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Ignatian Yoga: Embodying the Spiritual Exercises

An Ignatian, Semi-Silent Weekend Retreat for Adults

November 22 - 24, 2019

Groups Attending: Individuals

This retreat is currently at capacity or registration is closed. Please call the office at 847.381.1261 with questions.

Summary

Join the Ignatian Yoga Team and Chaplain Fr. Michael Sparough, SJ on an embodied journey through the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola. This retreat will incorporate daily meditation and prayer, Ignatian Yoga sessions, and time in silence to deepen and enliven each person’s spiritual journey. Ignatian Yoga sessions include a talk with themes from the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius and Yoga philosophy, embodied movement, silent reflection, and small group sharing. All adults are welcome to attend this retreat.

Description

This retreat includes several presentations, daily mass, 6 meals, the opportunity for one-on-one spiritual direction with a trained spiritual director, and many other opportunities to explore our 80 acres and almost 60k square feet of  interior space. All activities are optional, but we do ask everyone to respect the quiet of the retreat house for everyone to have the opportunity to read, sleep and reflect in the quiet. 

Bellarmine has two libraries, a resource center, two chapels, and many other common areas. Outdoor spaces include a various walking trails, various prayer gardens, a gazebo, stations of the cross, as well as a few patios and outdoor chairs and benches. Each retreatant has their own bedroom. 

You can learn more about what to expect by visiting this page.

Retreat Experience Gallery

Retreat Leaders

Nicki Steinmetz Nelson

Nicki Steinmetz Nelson is an active spiritual director, retreat leader, and 200-hour yoga instructor. She holds a Masters degree in Theology from the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, CA with concentrations in Social Theory and Ethics and a certificate in Women’s Studies in Religion. Nicki has additional certifications as a parenting coach, Enneagram coach, and holistic health coach. She is passionate about bringing together the best of all she has learned and supporting women as they engage with the inner work of the spiritual journey and then integrate it with the outward expression of their lives. With an undergraduate degree from Marquette University in Information Technology, Nicki is the Communication and Administrative Assistant for the Ignatian Yoga community. She currently lives in Port Washington, WI with her spouse and two young boys.

Fr. J. Michael Sparough, SJ

Fr. Michael Sparough, SJ is a retreat director and spiritual director at the Bellarmine Jesuit Retreat House in Barrington.  He holds an MFA from the Yale School of Drama and a Doctor of Ministry from St Mary of the Lake in Mundelein, IL. He is the founder of Charis, a national Jesuit retreat ministry for young adults in their 20s and 30s, and has trained spiritual directors at Loyola University-Chicago.  

A prolific writer and speaker, Fr. Michael has published books, CDs, and DVDs on prayer, discernment, and the sacraments with Franciscan Media, Paulist Press, Liturgical Training Publications, Loyola Press, and Heart to Heart. He is seen regularly on Shalom World Catholic Television and is heard regularly on Sacred Heart radio in Cincinnati and WSFI Catholic Radio in greater Chicagoland. 

His latest co-authored book is What’s Your Decision?  An Ignatian Approach to Decision Making and is published by Loyola Press.  

Fr. Michael’s weekly video homilies can be seen online at www.HtoH.US.

Listen to a talk by Fr. Michael.

Carolyn Swabek

Carolyn Swabek is the Director of the Trinity Fellows Program at Marquette University, a graduate fellowship program that develops emerging leaders for social and economic justice. Carolyn received her BS in Organizational Communication and Global Leadership from Ohio University, and her MA in Public Service – Nonprofit Administration from Marquette University. Carolyn has been a practitioner of yoga for many years, studying a variety of lineages and styles, and as her practice deepened, so did her desire for deeper spiritual connection and meaning.  This led her to complete her 200-hour RYT, with additional training in yin yoga, yoga nidra, restorative yoga, and Ayurveda. Carolyn calls Milwaukee, WI her home where she lives with her husband, Cody and daughter.

Pat Cassidy

Pat Cassidy lives in Baltimore, Maryland and works as Assistant Director in the Center for Community Service & Justice at Loyola University Maryland. He began a regular yoga practice in 2011 and completed his 200-hour yoga teacher training in 2016 with Kim Manfredi at Charm City Yoga. Pat holds a Masters degree from Loyola University Maryland in Spiritual and Pastoral Care with a focus in spiritual direction and centers his work and studies on the integration of spirituality and queer identities. Following his undergraduate studies in social work at Providence College, Pat served as a Jesuit Volunteer in Punta Gorda, Belize from 2008-2010. He enjoys biking through Baltimore with his husband, exploring new restaurants with friends, and spending time with family in Connecticut and Minnesota.