Spiritual exercises of saint offered over eight months

"This is something that's really close to my heart," Elizabeth Simcoe remarked.

She was referring to the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius Loyola, an eight-month program of spiritual direction being offered in the Albany Diocese for the fourth consecutive year.

The program, which is being coordinated by the diocesan Consultation Center in Albany, matches participants with spiritual directors who meet with them individually each week as they work to deepen their relationship with God. In between meetings, participants commit to daily periods of prayer and reflection.

Personal experience

Ms. Simcoe, diocesan chancellor for pastoral services, and director of the Office of Prayer and Worship, completed the spiritual exercises in 1999, during a time of transition in her own life and ministry.

She found peace amid the challenges that faced her through participating in the program. She became such an advocate that she now serves as one of the spiritual directors for what she terms "a long-standing prayer tradition in our Church."

Movements

Ms. Simcoe explained the four "movements" of the exercises:

* In the first movement, participants strive to encounter God's love for them, that "unique desire God had in creating them," and explore the ways they often turn away from God.

* The second movement reflects on Jesus' life and ministry, and how God calls each person to a special ministry of their own. That applies to laity, too; Ms. Simcoe said that one previous participant came to understand that she was called to be as kind and giving a mother as she possibly could be.

* The third movement reflects on Jesus' passion and death, and "the great love Jesus had for us in giving His life over to the Father."

* The fourth movement focuses on the Resurrection, stressing the hope and joy that God has for people. Participants identify their own sense of mission as Christians.

Extended time

Although St. Ignatius originally designed the exercises to be done in 30 days, the Diocese has extended them over eight months to allow people to weave the program through their everyday lives.

Ms. Simcoe applauded that idea. When participants go to a retreat house for the 30-day version, she said, "you're in this pristine environment," and coming home to family, friends and co-workers who haven't undergone such a prayer experience can be difficult.

"Doing this in everyday life [means] that, very often, the challenges you're facing in everyday life become part of the prayer," she said. For example, a participant caring for an ill parent while doing the exercises may realize that challenge is part of the ministry to which they're called.

Guides

Seven spiritual directors will each guide just two or three participants through the exercises. Because of the time that directors must devote to meeting with their charges, said Ms. Simcoe, the process can be just as intense for the director.

"It enriches your own spirituality," she said. "I've directed ten people so far, and each person has had a very different experience of the exercises and their understanding of who Christ is."

In the months following completion of the exercises, she has seen each of her charges being called to a new form of ministry in life. Because of their new attention to God's call, she said, each had "the wisdom to make that choice and the gifts to respond."

(The Consultation Center is sponsoring a free presentation explaining the spiritual exercises Sept. 14, 7-9 p.m., at the Pastoral Center in Albany. To participate in the eight-month program, which begins this month, call the diocesan Consultation Center, 489-4431, or Office of Prayer and Worship, 453-6645. The cost is $700, payable in installments. Financial help may be available.)

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