The Spiritual Exercises

St. Joseph's is proud to offer the Spiritual Exercises to its students, faculty, and staff in a variety of formats:

• The longer 32-week format called the 19th annotated version. This offers a structured period to fully explore the rhythms of your life spiritually.
• The shorter 5-week format called the 18th annotated version. This allows participants to do some of the Ignatian Exercises, use scripture for contemplation, and practice the daily "examen" for greater integration of prayer and work.

Students, faculty, and staff who are interested can inquire and complete the exercises at any point in the year. Interested students are also able to complete the Spiritual Exercises in a cohort of their peers. During the 2023-24 school year, the registration deadline for this cohort will be September 26.

In both formats, you can expect to meet with a spiritual director weekly who will assist you through the exercises. Spiritual direction can be done either in person or virtually via Zoom. Ready to explore more, or not sure which version you wish to complete? Inquire, and Fr. Dan Joyce S.J. will reach out to have a conversation regarding the next steps. 

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The Spiritual Exercises, developed by St. Ignatius of Loyola, are a compilation of meditations, prayers, and contemplative practices to help one deepen their relationship with God. For over 50 years members of the Saint Joseph's University community, of all faith traditions, and some with no particular tradition, have participated in doing a version of the Spiritual Exercises.

The Exercises may commonly be referred to as a “retreat in daily life” as they give participants the space for weekly honest self-evaluation with a spiritual director who is experienced in leading others through meditation and contemplation. Some other common benefits participants noted after completing The Exercises include:

• Have a deeper personal love for God
• Make decisions within a gospel-value context
• Enrich relationships with others
• Find God in all things
• Be a person who lives with a deeper sense of authentic self and with/for others in a more meaningful and transformative way.

If you wish to learn more about the Spiritual Exercises, consider reading this article or watch the video below.