The Ignatian Solidarity Network has gathered for the Ignatian Family Teach-In for Justice to learn, reflect, pray, network and advocate for social justice for the past 23 years. This experience connects students and faculty to our mission that seeks to develop students with a strong moral compass who can overcome personal prejudices and connect to the broader world.

The Teach-In has a rich history rooted in honoring the six Jesuits and their companions, martyred in El Salvador on November 15, 1989, who were dedicated to working for justice. Speakers, small group breakout sessions and powerful liturgies seek to inspire, challenge and empower the community to link faith and justice together and move people to action.

 

Since 2006, Regis Jesuit High School has participated in the Teach-In by sending delegations of students and staff, initially to Ft. Benning Georgia, and now, for the past 10 years, to Washington D.C. for a weekend conference and advocacy day. This year, due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Teach-In was held virtually. More than 6000 people tuned in from across the world to be part of this year’s event. Normally Regis Jesuit can send a group of 20 to this faith formation experience, but this year we were able to include more students and staff for a group of 30 people who met on campus and livestreamed the event.

 

The Teach-In is offered as a faith formation experience with the hope that students and adults will encounter themselves, others and God more deeply. The combination of listening to speakers, sharing in small groups, and coming together in prayer helps students and staff to develop their empathetic imagination and inspire them to not only think about justice, but act with justice and mercy. Pope Francis, in his most recent encyclical Fratelli at Tutti, promotes a fraternal love that demands we encounter each other with mercy.

The Teach-In opens the door to learn about the experiences of people from all parts of the world and in a variety of contexts. These encounters plant seeds that can move us to action. This year's delegation is excited to continue meeting throughout the year and discover ways to share their encounters with the larger Regis Jesuit community. The month of March has been designated as an Advocacy Month and the Ignatian Solidarity Network will be offering a variety of ways to get involved.

 

In addition to the weekend Teach-In, the Ignatian Solidarity Network expanded its powerful student-focused program into a larger professional development opportunity as well. Educators and students were invited to discussions of diversity, equity and inclusion through the lens of Ignatian spirituality and the mission of Jesuit schools for the week leading up to the Teach-In.

Two RJ community members were presenters at this year's Teach-In. Christina Vela, Director of Equity & Inclusion, presented during the faculty professional development portion, sharing with other schools the work that Regis Jesuit is doing to support all students. Ashlan Christensen ‘13, an alum and an English teacher at RJ, presented to faculty members bringing her involvement with the Teach-In full circle as she attended when she was an RJ student.  She shared this reflection on her journey with the Teach-In:

 

 

The Ignatian Family Teach-In continues to inspire students and staff at Regis Jesuit to live their faith and build a community where mercy is at the heart of our actions.