits.

According to Fr. Dave, Alumni Day of Prayer will be an opportunity to continue the long tradition of praying in silence and discussing Pope Francis' recent conversation with the Jesuit community, saying, “Questions will focus around what you find consoling, what challenges you and what helps you grow as you read and reflect on his message which is pertinent to everyone. We will conclude with mass and lunch.” Fr. Dave went on to add that, “This is a great opportunity for us to step outside our normal everyday routines to pray together and discuss at a deeper level. We will also come to know through our prayer and discussion how God might be inviting us to grow as an alumni body as well as explore some ways we can serve together.”

This event is open to all alumni and friends who feel called to attend.

More about Our Leaders:

Dave Anderson, S.J.

Fr. Dave is a graduate of Gonzaga and ministers to the Seattle University community as chaplain for alumni, performing baptisms, weddings and funerals, and attending to the sick. He is also chaplain for the men's basketball and soccer teams and enjoys meeting alumni when he travels with the teams.

Liz Johnston, '78

Liz has served on a number of boards, including Holy Family Kirkland, Holy Names Academy and O'Dea High School and is currently a member of the Peronteau Club and Crozier Society. Liz was a member of the American Women's Association of Hong Kong for four years and is a former nurse.

Alumni Day of Prayer Program

8-9 a.m. Breakfast (optional)
9:00 Introduction and program
11:30 a.m. Private mass for retreatants
12 p.m. Lunch

Reserve your spot now.

This year the arrival of Ash Wednesday created confusion because it fell on February 14^th. Of course we had the traditional symbol of ashes on the forehead, signifying the beginning of the Lenten season. “Remember you are dust and to dust you will return,” or “Turn away from sin, and be faithful to the Gospel.” Rather than prayer, fasting, and good deeds, the media messages imaged hearts, flowers, chocolates and Happy Valentine’s Day! One student even asked if “Ash Wednesday” could be moved so as not to interfere with Valentine’s Day.

We can actually see that Jesus is about love. The journey of Lent leads to Holy Week—passion, crucifixion and resurrection. There is no greater love than for one to give one’s life for one’s friend. You are my friends. In his living and his dying, Jesus shows us how to love, in his journeying with us and ultimately to the resurrection.

The Ash Wednesday scripture readings indicate how we are to comport ourselves: “Do not blow the trumpet before you. Take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them; . . . . (But) when you fast, do not look gloomy like those.” Rather, when you pray, we are told, go to that inner room of your heart and deepen your relationship with God. One suggestion on entering that inner room, from St. Ignatius of Loyola who founded the Jesuits, is through daily prayer with the Examen. This invites us to find God in all that we do and in all things. You can learn more about the Examen here and with the Examen Prayer Card

Next, let us move into our imagination and see the possibilities our Lenten journey awakens in us. Each of us is unique, yet created in God’s image. Here is our common entry point. We are created to enter into a loving relationship with our God. The reality of our journey is to look for what resonates in each of us. With this link, you can learn more about prayer and how to discern where God’s call will take you.

Enter into the inner room of your heart—happy Lent.