Strategic Plan - Pillar I

Enhancing Our Catholic-Jesuit Ethos

Belen Jesuit is first and foremost a Catholic school founded in Cuba in 1854 and operated continuously by the Society of Jesus. From the very beginning, and especially since reopening its doors in Miami, Florida 60 years ago, Belen Jesuit provides the local community an option for academic excellence seeped in the rich traditions of the Catholic Church, the educational practices of the Society of Jesus, and the spirituality of St. Ignatius of Loyola. For this reason, Belen Jesuit is committed to enhancing its Catholic-Jesuit ethos in order to continue providing for its students, their families, the faculty, staff, and alumni an opportunity to encounter the person of Jesus Christ and to strengthen their relationship with him within the context of the Catholic faith.

IN ORDER TO ENHANCE ITS CATHOLIC- JESUIT ETHOS, BELEN JESUIT MUST FOCUS ITS EFFORTS IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS:

Catholic formation and Ignatian spiritualityStudent, faculty, and staff faith formation and developmentMission-oriented personnelPrograms that promote family and alumni formation

Our relationship with the Archdiocese of Miami in order to further guide our community through its sacramental journey

Our relationship with the Society of Jesus

IN ORDER TO ACHIEVE THESE OBJECTIVES, BELEN JESUIT WILL NEED TO TAKE THE FOLLOWING ACTIONS:

Actively recruit faculty and staff consistent with the mission

Engage in comprehensive formation programs for faculty, staff, students, and community members

Integrate service activities into grade-level events, athletic programs, and clubs

Fully integrate the Our Lady of Belen Chapel into the life of our schoolRecruit high-energy scholastics that engage with our students

Reevaluate our school curriculum from the perspective of our Catholic identity

Reinvigorate the Campus Ministry program from middle school through high school

Identify a dedicated retreat space