Ignatian spirituality Archives - Catechist's Journey

Pop-Up Prayer: Guest Dr. Andy Kereky

Typically, when we think of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius, we think of the audience as consisting primarily of adults. So, imagine my surprise when I learned of a pastoral minister leading retreats for children based on the Spiritual Exercises! We may not all be rushing to lead children in the Spiritual Exercises; however, we can all learn a few things about praying with children from his work. Join me for this episode of […]

Ignatian Tools for the Modern World: A Webinar with Fr. Joseph A. Tetlow, SJ; Eric A. Clayton; Fr. Kevin O’Brien, SJ; Vinita Hampton Wright; and Fr. Michael Rossmann, SJ - headshots of each author

July Is for All Things Ignatian

Joe Paprocki

Those of us at Loyola Press get a bit excited every July. Why’s that? Well, it just so happens that July 31 is the feast day of our patron, St. Ignatius of Loyola. Each year, we use the entire month of July to celebrate all things Ignatian, and this year is no different! For starters, I invite you to join me for a free webinar aimed at identifying how Ignatian spirituality is needed in the […]

Pop-Up Catechesis: An Ignatian Way of Proceeding

Joe Paprocki

When my wife and I visited Hawaii some years back, we were shown around one day by our dear friend Jayne Ragasa-Mondoy. As I was doing the driving with my wife riding shotgun, Jayne sat in the back seat and played the role of tour guide and navigator to perfection. At one point, we got stuck in a little traffic. Jayne sensed that I was getting a little frustrated and feared that I might honk […]

The Ignatian Year 2021–2022 - Ignatius500

Why Catechists Should Care About the Ignatian Year

Joe Paprocki

Five hundred years ago, a cannonball changed the world! It was on May 20, 1521, that Ignatius of Loyola was wounded in battle, a cannonball shattering his knee. During his long period of rehabilitation, Ignatius read the only literature available to him: books on Jesus and the lives of the saints. Upon reflection, he realized he was fighting for the wrong army and fighting the wrong battles. He eventually laid down his sword and dedicated […]

Pop-Up Catechesis: St. Ignatius of Loyola and Striving for the More

Joe Paprocki

Coaches often encourage their players to give 110%, which simply means to always strive for more. This idea of wanting to do more, or magis (MAH-jiss) in Latin, was at the heart of St. Ignatius of Loyola’s spirituality: we should always strive to do more “for the greater glory of God.” In today’s episode of Pop-Up Catechesis, we prepare for the Feast of St. Ignatius on July 31 by exploring the concept of magis. For more […]

Why Ignatian Spirituality Speaks to Children

Joe Paprocki

I’m very excited to see the newest revision of Finding God becoming a reality! I was hired by Loyola Press back in 2002 to contribute to the creation of this wonderful faith formation program that is steeped in Ignatian spirituality—something that is near and dear to my heart as someone with 12 years of Jesuit education. Ignatian spirituality resonates with so many people, mainly because St. Ignatius developed his Spiritual Exercises for lay people, while […]

Where Has God Been in Your Classroom?

Bob Burnham

The midpoint of the faith formation year is the perfect time to reflect on how the faith formation year has gone so far. The following exercises, based on the wisdom of St. Ignatius Loyola, are meant to help you discern where God has been in the classroom and where God might be directing the classroom during the remainder of the year. Begin each exercise by warming-up with a Scripture reading, a prayer, or silence, and […]

Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Saint Ignatius

Joe Paprocki

July 31 is the Feast of St. Ignatius Loyola, and as a Jesuit ministry, Loyola Press invites you to celebrate the life and legacy of the founder of the Society of Jesus. Ignatian Spirituality: An Introduction—Free Poster and Booklet Display the poster in your learning space and pass out copies of the booklet to introduce you and those you serve to the characteristics and insights of Ignatian spirituality, including the Examen, discernment and good decisions, […]

A Few Ignatian Items

Denise Gorss

As you take some time to relax this week and enjoy the Christmas season, we bring to your attention a few articles you might enjoy from another Loyola Press website, IgnatianSpirituality.com. Staying Curious by Marina McCoy In his ministry, Jesus often asks others what they want. For example, he asks the blind Bartimaeus, “What do you want me to do for you?” (Mark 10:51) On another occasion, James and John approach Jesus, and he asks […]

Kids Need Ignatian Prayer!

Joe Paprocki

Today, being the Feast of St. Ignatius of Loyola, I thought it would be a good idea to talk about the benefits that Ignatian prayer can bring to young people. According to IgnatianSpirituality.com, Ignatian prayer is imaginative, reflective, and personal—three characteristics that are crucial aspects of the spirituality of children. Imaginative—Children are the masters of imagination! Left to their own devices, children find ways to entertain themselves using their limitless imaginations. But children today, more […]