The Spiritual Exercises in Everyday Life | SIF-SEEL
Project Description
In commemoration of the Ignatian Year and the Universal Apostolic Preferences, the Midwest Province and Seminars in Ignatian Formation (SIF) is embarking on a shared experience of the Spiritual Exercises. In his wisdom, St. Ignatius’ offers us the chance to make the full Spiritual Exercises retreat over nine months. From the comfort (and sometimes messiness!) of our everyday life, participants engage in the full retreat as Ignatius hoped. Participants will commit to pray for an hour a day and will be companioned by a supervised director through (bi)weekly sessions to help guide their retreat. Virtual gatherings with other participants and directors to help enhance the retreat experience will be available. The retreat will begin in September, 2021 and conclude in May, 2022.
Contemporary authors have also described the retreat as “getting free to love.” By contemplating our own lives through a series of guided scriptural reflections, participants dive deep into greater love and service with God. You can read more HERE.
How Do I Apply?
Interested participants may submit a secure, online application via THIS WEB FORM. Applications are used to help determine the retreat experience.
Cost
In commemoration of the Ignatian Year, the Midwest Province is offering significant sponsorship of this experience. Participants are asked for a nominal fee of only $50.00, plus retreat materials. As always, cost need not inhibit someone from participating.
Upon acceptance, you may remit payment HERE. The suggested fee of $50.00 is due, in its entirety, by the beginning of the retreat.
For More Information
You may reference frequently asked questions below.
You may also contact SIF Program Directors
Dr. Rita Dollard-O’Malley, D. Min, SIF Co-Director
umiignatianspirituality@jesuits.org
Rev. Steve Krupa, S.J., Ph.D., SIF Co-Director
umiseminars@jesuits.org
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Spiritual Exercises?
St. Ignatius, the founder of the Jesuits, describes the Spiritual Exercises this way at the beginning of the retreat:
By the term “Spiritual Exercises” is meant every method of examination of conscience, of meditation, of contemplation, of vocal and mental prayer, and of other spiritual activities that will be mentioned later. For just as taking a walk, journeying on foot, and running are bodily exercises, so we call Spiritual Exercises every way of preparing and disposing the soul to rid itself of all inordinate attachments, and, after their removal, of seeking and finding the will of God in the disposition of our life for the salvation of our soul.
Contemporary authors have also described the retreat as “getting free to love.” By contemplating our own lives through a series of guided scriptural reflections, participants dive deep into greater love and service with God. You can read more HERE.
What are the Spiritual Exercises in Everyday Life (SEEL)?
There are two common ways of making the full Spiritual Exercises: either over a 30-Day experience, usually at a retreat center, or over nine months (30-36 weeks), usually done at home. The SEEL retreat has a long history with many vibrant groups across the globe.
What is expected of a participant?
Participants must be ready to commit to the experience. Like many things, the retreat is best suited for those who want to make it; the more you give, the more that will be given. Participants are asked to commit to at least an hour of prayer a day. Guides for prayer will be distributed and based on Fr. Kevin O’Brien’s book, The Ignatian Adventure. Participants also commit to sharing their prayer experience with a supervised director; these (bi)weekly conversations help the participant process their prayer and deepen the retreat. Participants may also choose to participate in monthly virtual prayer sessions with other participants and directors.
When is the retreat?
The retreat will begin in early September, 2021 and will conclude by the end of May, 2022.
Who should make the retreat?
The retreat is open to all. From experience, those who profit the most from the retreat bring with them an already active spiritual life. Persons need not be experts, nor possess perfection; but rather ought to seek to grow in one’s relationship with God. Priority placement in the retreat will be reserved for those connected to Jesuit sponsored ministries in the Milwaukee, WI and Chicago, IL regions.
How do I apply?
Participants are encouraged to submit an application via THIS WEB FORM. Responses are used to determine the retreat experience. Upon receipt, you will be contacted to discuss your application. For priority placement, applications are requested by August 15, 2021.
How much does it cost?
A suggested participation fee of $50.00 is requested. This fee represents a significant discount from normal SEEL experience dues to the generosity of the Midwest Province in response to the Ignatian Year and the Universal Apostolic Preferences. Upon acceptance, further information will be provided about how to remit payment. Other costs include retreat materials such as prayer books and study guides. Cost need not inhibit participation; contact us for more information.
Why do I meet with a Director?
Part of the retreat involves personal, daily prayer. It also involves reflecting upon these prayer experiences with a trained spiritual director. These are persons who have had special training to companion a person in their spiritual life. For this experience, SEEL directors will be persons in special advanced training to give the Spiritual Exercises. These interns already posses the skills of spiritual direction and are learning more about how to give the retreat. They are under supervision by SIF Leadership to help progress in their skills. Usually participants meet with their director about once a week, or once every other week for about an hour or so.
What COVID-19 safety protocols are in place?
The participant engages in daily prayer from their own space. Sessions with retreat directors will be arranged between the parties. Virtual conversations are encouraged when possible. In-person sessions are expected to adhere to public health guidance for social distancing and masking. All large group sessions with other participants will be virtual via ZOOM.
Who can I contact for more information
For more information about the retreat, interested parties may contact:
Dr. Rita Dollard-O’Malley, D. Min, SIF Co-Director
umiignatianspirituality@jesuits.org
Rev. Steve Krupa, S.J., Ph.D., SIF Co-Director
umiseminars@jesuits.org