PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

From its 1926 beginning, Manresa has offered three-day and four-day conference retreats, and has since added individually directed retreats. But Manresa is more than a Retreat House; in reality, it is a Spirituality Center with many other opportunities for spiritual growth.

The seminar introduces participants to Ignatian Spirituality. Ignatian Spirituality is for ordinary people living ordinary daily lives. Because it insists that God is with us, this spirituality is a pathway to deeper prayer, good decisions guided by the fruits of discernment, and a life of service to others. It is rooted in developing a real and personal relationship with Jesus and living as His companion in service

The seminar is organized into four mini-courses.

• The Life and Spirit of St. Ignatius
• Praying with Ignatius
• The Spiritual Exercises: An Overview
• The Dynamics of the Exercises and Ignatian Prayer

• Overview of Reading Scripture
• Infancy Narratives
• Kingdom of God: Mission & Vision
• The Ministry of Jesus
• Passion, Death & Resurrection

The Internship focuses on developing the necessary skills used in spiritual conversations that take place in hospices, jails, nursing homes, hospitals, workplaces or individual settings.

The curriculum includes developing listening and spiritual conversation skills, the dynamics of the Spiritual Journey, forms of prayer and ethical practices. Workshops address topics such as grief, mid-life and aging, mental health and the Twelve Step process. Presenters are members of the Manresa staff and professionals in their respective disciplines.

Interns also engage in one-on-one spiritual conversations under the guidance of supervisors.

Internship requirements include:

• Complete participation in the Seminar on Ignatian Spirituality
• Complete the application process
• Participate in monthly workshops
• Complete assigned readings and reflection papers
• Spend at least 60 hours in spiritual conversations
• Complete 12 sessions of supervision
• Lead one group prayer/retreat experience, e.g., lectio divina, small group reflections
• Have a spiritual director, meeting monthly or so
• Make a 5 day individually directed silent retreat and a retreat of choice during the Internship

The Internship is generally a two-year process and the cost is $2,400, not including books or retreats.

For more information:

Contact Ann Dillon or Fr. Steve Hurd, SJ

Manresa Jesuit Retreat House

1390 Quarton Road
Bloomfield Hills, Michigan 48304

Phone: 248.644.4933 Ext. 107

Email: ADillon@manresa-sj.org

WHAT IS SPIRITUAL DIRECTION?

Spiritual direction is about intensifying one’s relation­ship with God. It is noticing and savoring God’s presence in everyday living.

Because every aspect of your life affects your relationship with God, ordinary concerns such as work, family, relationships, emotional hurts, joy, anger, fears, anxieties, addictions or dreams are shared in spiritual direction. A director helps you explore whatever may block you from knowing God’s loving presence as well as whatever may increase that awareness. You are helped to truly see yourself through God’s eyes as the gift you are.

Spiritual direction helps develop the skill of discern­ment, which enables you to be more attentive to how God is leading and guiding you. You grow in noticing the ways in which God is touching your life, directly or indirectly.

Some people prefer the term “spiritual companionship” because “spiritual direction” sounds like one person giving directions, or orders, to another. What you call it doesn’t make any real difference. The reality remains: it is conversation about your life in the light of faith.

Spiritual direction is not counseling. It is not therapy. It is not financial advice. It is not a friendship.

MUST I COME TO MANRESA TO MEET WITH A SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR?

While there are spiritual directors who meet with persons at Manresa, there are directors who meet with individuals throughout southeastern Michigan and Ohio.

WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR IN A SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR?

A spiritual director is someone called to and well prepared for this ministry. She or he should be grounded in the Scriptures, sustained by a deep prayer life and carefully trained in the area of discernment. It may be helpful if she or he has experience or expertise in areas related to your life situation. But it is not essential.

The relationship between you and a director is based on confidentiality and a sense of trust, which enable you to be comfortable and open with your director.

HOW OFTEN DO I MEET WITH MY SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR?

Frequency varies with individual need and circum­stance. Generally, meeting every four weeks or so is ideal. More or fewer sessions may be appropriate for others.

WHAT DOES IT COST?

It is customary to offer a stipend to support the spiritual director in this ministry. You and the director should discuss this during your first session.

HOW DO I BEGIN?

If you are interested in learning more about spiritual direction or would like to meet with a director, contact Ann Dillon. She is a member of our staff who can answer your questions. She will also help you find a director who would be a good match for you. Ann can be reached by calling Manresa at 248.644.4933 Ext. 107, or you may email Ann at adillon@manresa-sj.org.

Click here for the brochure.

For Women:

For Men and Women:

• Lectio Prayer Group – Click HERE for the flyer.
• Christian Yoga: 2022 Winter/ Spring Schedule – Click HERE for the flyer.
• Christian Yoga: 2022 Fall Schedule –  Click HERE for the flyer.
• Praying with Art (Starts 2/8/2022) – Click HERE for the flyer.
• Scripture Study 2022 Winter/ Spring  (Starts 1/11/2022) – Click HERE for the flyer.
• Grief and Ignatian Discernment (Starts 1/13/2022) – Click HERE for the flyer.
• Book Study (Experiencing Friendship with God) (Starts 2/13/2022) – Click HERE for the flyer.
• Book Study (Nonviolent Communication) (Starts 3/7/2022) – Click HERE for the flyer.Further information and registration:

If you are interested in any of these events, click on it and you will be presented with further information and a “Register” button if it is necessary to register. Complete the registration process as instructed.

I – Days of Recollection

In addition to our regular weekend and midweek retreats, we are available for Days of Prayer and Recollection.

Days of Recollection are offered for groups of parishioners or others with a minimum of 20 and a maximum of 80 people.

The schedule for such days can be determined by the group organizer. A typical schedule might be the following:

A group may decide on different arrival or departure times and on the structure of the day.

The cost for a Day of Reflection (including lunch) is $40 for adults and $30 for seniors.

The cost for student and youth retreat days (including lunch) are priced as follows: 

• $25 per person (using a Manresa presenter/facilitator)
• $22 per person (using its own presenter/facilitator)

II – Time Away for Parish Staff, Lay Leadership, Committees & Groups

Manresa is an attractive place for parish staff, parish lay leadership, or parish committees or other groups to meet, whether for a part of a day or an evening, for a whole day, or for an overnight. If desired, the Manresa staff can supply some appropriate input.

III -Younger People

Manresa can host prayer days and prayer experiences for youth groups or for those preparing for Confirmation. The parish sponsoring such experiences must bring their own director and prefects.

III -A Day to Call Your Own

Manresa offers you a “day to call your own” one day a month to get away from the busyness and noise of everyday life. We provide you with a private room and a simple soup lunch. Enjoy the silence and peace that is Manresa. We have four chapels, a comfortable library, a bookstore; pray at our outdoor labyrinth or Stations of the Cross; enjoy the nature and beauty of our grounds.
The day starts 8:00AM and goes to 3:30PM. Reflect, meditate, pray, walk, soul-search, read and just be.

Our next opportunities will be:

2022 Schedule: Click HERE for the flyer