Directing the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises

A Jesuit Collaborative Initiative of the
Maryland, New York, & New England Provinces

Certificate Program in Directing the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises

This certificate program is geared to those who are:

• considering a call to directing the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises.
• looking to sharpen and hone their skills in the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises.
• seeking a better grasp and understanding of the dynamics of the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises.
• working/collaborating with an Ignatian Spirituality program or church community formation/spirituality program.

Goal of the Certification Program is to...

...form well-prepared directors of the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises in the form of the Retreat in Daily Life (Annotation 19) or the 30-day retreat by:

• providing supervision as an integral part of the training.
• ensuring a prayerful, reflective atmosphere of learning and discerning.
• exploring the theological and scriptural foundations of the Spiritual Exercises.
• providing an in-depth knowledge of the Spiritual Exercises.
• focusing on the dynamic of discernment in the Spiritual Exercises.
• working with a range of Christian prayer modes in the context of Ignatian Spirituality.
• developing empathic listening skills especially for the purpose of directing the Spiritual Exercises.
• fostering a familiarity with Ignatian rules and modes for discernment.

Structure of the Program

The certificate program will consist of three modules:

• four-week summer residency program on theory and practice. $3500*
• eight-month "at home" supervised practicum supported by an online learning component.
• $1,000*
• three-week summer residency program on theory and practice at Fairfield University. $2,500*
• Summer residency programs at Fairfield University include room and board.
• Financial assistance available.

* Prices subject to change.

Criteria

The certificate program is open to those who:

• have completed the 30-day or 19th annotated retreat
• are involved in ongoing spiritual direction.

Training Program in the Exercises starts in July 2008

Core faculty, facilitators, and supervisors:
Ronald A. Mercier, S.J.
Clare Walsh, M.H.S.H.
James M. Bowler, S.J.

Including Fairfield University professors from the Department of Religious Studies, and the Graduate School of Education and Allied Professions

Contact Information
Elizabeth Hastings
Phone: (203) 254-4000, ext. 2688
E-mail: ehastings@mail.fairfield.edu