Skip to main content

Christian Life Community

CLC Mission

The mission of Christian Life Communities at Loyola University Chicago is to enable Loyola students to grow in their relationships with God, their neighbors, and themselves by building Christian community, practicing Ignatian spirituality, and putting love in action.

CLC Vision

Christian Life Communities at Loyola University Chicago are a network of vibrant small faith-sharing groups based around three pillars: spirituality, community, and mission. CLC participants desire “to follow Jesus Christ more closely and work with Him” to build God’s reign at Loyola and beyond (“General Principles,” §4). They do this by meeting weekly or bi-weekly in small groups (6-10 people) for prayer, faith-sharing, community-building, and service. CLC at Loyola University Chicago is part of the global Christian Life Community, comprised of Ignatian lay people around the world who are dedicated to seeking deeper relationships with God and others through prayer, service, and reflection.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is faith sharing? Is it a Bible study?

While we often use scripture in CLC, it is not a traditional Bible Study. Faith Sharing, as the name indicates, is more about sharing different parts of our life and our relationship with God with each other and less about a scholarly reading of the Bible. Sometimes we use Scripture but often we use other kinds of prayers, art, meditation, and other acitivities. If you are interested in Bible study we would recommend being in touch with our friends from Agape/Ecclesia - you can contact our friend Alex Schorr at aschorr@luc.edu

Will CLC meet in person or virtually?

All CLCs meet in person! However, there are occasional exceptions due to leader availability. 

When and how often does CLC meet?

CLC small groups meet every week that classes are in session September-May and most last about 60-90 minutes. Days and times vary and most students are able to find a group meeting that fits their schedule. There are a number of large group gatherings sprinkled in throughout the year that are optional for all CLC members. Many CLC small groups continue from year to year-some end up being together all four years they are at Loyola!

When and how do I join CLC?

Students can join at any point of the semester! Please find CLC on LUCommunity for specifics on how to sign up and when! Interested students will be able to rank which CLC they want to join (often based on interest in the theme AND if they are available when it meets) and will be notified of placement after everyone has been matched with a group.

What are the different kinds of CLC small groups?

Some of our affinity CLC small groups include Spanglish, LGBTQ+, Green/Environmental, Catholic, Men's, Women's and more, so it really depends on the interests of the student leaders and the needs of the students! Some (but not all) CLC small groups are themed-many are general and open to anyone who is interested.

How many students are involved in CLC?

Each year about 300-350 students participate in CLC-that includes the small group leaders, Jesuit Scholastics and staff leaders.

Will I get to know other people besides the ones in my small group?

Yes! We are Christian Life Community NOT Christian Life Communities. While much of what we do is in a small group setting, we also have large group gatherings, Game Nights, monthly Sunrise Prayer, service projects, retreats and more! Rest assured, there is plenty to do and you will have the opportunity to get to know people in and outside of your small group.

Do I have to be Christian? What if I’m not sure what I believe?

No, you don’t have to identify as Christian, but students should be open to exploring faith from a Christian perspective with an Ignatian lens. College is a great opportunity to explore your faith, values and what you believe and we are excited and honored to walk that journey with you.

What is the commitment like? What if I try it and don’t like it?

We ask that you make your CLC small group a commitment each week-showing up each week is essential to building trust and community in your group! We also understand that “life happens” and are understanding if you have to miss a meeting once or twice during the semester. If you foresee more than 2 or 3 absences, it is probably best to have a conversation with us about if this is the best time to join. Similarly, if you try it and don’t like it, we want to have a conversation with you about what didn’t work.

Who do I contact for more information?

Please email clc@luc.edu or contact Aleja Sastoque Luna, Faith Formation Campus Minister, at vsastoqueluna@luc.edu. The best way to stay up to date on deadlines and events is to follow us on Instagram @lucministry

Pillars

Two hands surrounding a heart

Connection

CLC builds community through weekly faith sharing groups, large group gatherings and an invitation to all members to engage in authentic, supportive and loving relationships with each other.

Two hands pressed together under a heart

Reflection

Reflection, faith and spirituality are at the heart of the Ignatian way of life and CLC's spirituality pillar is an invitation to grow. CLC members can expect invitation and challenge from weekly faith sharing groups, retreat opportunities, prayer services and more.

Two hands holding a heart

Love in Action

CLC invites members to respond to God's loving initiative by putting love into action, becoming more generous and working for justice. Simply put, mission is love in action. Whether as individuals or as a small group, CLC members participate in a variety of service, justice and advocacy issues throughout the year.

Our Spring 2026 CLC Schedule.

 

Day of the Week Name of CLC Time
Sunday

Taizé CLC

Men's CLC

4:30-6:00 PM

5:00-6:30 PM

Monday

Valor CLC

Small But Mighty CLC

4:30-6:00 PM

6:00-7:30 PM

Tuesday

Catholic CLC

Spanglish CLC

Green CLC

2:30-3:30PM

5:30-7:00 PM

7:00-8:00 PM

Wednesday

Cookie CLC

Journaling CLC

Catholic CLC

7:00-8:00 PM

8:00-9:30 PM

8:00-9:30 PM

Thursday

Journey CLC

Women's CLC

6:45-8:00 PM 

6:30-8:00 PM

Friday LGBTQ+ CLC 4:00-5:30 PM

If you have any questions about CLC, please contact Aleja Sastoque Luna, vsastoqueluna@luc.edu or clc@luc.edu and make sure to follow us on Instagram @lucministry!

Pillars

Our Spring 2026 CLC Schedule.

 

Day of the Week Name of CLC Time
Sunday

Taizé CLC

Men's CLC

4:30-6:00 PM

5:00-6:30 PM

Monday

Valor CLC

Small But Mighty CLC

4:30-6:00 PM

6:00-7:30 PM

Tuesday

Catholic CLC

Spanglish CLC

Green CLC

2:30-3:30PM

5:30-7:00 PM

7:00-8:00 PM

Wednesday

Cookie CLC

Journaling CLC

Catholic CLC

7:00-8:00 PM

8:00-9:30 PM

8:00-9:30 PM

Thursday

Journey CLC

Women's CLC

6:45-8:00 PM 

6:30-8:00 PM

Friday LGBTQ+ CLC 4:00-5:30 PM

If you have any questions about CLC, please contact Aleja Sastoque Luna, vsastoqueluna@luc.edu or clc@luc.edu and make sure to follow us on Instagram @lucministry!