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The Threads in My Hand
By Howard Thurman
Only the end of the threads, I hold in my hand.
The threads to many ways, linking my life with other lives...
One thread comes from a life that is sick; it is taut with anguish...
I hold it tenderly. I must not let it go...
One thread comes from a high-flying kite;
It quivers with the mighty current of fierce and holy dreaming
Invading the common day with far-off places and visions bright...
One thread is a strange thread – it is my steadying thread;
When I am lost, I pull it hard and find my way.
When I am saddened, I tighten my grip
and gladness glides along its quivering path;
When the waste places of my spirit appear in arid confusion,
the thread becomes a channel of newness of life.
One thread is a strange thread – it is my steadying thread.
God’s hand holds the other end...
–Excerpted and adapted from Meditations of the Heart (Beacon Press)
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As I was reflecting on Howard Thurman’s meditation (see above), I remembered recent conversations with spiritual directors longing to connect with each other in these uncertain times. Indeed, we need to connect with one another to center ourselves for the important work of spiritual direction amidst a climate of increasing complexity. And we need that strange, steadying thread that is held by God, especially when so much seems to be unraveling in the world around us. I’ve found myself tugging hard on that steadying thread lately. Maybe you have as well.
You’ll find many threads of connection in this newsletter, threads like the Showing the Way to God Spiritual Exercises conference, ongoing formation opportunities, training programs in spiritual direction, supervision and the Spiritual Exercises, and a special thread of connection for spiritual directors of color. Please share this email with spiritual directors you know as well as those who are in training and those discerning a call to become spiritual directors.
We’ll be weaving some new and familiar threads of connection as we plan for our 2026-27 program year, so please keep an eye on our webpage in the coming months. And let’s remember that the steadying thread we hold connects us to the risen Christ, who calmed the fears of his disciples with the peace that surpasses all understanding (Phil 4:7).
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Easter Blessings,
Nancy
Nancy Small
Associate Director for Spiritual Direction Initiatives
Office of Ignatian Spirituality
USA East Province of the Society of Jesus
929-232-3056
nsmall@jesuits.org
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Spiritual Directors of Color
We welcome Brenda Bertrand, who began in February as our Spiritual Directors of Color Project Facilitator and will be serving in this role through June. This initiative offers a space for connection, reflection, and ongoing formation among Spiritual Directors of Color.
Brenda brings a passion for cultivating BIPOC community within predominantly white spiritual spaces and draws upon her experience with Fuller Seminary, Princeton Theological Seminary, Georgetown University, and the Shalem Institute. She trained in Ignatian spiritual direction through the Christian Spirituality Program at Creighton University.
This initiative is offered in a spirit of hospitality. While centered on the experiences of Spiritual Directors of Color, spiritual directors of all backgrounds are welcome to engage what serves them and share it with others who may benefit.
We’re delighted to share below some of what’s emerging to support connection, reflection, and ongoing formation primarily among Spiritual Directors of Color:
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An Examen for These Times
A Gathering for Spiritual Directors of Color
Saturday, May 2, 10am to 12pm ET
A Dedicated Space for Spiritual Directors of Color.
No cost to attend. Registration is required.
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For Spiritual Directors of Color navigating a turbulent world and often homogenous spaces, these are particularly difficult times. This gathering will offer two hours to exhale, be present, and find rest in community. It will be a time to pause, pray, and be together without having to manage how we show up. Using the Ignatian Examen as our guide, we will move through this season honestly and with care. We will listen for how God is inviting us to meet this moment in ways that sustain and restore. This will be a confidential space. The gathering will not be recorded, so all can speak freely.
Click here for more information and to register.
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Resource Page for Spiritual Directors of Color
A virtual community space for BIPOC spiritual directors from any tradition.
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The ISDI website now offers a virtual community space for BIPOC spiritual directors from any tradition, whether fully trained in Ignatian spirituality or simply drawn to explore what it offers for life and ministry.
What we share here, including resources, announcements, and events, celebrates who we are, honors what we carry, and holds space for the particular wisdom we bring to this work.
