The Ignatius Jesuit Centre is a place of peace, grounded in the spirituality of St. Ignatius Loyola. We envision a global community of people who have integrated their inner and outer life with all Creation.
Our Mission
We are committed to sharing the sacredness of Creation through spiritual development, education, the fostering of community and caring for the land.
Program Objectives
We are dedicated to providing programs that:
- Foster an ecological way of life, for the healing of the world
- Nurture a deeper spirituality in people, leading to inner freedom
- Promote the production of local sustainable food
- Provide a welcoming space for individual & communal discernment, and education
Values
Rooted in the Christian tradition and building on the history of the Jesuit community in the Guelph area, we value:
- All of Creation
- Compassion
- Ecological sustainability
- Interfaith connections
- Social justice
- The Spiritual journey
- Unity in diversity
Jim Profit, SJ, Executive Director
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Stations of the Cosmos Opens
May 26, 2009
A Billion Year Odyssey
Please join us this Sunday, May 31, at 2:00 pm for the Stations of the Cosmos opening at the Ignatius Jesuit Centre, in Guelph, (5420 Hwy #6 North, R.R. #5).
This one-of-a-kind spiral meditative walk and display represents 13.7 billion years of mankind�s cosmic and evolutionary journey. The Stations of the Cosmos show key milestones in the universe�s development at proportionate distances along the length of the spiral, accompanied by photographs that celebrate God�s magnificence as revealed in Creation.
“The Stations represent what priest and historian Thomas Berry call a 'new story� to guide the world into a less destructive ecological age”, says Marianne Karsh, coordinator of ecology projects at the Ignatius Jesuit Centre of Guelph.
Karsh spearheads the project and adds, the Stations integrate a scientific account of the emergence of the universe with an understanding of its inherent sacredness. The first station located near the centre of the spiral, represents the flaring forth of the universe, while other stations adjacent to the walk show traditional and ecological Stations of the Cross, as well as the emergence of major world religions.
“We hope that many people will come and see this truly stunning display and learn more about Guelph�s place of peace”, says Jim Profit, executive director of the Ignatius Jesuit Centre.
The Stations will be blessed and opened following a Land Blessing ceremony earlier in the day. Visitors can also see a new Peace Pole erected at the Centre and stroll many of the newly opened trails on the 650-acre property while enjoying light refreshments.
Stations of the Cosmos
Thomas Berry, Passionist priest and eco-theologian, argues that our culture needs a New Story to guide it into a less destructive ecological age. Such a story integrates the scientific story of evolution with the experience of a sacred presence within the universe. By way of a spiral meditative walk, the Stations of the Cosmos will depict significant “moments of grace” in this Story. Unique to the meditative walk will be the incorporation of stations depicting the Development of Religion, and the traditional Stations of the Cross. The latter is a devotion practiced by Christians for many centuries, depicting the story of the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus.
We are grateful to the Catherine Donnelly Foundation and individual donors for support of this project.
------------------------------------
Labyrinth
Created by former Land Manager, Craig Chamberlain, the Labyrinth suggests a Chartres Cathedral design — a reworking of the ancient labyrinth geometry in which an equal armed cross is emphasized.
Typically there are three stages to walking the labyrinth: “releasing” on the way in, “receiving” in the center and “returning” when you follow the return path back out of the labyrinth. Symbolically, you are taking back out into the world that which you have received.
http://www.ignatiusguelph.ca/docs/Labyrinth.pdf
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Earth Prayer
Join us in an Earth Prayer to listen in the prayer of the Earth and celebrate its life and gifts. People of all ages are welcome.
This is the first of a new monthly gathering to be with the land in its changing seasons, and pray for the healing of Earth. We will pilgrimage to a different place on the land each month. We'll join in song and share stories.
Dress to suit the weather, as we will be outdoors. Gather at the Peace Pole, in behind the greenhouse...park at the farm workshop.
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Retreats And Programs
ADVENT & LENTEN TAIZÉ
Facilitated by Erik Oland, S.J. and Tarcia Gerwing
Beginning with Evening Prayer on Friday, the retreat schedule follows the Taizé monastic pattern of the day - morning, noon, and evening prayer. The retreats close on Sunday noon with Eucharist. The weekends will be punctuated with brief inputs and the opportunity for group sharing. While areas will be designated for silence, these are not totally silent retreats. In keeping with the monastic tradition, meals will be simpler.
NATURE JOURNALING RETREAT- PUTTING YOUR SPIRITUALITY TO PAPER- NEW
Facilitated by Marianne Karsh
Nature Journaling is a retreat to draw upon your spirit and soul. The Ignatius Jesuit Centre environs and atmosphere will inspire you to write and contemplate like never before. Keeping a nature journal is a wonderful way for writers, novice or experienced, to become spiritually centered. What you decide to put in your journal is a personal choice, and our facilitator will teach you various techniques of journaling. Nature journals run the gamut from field notes, which limit themselves to objective descriptions of what the writer has observed, to fully developed poems, stories, or essays in which the landscape is a major character. You may be called to draw or paint in your journal as well as write in it. Inspiration will come from nature walks and guided outdoor meditations in this unique and inspiring landscape, and from sharing each others' insight.
CREATIVE SACRED ART 8-DAY RETREAT
Facilitated by Sister Virginia Varley, C.S.J., Sister Grace Sauve, C.S.J., and Father Roger Yaworski, S.J.
For those who are looking for a new or different way of praying. In this retreat you pray through the art you create. This can lead to a deep intimacy with God. There is consultation but no personal direction on these retreats.
