Ignatian Taste Test

Ignatius of Loyola was a 15th century Catholic priest who developed a curriculum for discipleship known as the Ignatian Exercises.  The Exercises are a collection of Ignatius’ insights, prayers and suggestions for living, and is considered one of the most influential books on the spiritual life ever written.  Ignatian spirituality is rooted in the conviction that God is active, persona, and above all, present to us.  It is a spirituality for everyday life, insisting that God is present in our world and active in our everyday lives – at work, at home, with families, during recreation and play – in short, everywhere, at all times.  While this class will not actually go through the exercises, it will touch on some of the elements of Ignatius’ way of life, and introduces a pathway to deeper prayer, making good decisions guided by keen discernment, and an active life of service to others.  Gini Downing, a certified spiritual director, has led several retreatants through the Ignatian Exercises, and has gone through them herself.  She has seen first-hand how these principles and practices not only ignite a life with God, but begin to change how people approach their life in general.