Click here to view.
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From Our Own Wells
Resources by BIPOC Authors for Spiritual Directors.
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This rich resource contains more than 80 books/articles for spiritual directors and formators alike. We strongly encourage all spiritual directors to select readings from this list for your ongoing formation, and we encourage formators to enrich the cultural competency of your formation programs through the wisdom of these writings. We’ve selected a few to get you started, recommended in the Resources section of this newsletter.
Click here to view.
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Networking
Sign up to stay connected.
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If you are a Spiritual Director of Color interested in being informed about upcoming programs, please click here and complete the contact form. If you are an ally, you are welcome to view the recommended resources and support this important initiative by sharing it with others and offering your prayerful support.
Click here to join our community list of BIPOC spiritual directors.
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| Via Seeking Volunteer Companions | |
Via: The Ignatian Way is the newest program from the Office of Ignatian Spirituality — a rich, ten-month introduction to Jesuit tradition and Ignatian Spirituality open to people of all ages.
Volunteer companions are needed to facilitate a thoughtfully-designed curriculum and help guide participants on their Ignatian journey with the support of Via program coordinator Marselys Lucero, a former CLA regional coordinator. Whether you're a CLA alum or a spiritual director looking to accompany others in their Ignatian journey, this is a meaningful opportunity to gift your time and talents in an exciting new way.
Our next virtual and in-person cohorts launch in September (locations TBD). To learn more or sign up, visit the Via page on our website or email Marselys Lucero at mlucero@jesuits.org.
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ST. RAPHAELA CENTER |
HAVERFORD, PA
Finding Your Voice as a Spiritual Director Part II:
Tools for Discovery and Growth
Sunday, May 10, 1pm-4pm ET, Online
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Participation in Part I is not a prerequisite for this webinar. A brief review of Part I will be included at the start of Part II.
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IGNATIUS HOUSE JESUIT RETREAT CENTER | SANDY SPRINGS, GA
Trauma Informed Care
Three-Night Workshop for Spiritual Directors
April 23-26 2026
Led by Rob McChesney, SJ
| For Ignatian spiritual directors who seek to grow in their understanding, capacity, and skills to accompany people who have experienced trauma and the people who love them. | | | |
BELLARMINE JESUIT RETREAT HOUSE | BARRINGTON, IL
Ignatian Spirituality Giving Witness Practicum:
June 8-12, 2026
| An in-person, intensive workshop on retreat planning, themes, and talk preparations designed for those involved in parish missions, days of reflection, or preached retreats rooted in the Ignatian spiritual tradition. | | | OIS Catalog of Spiritual Directors | | |
Our spiritual direction referral ministry connects seekers in the Jesuits USA East Province to trained spiritual directors listed in the OIS Catalog of Spiritual Directors.
Click here to learn more.
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If you are registered in the Catalog and you are available for new spiritual direction referrals, click here if your record needs updating. Please be sure to indicate if you are available to see people in-person, virtually or both.
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OIS Catalog Covenant
Thanks to all of you who have completed the OIS Ethics in Spiritual Direction training, part of the OIS Catalog Covenant, by attending one of the three ethics conversation sessions offered from September, 2025 through March, 2026. Those of you who were unable to attend one of these conversation sessions will have another opportunity during our 2026-27 program year. We will be reviewing the signed Catalog Covenants in the coming months and look forward to sharing some of the fruits of the first year of this initiative with you in our Summer newsletter.
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Post-Master's Certificate in Spiritual Formation
Boston College's Clough School of Theology and Ministry
July 13-24, 2026
Brighton, MA | In-person
Application Deadline: Rolling
Certificate is offered only in the summers and is completed over three summers. Read more about the program here.
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Spiritual Direction Internship Initiative
Sept. 2026 - April 2027
Brighton, MA | Mostly online with 2 in-person retreats;
Application Deadline: Up to August 31, depending on space.
Extensive training program held online every Tuesday beginning after Labor Day. Read more about the program here.
