The Newman Idea

Ignite your Faith (with Wisdom) - Find your Mission The Newman Idea is a ministry inspired by St. John Henry Newman.  Through our innovative IKON seminars and mentoring, we believe that Faith sets ablaze and integrates every aspect of our lives, inspiring us to do the work which God has committed to us. 

"God knows me and calls me by my name...I have my mission-I never may know it in this life, but I shall be told it in the next.  Somehow I am necessary for His purposes… I have a part in this great work; I am a link in a chain, a bond of connection between persons.  He has not created me for naught. I shall do good, I shall do His work..."
- St. John Henry Newman

The Newman Idea has developed an innovative, exclusive way of teaching and mentoring that features:
Integrity, Knowledge, Openness, Newman's Influence (IKON).
With IKON, enhance your ability to communicate, gain new perspectives, and cultivate a resilient character.

The Essence of IKON:
IKON is about connecting. 
We bring people together through our seminars that feature our unique curriculum and extraordinary films.   
We help people find their mission through mentorship: to be heard, to discern together, and to be guided.

IKON Seminars:
Qualified, passionate seminar leaders form a community of learners with whom you share a desire to grow in wisdom. You will read from classic texts, engage in real debates, explore film, and apply new insights to your aspirations and vocation.

IKON Mentoring:
Mentoring for mission: Helping advance your spiritual life:
Discover your Temperament
Develop your Character
Grow in Holiness

The Newman Idea has continue and grown our partnership with Jesuit High School to offer IKON @ Jesuit, a first of its kind program for high school students! We have had 3 semester seminars and a summer seminar with the students to help prepare them for the next step in college with wisdom, character, and integrity. It has been an amazing experience, and we look forward to growing the program next year to reach more students.

We continue to have success teaching our courses for students at the University of Houston! We have also hosted a young professionals IKON Seminar at Saint Catherine of Siena Parish. We also have met members' desires for one on one, spiritual mentoring. Our Cor ad Cor Mentoring program focuses on how to develop one's Character in Virtue, to understand one's Temperament, and grow in Wisdom.

*IKON is registered with the US Patents and Trademark Office to protect its innovative and unique educational method.

Testimonials

The best part of IKON for me is that I can discuss with people whom I had not idea were so intelligent! - Jack Seidell, IKON @ Jesuit student

"IKON is one of the highlights of my week. It allows me to dive deeper into my faith and helps me to connect what we learn in class to my everyday life on campus. Without it, I would simply be taking advantage of the information taught in my classes rather than allowing my mind to wonder and make connections between my education and faith. It has been a grounding experience to be able to discus life, knowledge, and faith with a group of fellow Catholics on my campus and I would love to continue strengthening and growing the IKON community." - Brooke Santagato, IKON-Tulane student

"I did not plan for my senior year to end this abruptly (because of COVID-19) and did not expect to say my goodbyes so suddenly; however, IKON going virtual gives me peace during this time as I know that my intellectual life does not have to take a pause. I can stay connected and deepen my faith with classmates and professors despite the circumstances." - Chesna Climaco, IKON-Tulane student

"IKON is helping us and I'm excited to see how that will be achieved, especially during these challenging times." - Neil Blanchard, FOCUS Missionary

"The Newman Idea provided an all too rare but much-needed space to be in thoughtful discussion with academics and practitioners from across the country who care deeply about educating in ways that form the spirit as well as engage the mind. The gathering left me inspired and challenged to do more in my teaching and writing to live out the insights that emerged from our readings and conversations. "

Angel Adams Parham, Ph.D.
Reverend Joseph H. Fichter Distinguished Professor of Social Sciences and
Associate Professor of Sociology
Loyola University-New Orleans