Dear ,

June is traditionally known as the month of the 'Sacred Heart of Jesus’. What might this devotion mean for us today?

At the heart of Ignatian Spirituality is the retreat the Spiritual Exercises of St Ignatius, which has as its climax, an exercise called the ‘Contemplation to Attain Love’, or, as it is also known, the ‘Contemplation to Love as Christ Loves,’ in which there a recognition of the presence of Christ in all things and an invitation to become bearers of that love to others.

May our devotion to the Sacred Heart enable us to become more like the ‘Heart of Christ,’ transforming the world through our lives of love, care, compassion, and joy.

What brings you joy? A crucial discernment question.

“Joy, of course, is not the same as happiness; happiness is ephemeral, but joy is that deep sense of rightness in the way I am living my life. It is a surge of energy and uplift, a kind of holy restlessness that sparkles with deep desire, a longing to invest myself more deeply, more richly, more fully, to open my talents even more widely than I have before.”

Micheál Loughnane shares his reflections on this crucial element of discernment. Micheál is a JISA Spiritual Director and Coordinator of the Jesuit Province’s Arrupe Program in forming people to give the Spiritual Exercises.

Whatever largens your heart

“I loved entering into the scriptures, visualising those conversations really helped me heal and see life and faith in a bigger frame. While I journaled, I noticed the Spirit inviting me into the Magis, to be more than I could be. Whatever largens your heart to make free life-giving choices, that’s where I’ll walk and go.”

Claire Thomas from Jesuit Social Services in Mount Druitt Sydney shares her experience of discernment from making the full Spiritual Exercises.

Accompanying Discerning Leaders 

“Accompaniment of leaders is one of the important ingredients in helping the Church become more synodal.”

Dean Mason, JISA Campion Spiritual Director, shares his experience in accompanying discerning leaders with the global Discerning Leadership Program.

Exploring Synodality in your Parish

Pope Francis says that we are a Church on the move, and it is not always easy to clearly see the path ahead. Synodality calls for us to put our confidence in God as we discern a path of service in today’s world. We can be confident that we will receive the grace to do so, discerning the journey together, as the people of God, as Church.

We at JISA, are available to walk with you, offering parish retreats exploring synodality and/or formation of your leaders in the synodal ways of Conversation in the Spirit and Discernment.

Are you looking for ways to support the professional and spiritual development of teachers and leaders in your school? Wondering how to make space in the calendar and find life for yourself and your colleagues? Thinking about how to offer formation? Jesuit and Ignatian Spirituality Australia is here to help.

We offer impactful programs for your teachers and leaders –including walks, as part of staff development days. A unique way to combine physical activity with spiritual growth.

Discover your Catholic identity more deeply, explore your mission and vision, and get assistance with ongoing leadership discernment. ‘Dare to dream!’ Contact us today and together we can create programs tailored to your needs.

Work with JISA - Peter Canisius House 

We are seeking an experienced administration assistant to work full time out of Peter Canisius House - a retreat centre based in Sydney's North Shore.

You will have administration experience and be proficient with Microsoft Office suite and Google applications.

Applications close Friday 14th June 5pm