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Ignatian Training Program in Spiritual Direction
Holy Trinity Catholic Church
Sept. 2026 - June 2028
Washington, DC | In-person
Application Deadline: June 15, 2026
Holistic spiritual formation program is designed and implemented in the spirit of Ignatius. Click here for more.
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Horizons Spiritual Direction Training Program
The Spiritual Renewal Center
Oct. 2026 - June 2028
Syracuse, NY | In-person
Application Deadline: Aug. 15
A two-year practicum-based program. Click here for more information.
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Spiritual Directors Formation Program
World on Fire
Three-Year Program
Charlotte, NC | Mostly online with annual in-person residency
Application Deadline: May 1
Next cohort begins Aug/ 2026. Learn more and register here.
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Introductory Internship for Ignatian Spiritual Direction
Loyola University Chicago Institute for Pastoral Studies
Fall, 2026 and Spring, 2027
This two semester, five-credit course offers three-hour virtual classes on Thursday mornings in the Fall and Spring semesters.
For more information click here or contact Fr. Jason Downer, SJ, (jdowner@jesuits.org) or Dr. Lauren Schwer (lschwer@luc.edu).
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19th Annotation Intensive for Spiritual Directors
Boston College's Clough School of Theology and Ministry
July 13-17, 2026 | Online
Application Deadline: Rolling
Program offers a deeper understanding of the dynamics of the Spiritual Exercises in order to better accompany others through the Spiritual Exercises, particularly in the 19th Annotation format. Read more about the program here.
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Practicum in Giving the 19th Annotation
St. Raphaela Center
Sept. 2026 to May 2027 | Online
Application deadline: Rolling
Practicum will deepen one’s experiential understanding of the weeks of the Spiritual Exercises as they unfold in the everyday life of a retreatant. Participants will grow in their knowledge and understanding of Ignatian Rules for Discernment. Read more here.
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Advanced Study and Practice in the Spiritual Exercises
Bellarmine Jesuit Retreat House
Aug. 19, 2026 - March 10, 2027, Online Application deadline: May 15, 2026
Offers experienced spiritual directors an in-depth exploration of the Spiritual Exercises to help participants integrate the Exercises into their own lives so they can accompany others making the Exercises. Click here for more information.
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A Conference for Practitioners of the
Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius of Loyola
June 13 – 15, 2026
Fairfield University
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Foundations of Supervision
Aug. 25, 2026 - May 13, 2027
Application deadline: June 1
Features an opening and closing online intensive, as well as an 8-month individually supervised practicum. Suitable for experienced spiritual directors with little to no supervision training experience.
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Practicum in Supervision
8-Month Supervised Practicum
Ideal for those who have sampled supervision training and would benefit from a supervised practicum.
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Advanced Certificate in Supervision
Oct. 7, 2026 - March 31, 2027
Application deadline: June 1
For graduates of previous TIM trainings; and for experienced supervisors who’ve received training or experience in other programs.
| | A spiritual expedition into the stories and wisdom of ancient, desert-dwelling Christians, who show us how to forge faith at the edges of empire. | | |
This book offers a more robust spirituality to hold the complexities of a multicultural God and the God-human relationship.
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A comprehensive resource for understanding the various components of spiritual direction.
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In spiritual direction, whether cross cultural or not, the director passes over the directee and comes back from the directee. John Dunne says, 'Passing over is a shifting of a standpoint, a going over to the standpoint of another culture, another way of life, another religion. It is followed by an equal and opposite process we might call ‘coming back’ with new insight to one’s own culture, one’s own way of life, one’s own religion.'
As I pass over to a directee’s journey and experience, they become the center of my world for a brief time…. This is possible because the Holy Spirit is between us. In this process, at the same time, I can have new, deeper insights about myself after I come back to myself.
~ Excerpted from "Knowing the Guest: Crossing Over and Coming Back" by Daeseop Daniel Yi, in Kaleidoscope: Broadening the Palette in the Art of Spiritual Direction
(Ineda Peral Adesanya, editor, Church Publishing, 2019)
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