Loyola Spirituality Center, Saint Paul, MN

Thinking about trying spiritual direction, but don’t know where to begin?

We offer free consultations, so you can determine if the director is a good fit for your spiritual needs.

We will meet you either in person (generally at our offices in Saint Paul, MN) or over Zoom.

For more information and to learn more about who we are: https://loyolaspiritualitycenter.org/our-spiritual-directors/

Our Vision:
A loving and compassionate spirituality for all of life.

Our Mission:
Companioning the spiritually curious as they listen and respond more deeply to the presence and movement of the sacred in their lives.

Join us on Zoom for Thursday Prayers
Every Thursday at 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM

Attend one, some, or all 20-minute sessions for free!

Spiritual practices that set time apart in quiet prayer are considered contemplative prayer practices. With so many unknowns, grief and stress in today’s world, contemplative prayer provides time to be calm, still and become aware of the Spirit. Within this quiet time, our hearts begin to open to feel God's presence, God’s love and God’s attention.

Morning: Centering prayer is a very personal, contemplative type of prayer. Using a phrase, word, or image as a beginning point, one sits in quiet, letting the mind dwell on God for a concentrated timeframe. When our minds are so easily consumed by news, events, and challenges, this spiritual practice of concentrating on God’s presence can be healing and grounding to help us live our best lives.

Evening: The Examen is a step-by-step process to reflect on your day, notice how the events affected you, and imagine helpful ways to move forward with God. This prayer is especially helpful to find spiritual balance when you feel stuck, hopeless, or discouraged during trying times.

Get Thursday Prayers Links:
Every Wednesday, you'll receive an email with Zoom links for our Thursday Morning Centering Prayer and our Thursday Evening Examen:
https://loyolaspiritualitycenter.org/thursday-prayers/

What are the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola?

Here is what you may experience in this process:

~Encounter the living God and God’s presence in creation and in your personal life story and current life circumstance.
~Learn to pray with scripture using meditation, contemplation, and imagination.
~Develop your ability to reflect on and verbalize your spiritual experience.
~Learn how to bring together contemplation and action.
~Grow in discernment.
~Grasp the Ignatian vision of Finding God in All Things.

Since the sixteenth century when St. Ignatius of Loyola created the Spiritual Exercises, people from all walks of life have been drawn to this powerful retreat experience. The most common form used by people today is “The Retreat in Everyday Life.” Those desiring to make this retreat commit to an hour of daily prayer with scripture, reflection on the prayer, and the keeping of a journal. In addition, there are weekly meetings with a spiritual director. The meetings take place at Loyola Spirituality Center. The retreat is spread out over 8 to 10 months, usually beginning in the fall.

Ignatius believed that the full Exercises needed extended time to unfold and that those making the retreat needed individual guidance. The dynamic of the Exercises should develop slowly so that the retreatants can move at their own pace without pressure.

For more information about the Spiritual Exercises retreat: https://loyolaspiritualitycenter.org/the-spiritual-exercises/

Are you interested in the topic: “Resiliency in an Age of Doom Scrolling”?

Small Group Series – Groups forming NOW!

Meetings: 4 sessions, 2 hours each over 6 weeks, one at the beginning and then every other week.
ACTUAL DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED

Small groups are being formed now that will explore how a 500-year-old world view and practices of Spanish mystic Ignatius of Loyola speaks to our present day.

We live in a time of relentless interruptions. We scroll through our feeds seeing all that is broken in the world and it seems like we have no power to do anything about most of it. In this chaos we cannot help but feel outrage, shame, guilt, fear, and worry.

Do you ever wonder, “What could I possibly do to make a difference?” Well, there is a way to notice opportunities to make a difference and nurture the inner resilience to take action.

With a bit of adaptation, Ignatius’ ancient writings and reflections can be inspiring enough to tip powerlessness on its head.

For more information or to let us know that you are interested in joining a small group:
https://loyolaspiritualitycenter.org/programs/resiliency-in-an-age-of-doom-scrollin/

Our Guiding Principle:
Loyola Spirituality Center is a community of spiritual directors grounded in Ignatian Spirituality.

Ignatian Spirituality is rooted in the conviction that the sacred is present in our world and active in our lives. It provides a pathway to deeper prayer, decisions guided by keen discernment, and a life of service to others.

Meet our Spiritual Directors!

Loyola Spirituality Center employs thirteen trained, experienced, and certified spiritual directors. We are available to meet with you to listen to you with non-judgmental compassion and in strict confidence as you navigate your spiritual journey.

Here is a directory with photos and information about each director with a link to help you find the right person for you: https://loyolaspiritualitycenter.org/our-spiritual-directors/