Spirituality

The course presents spirituality and its biblical roots including the Greek contemplative ideal. The early classical spiritual writers; Origen, the Desert Tradition, Pseudo Dionysius; the middle ages including the Franciscans, Meister Eckhart, Julian of Norwich; later middle ages including the spirituality of St. Ignatius of Loyola, St. John of the Cross and St. Teresa of Avila, culminating in a survey of 20th century spiritual figures. An examination of contemporary spirituality including the practice of prayer and spiritual discernment, a review of current secular and non-Christian forms of spirituality.

This course will focus on the spiritual dimensions of leadership, the leader’s personal spiritual growth and the leader’s responsibilities in the areas of community building, faith development, celebrations of faith, Christian service and the moral development of children, youth, and adults in a Catholic school community.

The course provides an overview of Christian Spirituality and the universal call to holiness. Attention will be given to understanding Christian Spirituality as it related to contemporary Christian living and the quest for integration of mind, body, and soul. An awareness of the great variety of Christian spiritualities and emphasis on our human search for meaning and purpose.

The course presents the fundamental principles of Ignatian spirituality, especially as described in the Spiritual Exercises. It will discuss the elements of the theology underlying Ignatian spirituality and guided Ignatian contemplation and the Examen. Ignatian spirituality as it connects to one’s personal life as well as service to others.

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