course catalog
Please note that online classes meet via Zoom and we use Google Classroom to share materials, submit assignments, and communicate with instructors. In order to access this information you will need to have a google email address (name@gmail.com). If you don't already have a gmail address we encourage you to create one prior to the start of class. It is free and easy to do by visiting accounts.google.com.
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Structure and Dynamics of the Spiritual Exercises: Fostering a Deeper Experience of the Spiritual Riches of the Exercises of Ignatius
Instructor: Dr. Jeffrey Thompson, Ph.D.
Tuesdays, March 1 to April 5, 2022 - 7:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. PST
Cost: $180
Ignatius gifted the world with a marvelous retreat process for the deepening of spiritual growth—the Spiritual Exercises. Divided into 4 parts, or ‘weeks,’ the Exercises offer retreatants an opportunity for a fuller, contemplative awareness of God (especially through the Scriptures). This course unpacks the dynamics of the retreat as they unfold in the experience of retreatants growing in freedom and prudence.
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Required text: The Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius Loyola: With Commentary (New York: Crossroad, 1992, 2009) by Joseph A. Tetlow.
Phase 1: Ignatian Spiritual Formation
personal autobiography
Thursdays, September 2 to 9, 2021 - 7:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Cost: $60
The starting point for the ISFP considers the life path that the participant has taken to date. Attention is given to personal background and roots, experience and milestones, and turning points and transitions that have been significant. Introduction to journaling is included.
Christian Prayer: Following a Journey of Heart and Imagination
Thursdays, September 16 to October 21, 2021 - 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Cost: $180
Prayer is essential to deepening a personal relationship with God. It helps to build a sense of intimacy, of awareness that God is living and present in every aspect of life. This course explores some key elements of prayer: desire, grace, imagination, and the affections, and also obstacles to growth in a life of prayer.
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This course will be taught by Anne Hansen, Executive Director of Ignatians West. She has an extensive background writing and teaching on matters concerning family life and ministry and holds master's degrees in psychology and pastoral theology.
Biblical Foundations of Christian Spirituality: Embracing Scripture as a Gift for Spiritual Growth
Thursdays, November 4 to December 16, 2021 (no class held on 11/25)
7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Cost: $180
The Scriptures are a basic and powerful resource for exploring life and values. Both the Old and New Testaments offer wisdom to guide us on our spiritual journey. This course encourages a prayerful reading of Scripture, as we explore how it helps to enrich prayer and Christian living.
History of christian spirituality
Thursdays, January 6 to February 10, 2022 - 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Cost: $180
This course explores the nature, origin, and historical development of Christian spirituality, while examining in greater depth some of the most significant Christian spiritualities. Participants will have the opportunity to gain greater understanding of the past, present, and future development of their own spiritualities.
Human Development and Spiritual Maturing: Exploring a Holistic Path to Mature Faith
Thursdays, February 24 to March 31, 2022 - 7:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Cost: $180
Spiritual life does not exist in a vacuum, separate from our growth as individual persons. A healthy life involves the integration of our desires, affections and imagination into an inner awareness of freedom and wholeness. This course explores our process of integration through reflective exercises and other practices.
Ignatian Discernment: Learning to Nurture our Spiritual Gifts for Making Life Choices
Thursdays, April 21 to May 26, 2022 - 7:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Cost: $180
From an early age, we are asked to build a process for decision-making, often focused on personal benefits or life circumstances. This course introduces a deeper, spiritually grounded approach to discernment. Participants will explore a variety of interior ‘movements,’ following the full range of emotions, imagination, desires, reason, etc., in order to align one's choices more completely to God's invitations.
Spiritual Autobiography
Tuesdays, May 17 to 24, 2022 - 7:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Cost: $60
There is a sacred story in each of us that reads as a spiritual biography and reflects God’s engagement in our lives. This story begins with an inner awareness of God’s abundant love for each of us. Participants will be invited to explore and identify God’s presence throughout their lives by creating a personal timeline. This course complements "Personal Autobiography" that was offered last fall but it is not required to register for this one.
Phase 2: Ignatian ministry training
Spiritual Companioning: Enriching our Gifts for Accompanying Others in their Spiritual Walk
Tuesdays, September 14 to October 19, 2021 - 7:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Cost: $180
Embracing a deeper spiritual walk is not something that can be realized in isolation. A spiritual companion is an invaluable gift in learning to recognize the unique ways God helps us to find our truest path in life. This course provides a model for spiritual guidance, based in empathic listening and evocative responses. It includes reflective reading, small group work, and spiritual accompaniment, to hone the sensitivities necessary to assist others in hearing God’s voice in their daily experiences.
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This course will be taught by Matt O'Connor. Matt made the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius in 2007. He graduated from the formation program at LIS in 2016, and from the Claremont School of Theology, Bloy House Seminary in 2017.
Discernment of Spirits: Learning to Recognize the Interior Movements of Spirit in our Lives
Tuesdays, November 2 to December 14, 2021 (no class held on 11/23)
7:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Cost: $180
St. Ignatius provided a detailed process for learning to understand our inner spiritual movements--the ‘spirits’ which impact our thoughts, emotions, and decisions. Exploring the experiences of spiritual consolation and desolation, we learn to guide others into a deeper awareness of their own inner spiritual journey. This course includes case studies and practical application of companioning skills.
Ignatian Leadership: Developing the Inner Wisdom to Guide Others in Ministry and Service
Tuesdays, January 11 to February 15, 2022 - 7:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. PST
Cost: $180
In contemporary Western culture, we regularly confront discussion of leaders and ‘leadership styles.’ Often these are little more than management strategies—of personnel, resources, and corporate benefits. Ignatian leadership focuses instead on knowledge of self, creative flexibility in a world of change, heroic aspirations, and serving others with love—all aimed at furthering God’s richest intentions for all people. This course will explore the emergence of these leadership values over time, and how they can be applied in everyday life.
Structure and Dynamics of the Spiritual Exercises: Fostering a Deeper Experience of the Spiritual Riches of the Exercises of Ignatius
Instructor: Dr. Jeffrey Thompson, Ph.D.
Tuesdays, March 1 to April 5, 2022 - 7:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. PST
Cost: $180
Ignatius gifted the world with a marvelous retreat process for the deepening of spiritual growth—the Spiritual Exercises. Divided into 4 parts, or ‘weeks,’ the Exercises offer retreatants an opportunity for a fuller, contemplative awareness of God (especially through the Scriptures). This course unpacks the dynamics of the retreat as they unfold in the experience of retreatants growing in freedom and prudence.
​
Required text: The Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius Loyola: With Commentary (New York: Crossroad, 1992, 2009) by Joseph A. Tetlow.
Practicum in spiritual ministry
Meets Monthly: October 6, November 3, December 1, 2021, February 2, March 9, April 6, 2022
7:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Cost: $180
The Practicum is a process of exploring ministerial opportunities—directing retreats, days of prayer, workshops, presentations, companioning, etc., under the mentoring of experienced teachers and practitioners. This course helps to deepen the skills and insights of those who hope to companion spiritual seekers in their ministry. The Practicum is ongoing throughout the year of Phase 2.