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Facilitated by Jan Evans, Joseph Wong, Cynthia Crysdale, and Greg Kennedy

For active Spiritual Directors only

The art and practice of spiritual direction requires just that: art and practice. Busy with their ministry and lives, spiritual directors can easily overlook their own need for rest and renewal, both personal and professional. This short retreat provides the space, silence and community for active spiritual directors to gather, reflect, share and learn together in a contemplative and communal setting.

A three-fold progression will inform the three-day retreat. The first day will be given to quiet reflection, prayer, rest and interiority. Through art-based activities and focused conversation, the second day will allow directors to share the griefs, challenges, joys and questions that surround their practice. The container thus formed and emptied, day-three will fill it with creative formation for the art of direction. Specifically, participants will explore the theory, power and fun of theatre improv as a means to deepening their capacity to listen and respond freely to their directees.

Equally important as the program is the opportunity for spiritual directors to pray and grow in community. This retreat is open to all persons, regardless of background, currently offering spiritual direction. Shared wisdom and experience will allow participants to look meaningfully into the evolving realities of spiritual direction in our times.

• Not a silent retreat
• Group activities
• Open only to active Spiritual Directors

Facilitators:

Jan Evans – For the last 12 years Jan has been a program leader facilitating spiritual formation and the art of spiritual direction with the Ontario Jubilee Program. She is committed to a Contemplative Christian Wisdom Path through partnership with SoulStream, co-teaching with Dr David G Benner through Cascadia Living Wisdom and attending Cynthia Bourgeault’s Wisdom School. You will often find Jan outdoors, swimming and paddling on rivers and lakes, hiking and skiing through forested trails.

Joseph Wong is the Director of the Tyndale Spiritual Formation Centre. He is also the Executive Director of Cascadia Living Wisdom, partnering with Dr. David G. Benner to facilitate awakening and learning from the Christian wisdom traditions. Joseph is a Spiritual Director and serves as a Pastor at Mosaic Baptist Church in Markham. He is passionate in bringing together theology and social justice, spirituality with culture and arts, and walking with fellow Christians to rediscover God’s presence and calling in their lives.

Dr. Cynthia S. W. Crysdale is Professor Emerita of Christian Ethics and Theology at the School of Theology of the South, Sewanee, Tennessee. She has authored Embracing Travail: Retrieving the Cross Today (Continuum, 1999), Transformed Lives: Making Sense of Atonement Today (Church Publishing, 2016) and co-authored Creator God Evolving World (Fortress, 2013) with Neil Ormerod. Her most recent work involves training in Ignatian spirituality and serving as a Spiritual Director.

Greg Kennedy is the Executive Director of Ignatius Jesuit Centre and helps run Loyola House’s training programs in spiritual direction. His doctorate in philosophy has sharpened his capacity to ask questions both big and small.

Prices:

• $475 – Ensuite Room  – private single bedroom with 3-piece washroom, desk and chair
• $425 – Standard Room – private single bedroom with sink, desk and chair
• $300 – Commuter – a private room is not included with these fees

Room availability will show in the form’s options below. If all room options are at capacity (FULL), then a Waiting List option will show…please do fill out the application form to get on the Waiting List! Any questions, contact the Registrar’s office at 519-824-1250 ext. 266 or email registration@ignatiusguelph.ca.