Hey All!

I recently returned from a week long mission trip to Mexico City. Seeking Christ in the poor and following in the footsteps of St. Juan Diego. I hadn't read the accounts of what Our Lady had said to Juan Diego before. But when reading this, I couldn't help but find these words consoling and used them as meditation material the whole week.

"My littlest son, let nothing frighten or grieve you. Let not your heart be disturbed. Do not fear this sickness, nor any sickness or suffering. Am I not here, I who am your mother? Are you not in my shadow, under my protection? Am I not your health? Are you not happily within my fold? What else do you wish? Do not grieve or be disturbed by anything."

It is such good news and a relief to have such a caring mother.

Have a Blessed October!

I recently taught the Ignatian Rules to a group of Spiritual Directors. It was a more abbreviated format. Two weeks later I had the opportunity to interact with a colleague who was there. He said he enjoyed my teaching, but had a difficult time with some of the Rules. He is in desolation, maybe both spiritual and nonspiritual. His wife was diagnosed with Alzheimer's about 4 weeks ago. He said he had been taught to feel his feelings and pay attention to them. He said that after about 3 days of sitting with the Lord each morning, he and the Lord had worked it out and he realized that there are some things he could be doing. That was all that I had the opportunity to hear/discuss. As I sat this morning asking for insight, I realized that my friend is grieving. And I think that might be…

I was teaching the rules this past weekend to a group of Spiritual Directors and had an important question come up about Rule 12 and stopping the snowball at the top of the mountain. She said what if someone can't stop it at the top? What if someone can't stop it at all. It's not that easy or simple and then they feel guilty, ashamed, a failure. . . (I think her context was with alcohol). We discussed that this is a tool box. That there are many different tools. It is important to understand that we are not alone and sometimes need a community or trusted to friend to help, how secrets are not helpful, etc. But I have felt uneasy about this rule. I remember teaching medical students and using a video clip of Bob Newhart as a therapist where he keeps repeating "Just stop it! …

I was teaching the rules this past weekend to a group of Spiritual Directors and had an important question come up about Rule 12 and stopping the snowball at the top of the mountain. She said what if someone can't stop it at the top? What if someone can't stop it at all. It's not that easy or simple and then they feel guilty, ashamed, a failure. . . (I think her context was with alcohol). We discussed that this is a tool box. That there are many different tools. It is important to understand that we are not alone and sometimes need a community or trusted to friend to help, how secrets are not helpful, etc. But I have felt uneasy about this rule. I remember teaching medical students and using a video clip of Bob Newhart as a therapist where he keeps repeating "Just stop it! …

Good morning!

Are there any recommended online programs to train/certify others to lead the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises and 19th Annotation? Does IDI offer these?

Thank you!

Fr Daniel

Hi , I just wanted to

Introduce myself as a new member. I’m in the UK and happy to connect with those of you in the US and UK Have a blessed Sunday

I would like to connect with other members who are located in Washington state. Please email me at DebraBlack@1cor138.com if interested. God bless you!

I wanted to share a little joy with fellow teachers of discernment. From 11/21–11/23, I had the gift of facilitating a retreat for women in recovery that brought together the Ignatian Discernment of Spirits and the Twelve Steps of AA. The weekend was powerful and grace-filled, and the women spoke so beautifully about how helpful the discernment tools were—more than a few described the experience as life-changing.

I’m really encouraged by what unfolded and am looking forward to offering a workshop in April on the Discernment of Spirits and the Twelve Steps. Grateful to be walking this path with others who care about sharing this wisdom where it’s so needed.

Hello all!

I just wanted to give an update on some good news. This is Fr. Bryan Ochs, pastor of Sacred Heart Church in Lacey, WA, St. Columban Catholic Church in Yelm WA, and St. Peter in Tenino WA. Today we just had our first of 5 classes on Discernment of Spirits and wanted to give an update and encouragement to other teachers.

We had a morning session and Evening Session with 125 people total between the two. This was advertised in our parish bulletin, and I promoted it from the pulpit at Mass, and I offered personal invitations. It was pitched as "Overcoming Spiritual Discouragement," at the suggestion of Fr. Gallagher.

People were able to sign up online. I think we actually had more people there than actual signups. We made the book optional, and I would say about 2/3 of the participants bought the book. We sold …