We are excited to announce the launch of a unique collaborative venture between The Loyola School, Cristo Rey Jesuit High School and St. Ignatius Loyola Academy. Mark Dushel, a leader in Ignatian Ministry, has been appointed to the role of Director of Ignatian Mission & Formation. He will be a senior staff member in Campus Ministry for all three schools.
“This is a new role developed for these three institutions as a joint venture by the Jesuit Community of Baltimore,” explains Rev. Gregory Chisolm, Superior of the local Jesuit Community; adding, “We believe this initiative will strengthen and deepen the shared Ignatian identity of our schools in Baltimore.”
Mark is a graduate of Providence College (B.A. Philosophy, 2014) and the Boston College School of Theology & Ministry (M.A. Theology & Ministry, 2017).
He shared, “I’m thrilled to join the teams at these three Jesuit schools in Baltimore. When I began working in Jesuit schools, I had no idea the spiritual and personal impact that it would have on my life.”
Following graduate school, Mark served in Campus Ministry at St. Joseph’s Preparatory School in Philadelphia, where he directed the retreat program, oversaw liturgy, coached Track and Field, and guided the Ignatian Service Program. Mark notes, “It was when I was given the opportunity to serve alongside other Ignatian Educators as a colleague that the Jesuit charism took root in my life.”
Cristo Rey Jesuit’s President, Walt Reap, Sr. points out, “In this new role, Mark will collaborate with school leadership, campus ministry teams, and faculty and staff across all three schools to foster the spiritual, religious, and Ignatian formation of our communities.” Prior to this position, the Federal Hill resident had served as Assistant Director for Faith Formation at Loyola University Maryland.
“We are excited to welcome Mark to our schools,” said Alex Zequeira, President of St. Ignatius Loyola Academy. He adds, “I look forward to introducing him to our students, families, faculty, and staff in the weeks ahead.”
President James Fiore of The Loyola School points out, “Our young students (from two to nine years old) are looking forward to meeting our new head of ministry and formation and we’ll be offering him our prayers and support as he begins this important mission.”
As he steps into this new role, Mark shares a personal perspective, “I’m inspired by our schools’ mission and the opportunity to deepen our Ignatian identity in the city of Baltimore, the place where I am from and call home, is an honor.”