Faith Formation

Spirituality & Retreats

Ignatian Spirituality

There are many definitions of Spirituality, but what most descriptions share is a sense of discovering and grounding one's life in what is most authentic, good, loving, which, as people of faith, we experience and call "God." Spirituality impacts and directs our actions, our way(s) of being and moving in the world.

There are many organized spiritualities that can inform and develop our own. Many are connected to various Christian and religious traditions, and some (such as New Age Spirituality), while not specifically religious, may share some or many of the same values.

As a Jesuit Parish, we have a particular connection with Ignatian Spirituality, since the founder of the Jesuits was Ignatius of Loyola. We are fortunate to have two excellent resources right in our parish center that offer members of St. Joseph's and people throughout our region many opportunities to deepen their experience of this profound spirituality, which intentionally impacts one's action and service in the world drawn from the very mission of Jesus.

The Ignatian Spirituality Center offers numerous programs, events, days of reflection, retreats, events for young adults and events specifically for men, Spiritual Direction Connections Services and Program Outreach to folks in the margins, as well as spiritual enrichment for those working with them. The Center works closely with our parish (and with other Jesuit works in our region) but is a separate 501c3 organization. ISC aims to deepen people's experience of various dimensions of Ignatian Spirituality, nurturing compassion, healing and justice in the Ignatian tradition and vision. Flyers for our programs & events are often posted in the vestibule, and parishioners may sign up for a monthly e-newsletter through the ISC website.

A core foundational experience in Ignatian Spirituality is known as the "Spiritual Exercises", developed by St. Ignatius of Loyola in Manresa Spain back in the 1520's. In the Seattle and Tacoma areas, we are fortunate to have a modern adaptation of these exercises, stretched out over a nine month period, through a program known as SEEL, which stands for Spiritual Exercises in Everyday Life. Participants and directors come from a wide variety of Christian faith traditions, and share an eagerness to more deeply notice and follow God's presence in their life and to experience Jesus and his mission more personally and responsively. For more information, contact seelpugetsound.org