Resources
Retreat and Spirituality Resources
Information about: retreat centers and/or spaces for spiritual renewal, spirituality programs, other websites which may be of interest.
Information about Ignatian Spirituality, Ignatian Associate apostolates, Jesuit ministries, and other Ignatian inspired communities is available through these Links.
Companions on the Journey
Periodically, each Ignatian Associate commits to participate in a self-evaluation which consists of prayer, assessment, discernment, and goal-setting. Each Associate will examine his or her personal and communal interpretation of and commitment to the three promises of simplicity, fidelity and apostolic availability. The use of a “Companioning Booklet“ may be a helpful.
Each Ignatian Associate will then share the fruits of his or her assessment with another Ignatian Associate companion so that the companion might assist with the Associate’ s discernment regarding his or her commitment to the promises. Companioning may be accomplished individually or in couples. It may be for a brief time, for example, a couple of weeks, or, in some IA Communities, it is incorporated into a year-long process of journeying together, getting to know each other more intimately.
The companioning process is an opportunity to think through, write about and talk through areas of growth and challenge presented by the promises and faced by Ignatian Associates as individuals and as members of a community.
Our Promises
Reflective information about the content and disposition of our Promises. For use by Promised Ignatian Associates.
View information about our Promises of Simplicity of Life, Fidelity, and Apostolic Availability»
“Bin” Companioning
A process for involvement of Ignatian Associate community members in a discernment process for an individual “Discerning Associate” was described in June 1999 by the [then] Ramos Community Leaders, Mary Jo Layden and Pat Russell. It was called “Bin Companionship.”
Guide for Formators
The purpose of formation is to draw us into the life of Christ and bring us true freedom to serve others. Each Ignatian Associate commits to this lifelong growth process.
Initial formation is a two-year process. It includes the Retreat in Daily Life and a study of the history, mission, and philosophy of the Jesuits and the Ignatian Associates. Formation deepens prayer, faith sharing, and reflection on apostolic activity as well as developing group intimacy and trust. In addition, formation emphasizes the Catholic Church’s teachings on social justice and the call to lay leadership and service. The study and discernment of the Promises of Simplicity of Life, Fidelity, and Apostolic Availability are integral. Hands-on apostolic experiences and prayerful reflection on the same are critical to Ignatian Associate formation.
Formators are “Promised” Associates and Jesuits who have a background in Ignatian Spirituality/theology and interpersonal and group dynamics. They serve as companions/mentors to Associates in formation.
Local communities will provide Promised Associates with ongoing formation opportunities including, but not limited to, retreats and theological reflection on apostolic activities and the Spiritual Exercises.
View/download the Formation Guide »
Articles and other Printed Materials
Information which may be especially helpful for Formators, and which is listed in the “Guide For Formators” is cataloged in an Excel spreadsheet format.
View the composite of articles, monographs, and texts available.