 Ignatian Spirituality Network
Mission StatementThe Ignatian Spirituality Network (ISNet) in Saint Louis is an association of independent programs and organizations inspired by the spirituality of Saint Ignatius Loyola. Collaboration among the programs and organizations arises from a shared commitment to sponsor and promote activities in Ignatian spirituality in the Saint Louis metropolitan area. The goal of the Network is to encourage the members and others to live Ignatian spirituality in today’s world. The organization builds mutual support, promotes a common vision of service, and fosters new ways of working together. This is done in the context of diverse and complementary calls to holiness. As apostolic partners the Network carries on this ministry out of an acknowledged responsibility to continue Christ’s mission in the world and the desire to bring together people of good will in the service of God’s Kingdom. Ignatian Spirituality Network
4511 West Pine Boulevard
Saint Louis, Missouri 63108
314.361.7765
E-Mail: ISNet-STL@jesuits-mis.org Learn more about Ignatian spirituality at http://jesuit.org/Spirituality/default.aspx. ISNet Programs offered directly by the Missouri Province Ignatian Spirituality Conference
The Conference is a three-day conference/workshop in the Spiritual Exercises. It is held every third year at Saint Louis University, usually at the end of July. Keynote speakers, liturgical prayer experiences, discussions and workshops are centered around a specific theme. Over 400 people from all over the United States and elsewhere participated in the three conferences held 2002, 2005, and 2008. The next conference is scheduled for July, 2011. Ignatian Spirituality Day
The Ignatian Spirituality Day is an opportunity for those who are familiar with the Spiritual Exercises. It is held annually in September on the Tuesday after Labor Day at White House Retreatin Saint Louis. The presenter is a person with knowledge of the Exercises and the ability to communicate that knowledge in a clear and understandable way suited to the audience. The event runs from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Lunch is served. Reservations are necessary. Jesuit & Colleague Retreat
Those involved in Jesuit sponsored works are invited to participate in a seven-day, silent, preached retreat. The purpose of the program is to offer an opportunity to experience the dynamic of the Spiritual Exercises and to become more acquainted with the Ignatian spirituality which provides the energy behind their daily work. The program is directed to experiencing the Exercises rather than as a study or commentary on the Exercises. The program is usually offered every other summer in early June. In recent years the event has been held at Sacred Heart Retreat House in Sedalia, Colorado, under the auspices of Regis University. LightWorks
Though details may differ, LightWorks consists of ten weeks of prayer in segments of five weeks in the Fall and five weeks in early Spring. In Saint Louis, the program has been jointly offered by St. Francis Xavier (College) Church and ISNet. LightWorks has also been offered in Denver and Kansas City. The program emphasizes the dynamic of what Ignatius describes as “light exercises.” Though meditations and reflections may originate from all four weeks of the Exercises, the spiritual graces sought are those of finding a merciful and loving God, self-knowledge, and use of means of ordering one's life and making prayerful decisions around the question “what will I do for Christ?”
LightWorks uses a group process. At a weekly gathering the facilitator provides input, including instructions on prayer and Ignatian spirituality. Small groups then meet to share the experience of their prayer. Then additional input is given for the following week’s prayer passages. Participants are asked to pray five days a week for 15-20 minutes. The program can be seen as a stand alone exercise or as a preparation for the experience of the full Exercises through the Retreat in Everyday Life offered, in Saint Louis, by the Bridges Foundation For other Ignatian programs in the Saint Louis area, consult the websites of the ISNet participants listed below.. Many other events centered around the Spiritual Exercises are offered by St Francis Xavier (College) Church, Campus Ministry at Saint Louis University, and the pastoral departments at De Smet High School and Saint Louis University High School Network Participants (with links to their their websites):
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