4.2 Scranton - seymour

Thread: Religious

Subgroup: Individual

Foci: All Faculty

Program Title: Annotation 18 of the Spiritual Exercises

Contact Person/Office: Henry Haske, SJ

School : Scranton Preparatory School

Program Description: A 10-week group experience of the Spiritual Exercises

Rationale: An Ignatian Way of Proceeding and educating can only proceed authentically when grounded in the Spiritual Exercises.

Leadership: Henry Haske, SJ (Senior Priest) designed and directs the retreat

Implementation: Each semester all faculty are invited to join a retreat cohort of 2-5 retreatants.

Processes and Resources: Henry Haske, SJ calls an introductory meeting early in the semester to assess interest and availability; a common meeting time is established. Each meeting begins with participant reflection / faith sharing on recent prayer exercises. Henry offers reflections on the movement of the Graces of the Exercises, tying previous prayer experiences into forthcoming experiences, offers specific prayer points and passages for upcoming days, then calls for final questions and reflections. Retreat prayer materials are a compilation of Henry’s many years of retreat directing experience.

Finances: There is no compensation for retreat director or participants. Participant materials are created using regular school supplies (copier, etc)

Rewards: The Greater Glory of God! Retreat participants have then become small group leaders for Kairos alum who wish to participate in a five-week experience of the themes of the Exercises during Lent.

Time (When/Length): The first retreat cohort was formed in Fall 2010. A cohort has formed each semester since then, with approximately 15 faculty members having made the retreat. Retreat cohorts meet once or twice weekly, either before or after school, for approximately 30 minutes.

Location (Space): Retreatants meet in Henry’s office or in the chapel.

Accountability/Assessment: At the end of each semester, Henry conducts an evaluation of the process and the experience with retreatants. Henry regularly engages in conversation with others in the development and implementation of this program.