Retreats and Opportunities
Spiritual exercises are:
As a Basque nobleman and courtier, Ignatius of Loyola experienced a conversion of heart that bound him firmly to Jesus Christ in love and moved him to live his life for God’s greater glory. As he deepened his spiritual experience and grew in God’s grace, Ignatius kept notes that he developed to help others, first to develop interior freedom, and then to find their call through intensive prayer. These notes became the Spiritual Exercises. The Exercises are not a book one reads to integrate them into one’s life. Rather, in them Ignatius directs one who has already made the Exercises to in turn give the Exercises to another. Ignatius’ Spiritual Exercises, therefore, are a gift that is passed on from one Christian to another, the fruits of which are always by God’s grace. They are fully approved by the Church as trustworthy for helping people live the Christian faith dynamically.
For centuries, the Exercises were most commonly given over thirty days in seclusion and silence, away from home, work and family. Ignatius recognized, however, that there were people whom the Exercises would benefit greatly, but who, because of business and family obligations, could not leave home and work to make a thirty-day retreat. For these people, Ignatius adapted the full Spiritual Exercises into what we call the Spiritual Exercises in Everyday Life (SEEL). Each year, we offer the SEEL to individuals.
In addition to the SEEL, all events and opportunities we offer are grounded in the original Spiritual Exercises. Though we don't offer the full Exercises at all of our events, we do invite participants to complete exercises from St. Ignatius. Indeed, Ignatius himself sometimes gave abbreviated Exercises to those for whom it was helpful.
Need to make a payment?
We request a suggested contribution from those who embark on spiritual direction, SEEL, formation classes and other ISP programming. Scholarships are available to those who cannot make the suggested contribution. Email us at isp@regis.edu to request a scholarship.
Ongoing Opportunities
Ignatian Learning Communities take place in the Fall and the Spring Semesters.
As part of the ongoing learning communities for faculty and staff at Regis University, the Ignatian Spirituality Program at Regis and the Mission Office offers this learning opportunity, which is also open to members of the Regis worshipping community. The Ignatian Learning Community will explore the fundamental insights and practices of Ignatian (Jesuit) Spirituality by taking a basic look at the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius. We will learn about Ignatian forms of prayer and also put them into practice in our daily lives.
Details:
Tuesdays, 4-5:15 p.m.
Feb. 27
March 12
March 19
March 26
April 2
Registration:
Email us at isp@regis.edu
The Spiritual Exercises in Everyday Life (SEEL) begin in September and run through May. Typically, individuals are in regular monthly spiritual direction before applying to make the SEEL
Formation program for spiritual directors (Open to those who have made the Spiritual Exercises and applied to the formation program.)
The Spiritual Exercises in Everyday Life (SEEL) are given to persons in the ongoing course of life. Making the full SEEL is an intensive experience. Participants commit to one hour of daily prayer, daily periods of reflection on their prayer, some journaling and weekly meetings with a spiritual director. Participants must be willing and able to share their experience openly with their director and to receive guidance. The SEEL takes place over a seven- to nine-month period beginning in September. Though most retreat meetings are only between the individual participants and their spiritual director, all directors and participants meet together at the beginning and again at the end of the experience.
Because of the intensity of the SEEL, individuals who would like to embark on the experience must:
- Have some prior experience in spiritual direction, and
- Complete an application.
If you are interested in the SEEL but don't have prior experience with spiritual direction, that's okay! We will ask you to enter into an extended period of spiritual direction, with the possibility that you might begin the SEEL later. Applying does not guarantee that we will accept you into the SEEL. Acceptance depends upon your readiness and the availability of directors. Application forms are available beginning in January and are due by April 25. For more information and to request an application, please contact us at isp@regis.edu.