The Spiritual Exercises in Daily Life

Ann has led this process many times, generally hosted by a particular parish community (in person or online). Invite her to bring the course to your own church, whether in Catholic, Protestant, or mixed group settings!

The Spiritual Exercises (also known as the 19th Annotation) is a process developed by St. Ignatius of Loyola for growing one's relationship with God and connecting faith to daily life. Traditionally practiced as a 30-day retreat, the exercises have been adapted in various ways to more easily integrate with a lay person's schedule.

I have offered the Exercises in some different "retreat in daily life" formats, but generally recommend thirty weekly two-hour meetings from September through April, so they will roughly align with the Lectionary cycle. Meetings include prayer, presentation, and small and large group discussions. Participants also meet with a trained spiritual director for an hour each month.

Making the Spiritual Exercises takes a commitment, but it is a rich experience with centuries of proven success. It leads participants through the life of Christ, and our growing relationship with him. It offers practical tools for integrating our faith with our daily lives, such as the Daily Examen and discernment techniques.

Compensation

My rates are negotiable depending on the needs of the hiring party, but they typically fall in the range of $100-150 per hour, depending on topic, distance, and prep time.

Sample Announcement

Are you interested in deepening your prayer life and exploring different ways for connecting with God? If so, the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius might be for you. The program is a 30 week “retreat in daily life” with two hour weekly meetings running from September through April. Individual spiritual direction with trained directors is also offered as part of the experience.

Feedback from Participants

I was able to develop a better understanding of Jesus and how he influences my life.

The Exercises were a gift I gave myself. I gained personal insight within as well as in my relationship with Jesus. Experiencing this in community is unforgettable and powerful.

I found it helpful to have the structure of going through a book and the accountability of meeting with a group. I really appreciated the warm and nurturing environment; the encouragement of Ann; and the heartfelt sharing from everyone.

Small and large group sharing, meeting with my spiritual advisor, and journaling were the most helpful parts for me. I would recommend this class to others.

I loved reading all four Gospels in four weeks and comparing them. I loved our discussions and observations, and I most enjoyed your knowledge and teaching ability. You have set up this class very well. The materials, handouts, and overheads were so informative and helpful. Your teaching style is effective because you know your material so well. I'm eager to come to your next class.

Thanks for all the support through the Exercises. It has been an uplifting and growing experience!

I was able to clearly listen to my soul's desire and not act on the influences outside of me.

I appreciated the people in the group, the music you added, visualization, and getting to know a spiritual director. I am very grateful that this retreat was offered here.

I found working with a Spiritual Director and through the book helpful. I thought (felt) the process from beginning to end carried me deeper and deeper.

My daily prayer life became more focused and I was able to discern God's call for the direction of my life.