Tuesday, April 14, 2009

What is Spiritual Direction?


Spiritual direction is the process of accompanying people on their spiritual journey, with an emphasis on growing closer to God and exploring a deeper relationship with the spiritual aspect of being human. Also referred to as “Spiritual Companioning”, this ancient practice is currently being rediscovered by people of various faith traditions. Throughout the Hebrew and the Christian Scriptures we find people seeking spiritual counsel. In the early church people went to desert hermits for spiritual counsel, and later to Irish monks and Benedictine nuns.

Many people are helped by meeting with a Spiritual Director on a regular basis, usually monthly. The practice is equally beneficial for people of various faith traditions . It is sometimes requested by people with no religious backgrounds, who are hoping to find a companion as they enter a "seeking" phase of their faith journey.

For more details please call Sr. Barbara Ostheimer, 714-997-9587 ext. 26.

“One very important way to befriend our sorrow is to take it out of its isolation, and share it with someone who can receive it.” (Henri Nouwen, Here and Now, page 45)


Still Time to Sponsor!

The Loyola Institute for Spirituality is honored by your support of the
7th Annual “Hearts on Fire Award Celebration”


Please consider a sponsorship at one of the following levels:

Ignatian Circle - $10,000 (tax deductible amount = $9,100)

Two tables in a premium location, seating for 20
Remembrance in the Perpetual Masses of the Manresa Jesuit Community of Anaheim
Full-page Hearts on Fire Award Celebration Souvenir Program ad
Donors’ names published in the Hearts on Fire Award Celebration Souvenir Program
Tuition for one, donor’s choice of any Formation Program class during 2009-2010
Recognition during the event
Special thank you in the Loyola Institute for Spirituality Spring newsletter
Personally-autographed copy of My Life with the Saints by Fr. James Martin, S.J.
Commemorative Hearts on Fire gift

St. Francis Xavier Circle - $5,000 (tax deductible amount = $4,550)

One table in a premium location, seating for 10
Remembrance in the Perpetual Masses of the Manresa Jesuit Community of Anaheim
Full-page Hearts on Fire Award Celebration Souvenir Program ad
Donors’ names will be published in the Hearts on Fire Award Celebration Souvenir Program
Recognition during the event
Special thank you in the Loyola Institute for Spirituality Spring newsletter
Personally-autographed copy of My Life with the Saints by Fr. James Martin, S.J.
Commemorative Hearts on Fire gift

Blessed Peter Faber Circle - $1,000 (tax deductible amount = $820)

Four dinner tickets
One-half page Hearts on Fire Award Celebration Souvenir Program ad
Donors’ names will be published in the Hearts on Fire Award Celebration Souvenir Program
Special thank you in the Loyola Institute for Spirituality Spring newsletter
Personally-autographed copy of My Life with the Saints by Fr. James Martin, S.J.
Commemorative Hearts on Fire gift

Manresa Circle - $500 (tax deductible amount = $410)

Two dinner tickets
One-quarter page Hearts on Fire Award Celebration Souvenir Program ad
Donors’ names will be published in the Hearts on Fire Award Souvenir Celebration Program
Special thank you in the Loyola Institute for Spirituality Spring newsletter
Commemorative Hearts on Fire gift

In order to receive full recognition and benefits, gifts must be received by April 15, 2009. For more information please contact Fr. Steve Corder, S.J., at 714-997-9587, ext. 22 or Elisa Leon at 714-997-9587, ext. 23.