480 South Batavia St
Orange, CA 92868-3907
714-997-9587, 714-997-9588 (fax)
office@loyolainstitute.org

Ignatian Spiritual Formation Program
(ISFP 2010–2011)

PROGRAM OVERVIEW:

The Loyola Institute for Spirituality (LIS) recognizes the spiritual hunger of people in search of a deeper and more meaningful faith experience in contemporary times.  This felt need creates a demand for spiritual development, especially for lay leaders within the church and society.  LIS strives to address this challenging reality through a spiritual formation program.  The Ignatian Spiritual Formation Program (ISFP) provides an opportunity to form lay leaders and LIS Associates, who will be lay collaborators working with LIS and/or local faith communities in spiritual ministry.  ISFP is not a training program for certifying spiritual directors.  Rather, it strives to make spiritual experiences and formation opportunities as practical and accessible as possible for people involved in spiritual ministries.

The formation program consists of three phases: 

Phase I: Studies in Ignatian Spirituality provide a basic understanding of Ignatian spirituality through classes.

Phase II:  An experience of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius based on the 19^th Annotation format fosters a transformative personal relationship with Christ and a deep desire to serve others.

Phase III: A Practicum component provides advanced spirituality courses and hands-on experiences with supervision to prepare Associates for spiritual ministry as graduates of LIS.

Phase I of the program (Studies in Ignatian Spirituality) is open to everyone who desires personal spiritual formation and growth for ministry to others.  Interested persons either may apply for Phase I, which includes all the course offerings, or may register for any courses of interest.   After completing Phase I (Studies in Ignatian Spirituality), those who would like to continue with the Formation Program can apply for Phase II (Spiritual Exercises) and Phase III (Practicum).

Studies in Ignatian Spirituality

The Studies in Ignatian Spirituality are offered as evening courses.  These offerings explore the various areas of spirituality within an Ignatian framework.  They emphasize practical knowledge and incorporate the following methods:
1) Input and process following an adult education model;
2) Personal integration through experiential and theological reflection;
3) Case studies and role modeling when appropriate; and
4) Handouts, resources and reading materials as needed.

The sessions and workshops are taught by LIS staff or other qualified instructors.  All offerings will be held at the Loyola Institute for Spirituality.  Note: The list of offerings will be updated each year according to future needs and demands.

Courses and descriptions are listed below.  For more information, please contact Sr. Barbra Ostheimer, S.N.D., at 714-997-9587 or bostheimersnd@loyolainstitute.org.

REGISTRATION FORM (in PDF format)

Courses and Descriptions (2010-2011)

Courses in Phase I are open to everyone.  Registration Deadline is ONE WEEK before the course begins.  ISFP Phase I participants (those who wish to take all five courses), however, need to register only once to attend all the courses.

BIBLICAL FOUNDATION IN SPIRITUALITY

SP-01:  6 weekly evening sessions (15 hrs.)

Dates:  Tuesdays, Sept. 14, 21, 28, Oct. 5, 12, 19, 2010 @ 7:00 – 9:30 p.m.

Instructor: Sr. Barbra Ostheimer, S.N.D.

Cost: $140

This course is an introduction to the Old and New Testament and explores its importance in personal spirituality and growth. The relevance of scripture in Ignatian Spirituality and in prayer and daily Christian living is highlighted. Participants are invited to a prayerful, meditative reading of the scripture.

IGNATIAN PRAYER

SP-02:  6 weekly evening sessions (15 hrs.)

Dates:  Tuesdays, Nov. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, Dec. 7, 2010 @ 7:00 – 9:30 p.m.

Instructor: Br. Charles Jackson, S.J.

Cost: $140

Prayer is essential to deepening one’s personal relationship with God.  This course explores some key elements and concepts in prayer such as desire, grace, imagination, and the affects.  We will also look at obstacles to growth in prayer and the spiritual journey.  Participants will have opportunities to experience different methods of Ignatian prayer, such as the Lectio Divina, Ignatian Meditation and Contemplation, and the Examen.

SPIRITUALITY

SP-03:  6 weekly evening sessions (15 hrs.)

Dates:  Tuesdays, Jan. 4, 11, 18, 25, Feb. 1, 8, 2011 @ 7:00 – 9:30 p.m.

Instructor: Br. Charles Jackson, S.J.

