The Trauma-Informed Spiritual Exercises:  Growing Your Spiritual and Pastoral Caregiving Skills for Life’s Wounded

The American Psychological Association calls trauma “an emotional response to a terrible event.” Research indicates that about 70% of people worldwide have been exposed to at least one traumatic event in their lives: suffering injuries to body, mind, brain, and spirit. Most people are familiar with the term “posttraumatic stress disorder” (PTSD). However, the ancient Greek word for trauma means a wound—not a disorder—inflicted upon the body by an act of violence. God’s people are wounded, and those entrusted with the care of souls are called to respond.

This weekend offering is designed for the personal and professional development of spiritual and pastoral caregivers—including those in parish, educational, or healthcare settings—who are seeking to grow their trauma-informed self-awareness and skills.

Grounded in Fr. McChesney’s book on mental health and Ignatian spirituality, it will:

1. situate Saint Ignatius in light of contemporary trauma theory;
2. examine the significance of “soul-healing” in Christian and Ignatian tradition; and
3. identify Ignatian spiritual insights and practices adapted to noticing and caring for the wounded among us, many of whom are journeying through posttraumatic growth in the wake of “moral injury trauma” or “spiritual injury trauma.”

An in-person workshop/retreat, it will include input and exercises from the facilitators, dialogue and faith sharing among participants, and time for both liturgical and personal prayer.

This retreat includes approximately 12 hours with the presenters, 4 meals and opportunities to explore our 10 acres of natural beauty.  Liturgy will be offered at the end of the day on Sunday for those who wish to celebrate.

Tentative Schedule of the Days:

Saturday (1/31/26) 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 

9:30 – 10:00   Light refreshments available before the program

10:00 – 12:30 Morning Session

12:30 – 1:30   Lunch

1:30 – 5:30     Afternoon Session

5:30 – 6:30     Dinner

6:30 – 8:00     Optional Evening Session

Sunday (2/1/26) 10:00 a.m – 4 pm

8:30 – 9:45     Breakfast available

10:00 – 12:30 Morning Session

12:30 – 1:30    Lunch

 1:30 – 2:30      Afternoon Session

2:45 – 4:00     Closing Ritual / Sunday Mass