The Spiritual Exercises in Daily Life

The Spiritual Exercises In Daily Life

The Spiritual Exercises is a process developed by St. Ignatius of Loyola for growing one's relationship with God and connecting faith to daily life. Traditionally practiced as a 30-day retreat, the exercises have been adapted in various ways to more easily integrate with a lay person's schedule.

We offer the Exercises in some different "retreat in daily life" formats, but generally recommend thirty weekly two hour meetings from September through April, so they will roughly align with the Lectionary cycle. Meetings include prayer, presentation, and small and large group discussions. Participants will also meet with a trained spiritual director for an hour each month.

Making the Spiritual Exercises takes a commitment, but it is a rich experience with centuries of proven success. It leads participants through the life of Christ, and our growing relationship with him. It offers practical tools for integrating our faith with our daily lives, such as the Daily Examen and discernment techniques.

Learn more on our Spiritual Exercises page.

Sample Announcement

Are you interested in deepening your prayer life and exploring different ways for connecting with God? If so, the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius might be for you. The program is a 30 week “retreat in daily life” with two hour weekly meetings running from September through April. Individual spiritual direction with trained directors is also offered as part of the experience.

Feedback From Past Participants

I was able to develop a better understanding of Jesus and how he influences my life.

The Exercises were a gift I gave myself. I gained personal insight within as well as in my relationship with Jesus. Experiencing this in community is unforgettable and powerful.

I found it helpful to have the structure of going through a book and the accountability of meeting with a group. I really appreciated the warm and nurturing environment; the encouragement of Ann; and the heartfelt sharing from everyone.

Small and large group sharing, meeting with my spiritual advisor, and journaling were the most helpful parts for me. I would recommend this class to others.

My daily prayer life became more focused and I was able to discern God's call for the direction of my life.

I was able to clearly listen to my soul's desire and not act on the influences outside of me.

I appreciated the people in the group, the music you added, visualization, and getting to know a spiritual director. I am very grateful that this retreat was offered here.

I found working with a Spiritual Director and through the book helpful. I thought (felt) the process from beginning to end carried me deeper and deeper.

Thanks for all the support through the Exercises. It has been an uplifting and growing experience!

About the Facilitator

Ann Naffziger holds a Master of Divinity degree from the Jesuit School of Theology in Berkeley and a Master of Arts in Biblical Languages from the Graduate Theological Union. She has has written articles on spirituality and theology for several national publications and edited several books on the Hebrew Scriptures. She has served parishes as a director of faith formation and as a director of R.C.I.A. She is currently a lecturer at the Jesuit School of Theology in Berkeley, a scripture instructor, a spiritual director, and a regular columnist for BustedHalo.com.