For a few months now I have been looking forward to starting the online retreat offered by Creighton University's Collaborative Ministry office. Essentially, this is a series of 34 weekly reflections based on the Spiritual Exercises, starting Sep 18. The progression of the Spiritual Exercises is a powerful way to work on one's relationship with Jesus, and has been used by folks for a good 450 years now.
Instead of doing this retreat on my own, I want to open it up and invite everyone else to join me. I'll provide the online space for everyone to write & share experiences, via this blog or another one. You don't have to be a Catholic Christian to sign-up for this online retreat; there's nothing really exclusively Catholic about it. So please don't let that be a barrier. Actually, there's no sign-up at all; no cost; no penalties to join late or leave early.
The retreat materials are available online via your web browser, and can also be downloaded via PDF for offline viewing for each week too. It's also available via Avantgo, so you can sync it with your Palm / PocketPC device and take it on the go.
If you'd like to participate, or have some questions, just leave a comment here or send me an email (steve@bogners.com).
I don't know how much time is involved in this, Steve. Between YDC, the mission, school, and a family, it gets "tight" sometimes. Your online retreat certainly sounds interesting, though, and may provide "fodder" for my other "busyness". I'm certainly open to hear more........
Posted by: Jim | September 06, 2005 at 04:26 PM
I'm glad to provide more info.
From what I see, one can put in as little as 15 or 20 minutes per week, or hours. Each week has a few common components - introduction, reflection, scripture, prayer, and tips. I can see some people tackling the whole thing at once during the week; others might take it in smaller, more frequent doses.
Will it give you some fodder for your other 'busyness'? Oh, I'm sure it will.
I forgot to mention the link to the page showing people's responses & feedback to the retreat. That might also help you get an idea of how it goes.
I hope your heart says 'yes' to this Jim - you could add a lot to whatever group (hopefully)forms here.
... did that work?
Posted by: Steve Bogner | September 06, 2005 at 04:59 PM
Jim, Good luck with the online retreat. I hope you get some others to join you. It can be a really powerful experience. It's my joy to spend a lot of my time accompanying others through the Spiritual Exercises in various adaptations and it always moves me to see what happens.
Posted by: Rob | September 06, 2005 at 06:04 PM
Oops .. I meant to direct that comment to Steve. You got caught in the crossfire Jim...
Posted by: Rob | September 06, 2005 at 06:06 PM
Steve,
I would love to join you. I have always wanted to do them, and tried on the Crieghton site, but it was too impersonal. I think it calls for a smaller group that actually knows a little about each other in order to get something out of the experience of "journeying together".
I will let you know that I am taking two gradual school classes this semester, so you may have to prod me to keep up, but I am willing to work this into my week.
Posted by: Maggie | September 06, 2005 at 06:32 PM
I am interested in doing this as well. However, I did the 19th Annotation of the Spiritual Exercises about 12 years ago and don't want to take part without letting you know that.
Also, I am living and working in another country as a lay missionary. Internet access and the electricity to run a computer are not "givens" here. I would love the opportunity to take part in and share spiritual insights in my own language. Although my Spanish is acceptable, the nuances needed for discussing spiritual things are more difficult in a second language.
Posted by: Grace | September 06, 2005 at 08:20 PM
Steve,
I've been staring at the Exercises for a couple of months now trying to decide whether or not I wanted to take the step. Given that I found this post almost by accident, I think I'm being led...so I'm in. :)
Posted by: Catherine | September 06, 2005 at 08:39 PM
I'm willing to give it a shot! Things might change if I get the okay to head to the Gulf, but for now count me in.
Posted by: Jenn | September 06, 2005 at 09:17 PM
Thanks Steve, for your message letting me join up too.
Posted by: Crystal | September 06, 2005 at 09:39 PM
Si! I have been thinking about the Exercises for years, but have never started. I'm concerned about time, but surely I can carve out an hour or two a week. I'm going to London next week, you say I can download files? I don;t know about connections. Do I need to sign up? This is exciting!
Hector
Posted by: Hector | September 07, 2005 at 12:04 AM