Resources and Presentations
Here are a few recommended resources to introduce you to Ignatian Spirituality and accompany you on your journey through the Spiritual Exercises.
Resources
Books
- When You Pray, by Finbarr Lynch, SJ
- When You Can’t Pray, by Finbarr Lynch, SJ
Available through Messenger Publications (Dublin, Ireland), Loyola Press (Chicago), and online retailers. - The Ignatian Adventure: Experiencing the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius in Daily Life, by Kevin O’Brien, SJ (Loyola Press, Chicago)
- God Finds Us: An Experience of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius Loyola, by Jim Manney (Loyola Press, Chicago, 2013)
- Stretched for Greater Glory: What to Expect from the Spiritual Exercises, by George Aschenbrenner, SJ (Loyola Press, Chicago, 2004)
- Reimagining the Ignatian Examen: Fresh Ways to Pray from Your Day, by Mark Thibodeaux, SJ (Loyola Press, Chicago, 2015)
- A Simple Life-Changing Prayer: Discover the Power of St. Ignatius of Loyola’s Examen, by Jim Manney (Loyola Press, 2011)
- Hearts on Fire: Praying with Jesuits, edited by Michael Harter (Loyola Press, 2004)
- Thirty Days: On Retreat with the Exercises of St. Ignatius, by Paul Mariani (Penguin Compass)
Book a Retreat or Presentation
Praying with the Parables of Jesus
The Parables of Jesus are among his most powerful and enduring teachings. In this retreat, Jesus speaks to us about what it means to be his disciple and to labor with him to bring about the reign and will of God in our life. Through examples from historical and contemporary art, Greek and Jewish fables, Old Testament parables, and fables from other cultures and religious expressions, we explore the historical context of these exceptional oral teachings and apply them to current issues in faith and society.
This retreat is offered as:
- As a series of five weekly presentations at a parish or church
- As a silent weekend retreat
Participants are introduced to the tools of Ignatian meditation and contemplation and learning how to integrate the teachings of the Parables into daily prayer. Conference sessions are included.
Advent Reflections Silent Retreat or Series
Do you often feel lost amid the rush and noise of the holiday season? Is it difficult to find the spiritual focus of Advent? In this Advent retreat, we join in learning the practice of Ignatian reflection and contemplation to gain a prayer-rich perspective during this season of anticipation of the birth of the Messiah.
In this retreat, Tom presents reflections on:
- The Annunciation and Incarnation
- Mary’s Magnificat
- Contemplation of the Nativity
Through scripture, art, music, and reflections from Christian thinkers, participants will be guided in contemplative prayer practices and gain tools to deepen their spiritual perspective during Advent.
Through scripture, art, music, and reflections from Christian thinkers, participants will be guided in contemplative prayer practices and gain tools to deepen their spiritual perspective during Advent.
Exploring the Power of the Our Father: A Path to Contemplative Prayer
With the Our Father, Jesus not only teaches us what to pray for but also how to pray. This retreat offers a unique opportunity to explore the profound wisdom and richness of the prayer Jesus gave us.
Through art, music, reflection, journaling, and private prayer, we explore the deeper meaning of each stanza of the Our Father. This retreat will help unlock the personal significance of the prayer to guide us to a closer, more intimate relationship with God.
As part of this experience, participants will have the chance to write their own version of the Our Father, allowing that prayer to resonate with their unique spiritual journey. By praying the Our Father contemplatively, we open ourselves to its transformative power, inviting it to nourish and guide us on our personal path of faith.
Reconciliation Workshop
Information coming soon.
Contact us
To schedule a retreat or engage with individual spiritual direction, please contact Tom at contactwaypoints@gmail.com.
Acknowledgments
The following excellent resources were used to prepare the narrative summaries about Ignatian Spiritualty and the Spiritual Exercises presented on this website:
- The Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius: A Literal Translation and a Contemporary Reading, David L. Fleming SJ, The Institute of Jesuit Resources, St. Louis (Boston) 1978
- What is Ignatian Spirituality, David L. Fleming, SJ, Loyola Press Chicago, 2008
- The Ignatian Adventure, Kevin O’Brien SJ, Loyola Press, Chicago, 2011
- The Practice of Spiritual Direction, William A. Barry and William J. Connolly, Harper One, 1982
- The Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius: A Translation and Commentary, George E. Ganss SJ, Loyola Press, Chicago, 1992
- pathwaystogod.org/resources/spiritual-exercises-st-ignatius
- ignatianspirituality.com/ignatian-prayer/the-spiritual-exercises/what-are-the-spiritual-exercises/
Photo and Image Credits
Photo Credits
All Photos images taken by Tom Cashman:
- Carved Holy Family, @ Manresa Retreat House, Dublin, Ireland
- St Ignatius images: Allen Ko at artpal.com
- Monk on Patio, @ Tucson Botanical Garden
- Crucifix, Palisades Retreat Center, Federal Way, Washington
