The 19th Annotation refers to a version of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola that is adapted for people living in the midst of daily life. Rather than withdrawing for a 30-day silent retreat, participants commit to a journey of prayer, reflection, and spiritual direction over a period of approximately 30 weeks. This format makes the profound experience of the Exercises accessible to laypeople, clergy, and religious with professional, family, or personal responsibilities.

Participants commit to:

32 weeks of daily prayer (usually 45–60 minutes per day)

Weekly spiritual direction meetings (approximately 45–60 minutes)

Occasional group gatherings - building community

The retreat typically begins in early fall (September) and ends in late spring (May).

Participants are expected to:

Dedicate daily time to prayer using the structure of the Spiritual Exercises

Meet weekly with a trained spiritual director

Keep a prayer journal or notes on their experience

Be open, honest, and committed to the process of spiritual growth and discernment

Maintain confidentiality and reverence for the journey

No. While the Spiritual Exercises are rooted in Catholic tradition, the 19th Annotation retreat is open to all Christians and seekers who desire a deeper relationship with God and are open to the structure and spirituality of Ignatius of Loyola. Participants of various denominations and backgrounds have found the experience transformative.

Spiritual direction is a sacred conversation with a trained guide who helps you notice how God is present and active in your life. The spiritual directors for the 19th Annotation retreat are trained in Ignatian spirituality and affiliated with the Ignatian Spirituality Center. They accompany you without judgment, helping you deepen your prayer life and discern God’s call.

Many participants begin the Exercises without formal theological training or experience in spiritual direction. What matters most is a desire to grow closer to God and a willingness to commit to the daily prayer and weekly meetings. The retreat is guided step-by-step, and your spiritual director will support you at every stage.

The retreat follows the four “weeks” (or phases) of the Spiritual Exercises:

Week One: Reflection on God’s love, human brokenness, and mercy

Week Two: Meditation on the life of Christ and the call to discipleship

Week Three: Contemplation of the Passion and suffering of Jesus

Week Four: Rejoicing in the Resurrection and living a life of mission

Each week includes tailored scripture passages, Ignatian contemplations, and prayer exercises. The structure unfolds gradually and personally with the guidance of your spiritual director.

We invite you to pray with these questions:

Am I longing for a deeper relationship with God?

Am I willing to commit to daily prayer and weekly conversation?

Do I feel drawn to explore how God is active in my daily life?

Is this a time in my life when I can give myself to this journey?

If the answer is “yes” or even “maybe,” we encourage you to reach out and speak with someone at the Ignatian Spirituality Center to explore the possibility further.

Option One: Individual Spiritual Direction

You meet one-on-one with a trained Ignatian spiritual director who accompanies you throughout the retreat.

Option Two: Director-Led Group

You make the Exercises alongside other retreatants in a group guided by a trained Ignatian spiritual director.

Both formats invite you into the same essential journey of prayer, reflection, discernment, and growing intimacy with God. The principal difference is how you receive guidance and accompaniment.

Individual Direction will use the book The Ignatian Adventure by Kevin O’Brien, SJ

Group Direction will use the book The New Spiritual Exercises: In the Spirit of Teilhard de Chardin by Louis Savary

Optional supplementary materials on Ignatian prayer and discernment

Access to optional group gatherings and days of reflection.

The participant fee for the 19th Annotation retreat is $500.00, which is subsidized through the generosity of our donors (including many past participants). There are also scholarships available and no one is turned away for financial reasons. This model achieves our dual aim of making the exercises accessible to everyone and ensuring fair compensation for our trained directors.

Retreat Scholarship Form

Yes, within reason. The retreat is designed for people in daily life. Travel or disruptions can be managed with communication and flexibility. Weekly meetings with your spiritual director can sometimes be held virtually or rescheduled, and your director will help adjust the pace if needed.