A Summer Course for Ignatian Formation: Theological Dynamics of the Spiritual Exercises
This summer course is a pilot being offered to the Ignatian Spirituality Center by Fr. Hung Pham, SJ. This is a college level course that will benefit persons who have made the full Spiritual Exercises including those who give the Spiritual Exercises, work in Jesuit/Ignatian ministries, or are just interested in going deeper into their understanding of the dynamics of conversion that are part of their retreat experience.
This is a 8-week long course, meeting on Mondays and Thursday, begining on Monday, June 29th at 7pm. It will be a virtual classroom experience meeting for 90 minutes. This is an academic experience in that there will be reading assignments and an optional project at the end. It will be interactive with presentations and small group sharing. Note: there will be a one week break, so from beginning to end this will span nine weeks and end on Thursday, August 27th. The last three sessions are in flux depending on the number of presentation, so it is possible that we may finish earlier.
Objectives
After having completed this course, students will be able to:
Identity various theological dynamics found in the Autobiography and the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius of Loyola.
Integrate this theological dynamics in one’s own experience and spiritual growth.
Apply these theological dynamics in various pastoral contexts such as teaching and directing the Exercises.
Cultivate the love and appreciation the Spiritual Exercises.
Students are expected to:
Attend all the lectures ONLINE on the scheduled dates (request syllabus for more details)
Complete all assigned readings on time.
Participate in small group discussion.
Work on various assigned projects (optional).
Assigned Readings:
The Spiritual Exercises and Autobiography of St. Ignatius of Loyola. If you do not own these you may purchase:
Ignatius of Loyola, Personal Writings, Munitiz, J. (ed.), (London: Penguin Classic, 1996)
Additional readings will be provided in class via Canvas, an online blackboard for communicating.
Fr. Pham is the provincial assistant of formation for the Central and Southern Province. His role is to work with Jesuits in the initial stages of formation, the extended period of Jesuit training, both academic and experiential. A Jesuit for 26 years he has also served at St. Louis University High School, Regis University, and the Jesuit Refugee Service in Thailand.. He has led various seminars and courses in Ignatian Spirituality in Singapore, Spain, Thailand, and Vietnam. In 2016, he was selected as one of the UCS delegates to attend the Thirty-Sixty General Congregation of the Society of Jesus.
COURSE SCHEDULE AND CONTENT
Monday, June 29, 2020 - Introduction
What is spirituality? Christian spirituality? Ignatian Spirituality?
Dynamics between spirituality and theology
Quick survey in the history of Christian spirituality
Thursday, July 2, 2020 - Original Inspiration
Spiritual dynamics in the Autobiography of St. Ignatius of Loyola
Monday, July 6, 2020 - From Experience to Text and The Dynamics of Conversion
The Spiritual Exercises of St Ignatius of Loyola: Its origin and composition.
Thursday, July 9, 2020 - Dynamics of Conversion
First Week: From Self-centered to God-centered
Monday, July 13, 2020 - Learning God’s Language: Sentir, Conocer, y Hacer
Rules of Discernment of the First Week
Thursday, July 16 - Dynamics of Conversion
Second Week: From Self-determination to discipleship
Summer Break - July 20 - July 23 - Working/Preparing Individual Projects
Monday, July 27, 2020 - Learning God’s Love Language - Sentir, Conocer, y Hacer
Rules of Discernment of the Second Week
Thursday, July 30, 2020 - Dynamics of Conversion
Third Week: From Sympathy to Compassion
Monday, August 3, 2020 - Dynamics of Conversion
Fourth Week: From Faith to Realized Hope
Thursday, August 6, 2020 - Special Topics in Ignatian Spirituality
Composition of Place
Prayer
Monday, August 10, 2020 - Special Topics in Ignatian Spirituality
Mission, Community, Leadership
Thursday, August 13, 2020 - Special Topics in Ignatian Spirituality
Spiritual Conversation
Group Discernment
Spiritual Direction
(the follow schedule depends on the number of Individual projects presented, we could finish earlier)
Monday, August 17, 2020 - Presentations
Thursday, August 20, 2020 - Presentations
Monday, August 24, 2020 - Presentations
Thursday, August 27, 2020 - Evaluation
LOCATION
Virtual via Zoom meetings. You will need a computer with camera and microphone or a tablet with the same capability.
COST
$120
FOR MORE INFO
If you have further questions, please email Susan Friedrichsen at connect@ignatiancenterkc.org