Cost: $140

This introductory course examines the different dimensions of Christian spirituality with an emphasis on Ignatian spirituality.  We will consider different aspects of the spiritual journey, such as recognizing God's invitation, the role of prayer, discernment and our response to discipleship.  Different Christian spiritual traditions with their different ways of responding to the Spirit of God are also explored.

HUMAN DEVELOPMENT & SPIRITUAL MATURING

SP-04:  6 weekly evening sessions (15 hrs.)

Dates: Tuesdays, Feb. 22, March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, 2011 @ 7:00 – 9:30 p.m.

Instructor: Sr. Barbra Ostheimer, S.N.D.

Cost: $140

This course fosters deeper understanding of the impact of human growth and personal development on spiritual maturing.  We will consider how appropriation of our desires, affects and imagination promotes healing, inner freedom and wholeness.  Sessions will include opportunities for integrating the human and the holy through reflective exercises and practical applications.

IGNATIAN DISCERNMENT

SP-05:  6 weekly evening sessions (15 hrs.)

Dates:  Tuesdays, April 12, 19, 26, May 3, 10, 17, 2011 @ 7:00 – 9:30 p.m.

Instructors: Sr. Barbra Ostheimer, S.N.D., and Br. Charles Jackson, S.J.

Prerequisites:  SP-02 & SP-03

Cost: $140

This course explores the subject of discernment and its impacts on the spiritual life and daily living.  The introductory treatment of Ignatian discernment entails examining the concepts of consolation and desolation, spiritual movements and counter-movements, discerning our interior experiences.  The major principles in Ignatian discernment will be explored.

PHASE II

The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius Loyola is offered to Second Year participants pending application and acceptance into Phase II of the Formation Program.  The 9-month Retreat in Everyday Life (19th Annotation) involves intensive prayer and reflection, weekly spiritual direction and six Wednesday evening faith-sharing sessions.  As part of the preparation for the Spiritual Exercises, candidates should be in spiritual direction with one of the available spiritual directors for the Spiritual Exercises.

PHASE III

SPIRITUAL COMPANIONING

SP3-01:  6 weekly evening sessions (15 hrs.)

Dates:  Thursdays, Sept. 16, 23, 30, Oct. 7, 14, 21, 2010 @ 7:00 – 9:30 p.m.

Cost: $140

This third-year course introduces a contemplative, discerning model for spiritual companioning.  It aims to develop the basic necessary skills in spiritual guidance such as empathic listening and evocative responses.  This course involves reading, intensive small group works and spiritual accompaniment, with a focus on evaluating and enhancing the quality of the spiritual guidance process.

DISCERNMENT OF SPIRITS

SP3-02:  6 weekly evening sessions (15 hrs.)

Dates:  Thursdays, Feb. 3, 10, 17, 24, March 3, 10, 2011 @ 7:00 – 9:30 p.m.

Cost: $140

This advanced discernment course explores the theoretical foundation and practical applications of the Rules of Discernment of Spirits.  This course involves a deeper exploration into the experience of consolation and desolation, especially the more subtle spiritual movements using the Second Week Rules.  It includes intensive reading, discussion, case studies and practical application to the spiritual companioning process.

STRUCTURE AND DYNAMICS OF THE SPIRITUAL EXERCISES

SP3-03:  6 weekly evening sessions (15 hrs.)

Dates:  Thursdays, April 7, 14, 21, 28, May 5, 12, 2011 @ 7:00 – 9:30 p.m.

Cost: $140

This advanced session examines the theoretical foundation, structure, and movements of the 4 Weeks of the Spiritual Exercises, including the key meditations and annotations.  This course is essential for facilitators of the Exercises to develop the necessary theoretical understanding to effectively direct others through the Spiritual Exercises with discerning freedom and prudence.  The course involves intensive reading and discussion.

PRACTICUM IN SPIRITUAL MINISTRY

SP3-04:  Throughout the third year

Supervision: Sr. Barbra Ostheimer, S.N.D. & Br. Charlie Jackson, S.J.

Cost: $140

This year-long practicum experience consists of engaging in ministerial opportunities, such as directing retreats, days of prayer, workshops, presentations, spiritual companioning, etc., under the direction and mentoring of the LIS staff.  This ongoing practicum, which constitutes practical application of the third-year experience, helps to deepen the participant’s skills, experience and affirms the call to spiritual ministry.