by Jenene Francis | Apr 2, 2023 | Catholic, Ignatian Spirituality, Prayer
I’ll be honest, Palm Sunday, more precisely “Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion,” is my least favorite Sunday of the whole liturgical year. I resist as we fumble our way through Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem and then are immersed in the darkest hours of his human...
by Mary Ann Gessner | Mar 5, 2023 | Faith in Action, Ignatian Spirituality, Prayer
Does anyone else struggle with intimacy in prayer? This was not a concept or experience encouraged when I was growing up, and it has been a struggle even now after 5-ish years of immersion in Ignatian Spirituality. Ignatian Contemplation has been a great gift...
by Monique Jacobs | Feb 19, 2023 | Catholic, Ignatian Spirituality, Prayer
Squatting at eye level to see my tiny niece allowed me to hear her more clearly. The whispered voice, warm and moist with a child’s eagerness, played in my ear – “Aunt Mo, how do I talk to Jesus?” The desire to communicate with God springs forth from the heart of...
by Kristen Schenk | Feb 5, 2023 | Catholic, Discernment, Ignatian Spirituality, Prayer
I’ve always loved new beginnings: the blank slates they offer to me, the invitations to reflect on where I’ve come from and where I hope my path will take me next, the chances to express gratitude for what has shaped me and let go of what has weighed me down. Of...
by Mary Ann Gessner | Jan 29, 2023 | Discernment, Ignatian Spirituality, Prayer
“Mary Ann, you speak of yourself as a tired sheepdog constantly watching the edges of the field. What would it look like if you were a sheep?” I could feel myself stiffen, my hands clenched. “What would you be losing if you changed roles? What would the gains feel...
by Jenene Francis | Jan 8, 2023 | Hope, Ignatian Spirituality, Knowing God, Prayer
Like many of you, I find that January is a good time to review the past year, notice hopes and desires that might be stirring, and make some choices about where I want to refocus my energy. Over time I’ve become more intentional about including Jesus in this review,...