Dear ,

In a world hungry for change and a deeper sense of its humanity, the Spirit of God is at work. To tune into what God is doing in our lives, in our world, is to discern.

Over the last 20 months we have bought you spiritual exercises, formation, and reflections on discernment.

This month, the JISA Discernment Series draws to a close with a selection of the most read pieces of the contributions from our JISA community, and of course Pope Francis.

Discernment Spiritual Exercises - Your Favourites

During the JISA Discernment Series we bought you sixteen Discernment Spiritual Exercises from God’s Field Hospital, developed by Michael Hansen SJ, Director from JISA’s First Spiritual Exercises Ministry. Here are the top three most listened to Exercises…

Exploring Discernment - from Pope Francis

“Authentic discernment calls for knowledge, insight, and experience but also the wisdom of the heart, firm commitment, and unremitting effort. As an exercise of our God-given freedom, spiritual discernment seeks to know our place in the Creator’s plan for ourselves and for our world.”

Here below are three of the most loved chapters we bought you from Pope Francis’ catechesis on Discernment. 

The elements of Discernment - Self Knowledge

"Coming to know ourselves… requires honesty and a patient descent into the depths of our heart…”

Discernment and Desolation

We have all experienced desolation… it too has something important to tell us, and if we are in a hurry to free ourselves of it, we risk losing this.

True Consolation

"…how can we recognise true consolation? It is a very important question for good discernment, so as not to be deceived in the search for our true good.”

Exploring Discernment - Reflections and Formation

Here are three of the most read reflections on discernment from our JISA community. We hope you draw much fruitfulness from this material which we have enjoyed bringing to you.

The Awareness Examen – A Tool for Discernment

“It’s not an ‘out-there’ prayer, it’s about critically reflecting on my own life and journey … The Examen builds awareness over time that enhances my discernment, another tool that I have embedded into my own life.”

Jennie Hickey from Jesuit Education Australia reflects on the gift of the Examen.

Seeking Clarity

Liz Kerr and Kerry Rush from JISA Faber in Queensland, reflect on the gift of seeking clarity in Ignatian discernment.

When God Gets Cranky - Two Amazing Things You Learn

Michael Hansen SJ, Director of JISA’s First Spiritual Exercises ministry, tells us a story of how our senses are a rich source of wisdom for our ongoing discernment. 

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.