Mysticism of earth: an Ignatian ecology retreat
July 22-30 2013
When we experience Earth’s beauty we enter into Mystery and are filled with awe and wonder. In Earth’s exuberant diversity we sense the unity of the Divine. Come and be nourished by God through the beauty of our farmland and its natural surroundings. Reflecting and praying on your relationship with the Earth, you will be encouraged to experience God’s goodness and beauty. These days will offer inspiration and nurture hope-filled living expressing the healing power of the Earth.
This guided silent retreat is facilitated by members of the Ecology Project Working Group including: James Profit, S.J., Cristina Vanin, Yvonne Prowse, Marianne Karsh, Gary Bowron, Diane Baltaz, John Geeza, Tarcia Gerwing, Barbara Peloso, Peter Peloso, and Don Webers.
Spiritual direction will be offered.
---------------------------------------------
- Foster an ecological way of life, for the healing of the world
- Nurture a deeper spirituality in people, leading to inner freedom
- Promote the production of local sustainable food
- Provide a welcoming space for individual & communal discernment, and education
Values
Rooted in the Christian tradition and building on the history of the Jesuit community in the Guelph area, we value:
- All of Creation
- Compassion
- Ecological sustainability
- Interfaith connections
- Social justice
- The Spiritual journey
- Unity in diversity
Jim Profit, SJ, Executive Director
---------------------------------------
Stations of the Cosmos Opens
May 26, 2009
A Billion Year Odyssey
Please join us this Sunday, May 31, at 2:00 pm for the Stations of the Cosmos opening at the Ignatius Jesuit Centre, in Guelph, (5420 Hwy #6 North, R.R. #5).
This one-of-a-kind spiral meditative walk and display represents 13.7 billion years of mankind�s cosmic and evolutionary journey. The Stations of the Cosmos show key milestones in the universe�s development at proportionate distances along the length of the spiral, accompanied by photographs that celebrate God�s magnificence as revealed in Creation.
“The Stations represent what priest and historian Thomas Berry call a 'new story� to guide the world into a less destructive ecological age”, says Marianne Karsh, coordinator of ecology projects at the Ignatius Jesuit Centre of Guelph.
Karsh spearheads the project and adds, the Stations integrate a scientific account of the emergence of the universe with an understanding of its inherent sacredness. The first station located near the centre of the spiral, represents the flaring forth of the universe, while other stations adjacent to the walk show traditional and ecological Stations of the Cross, as well as the emergence of major world religions.
“We hope that many people will come and see this truly stunning display and learn more about Guelph�s place of peace”, says Jim Profit, executive director of the Ignatius Jesuit Centre.
The Stations will be blessed and opened following a Land Blessing ceremony earlier in the day. Visitors can also see a new Peace Pole erected at the Centre and stroll many of the newly opened trails on the 650-acre property while enjoying light refreshments.
Stations of the Cosmos
Thomas Berry, Passionist priest and eco-theologian, argues that our culture needs a New Story to guide it into a less destructive ecological age. Such a story integrates the scientific story of evolution with the experience of a sacred presence within the universe. By way of a spiral meditative walk, the Stations of the Cosmos will depict significant “moments of grace” in this Story. Unique to the meditative walk will be the incorporation of stations depicting the Development of Religion, and the traditional Stations of the Cross. The latter is a devotion practiced by Christians for many centuries, depicting the story of the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus.
We are grateful to the Catherine Donnelly Foundation and individual donors for support of this project.
------------------------------------
Labyrinth
Created by former Land Manager, Craig Chamberlain, the Labyrinth suggests a Chartres Cathedral design — a reworking of the ancient labyrinth geometry in which an equal armed cross is emphasized.
Typically there are three stages to walking the labyrinth: “releasing” on the way in, “receiving” in the center and “returning” when you follow the return path back out of the labyrinth. Symbolically, you are taking back out into the world that which you have received.
http://www.ignatiusguelph.ca/docs/Labyrinth.pdf
-------------------------------------------
Earth Prayer
Join us in an Earth Prayer to listen in the prayer of the Earth and celebrate its life and gifts. People of all ages are welcome.
This is the first of a new monthly gathering to be with the land in its changing seasons, and pray for the healing of Earth. We will pilgrimage to a different place on the land each month. We'll join in song and share stories.
Dress to suit the weather, as we will be outdoors. Gather at the Peace Pole, in behind the greenhouse...park at the farm workshop.
-------------------------------------------
Retreats And Programs
ADVENT & LENTEN TAIZÉ
Facilitated by Erik Oland, S.J. and Tarcia Gerwing
Beginning with Evening Prayer on Friday, the retreat schedule follows the Taizé monastic pattern of the day - morning, noon, and evening prayer. The retreats close on Sunday noon with Eucharist. The weekends will be punctuated with brief inputs and the opportunity for group sharing. While areas will be designated for silence, these are not totally silent retreats. In keeping with the monastic tradition, meals will be simpler.
NATURE JOURNALING RETREAT- PUTTING YOUR SPIRITUALITY TO PAPER- NEW
Facilitated by Marianne Karsh
Nature Journaling is a retreat to draw upon your spirit and soul. The Ignatius Jesuit Centre environs and atmosphere will inspire you to write and contemplate like never before. Keeping a nature journal is a wonderful way for writers, novice or experienced, to become spiritually centered. What you decide to put in your journal is a personal choice, and our facilitator will teach you various techniques of journaling. Nature journals run the gamut from field notes, which limit themselves to objective descriptions of what the writer has observed, to fully developed poems, stories, or essays in which the landscape is a major character. You may be called to draw or paint in your journal as well as write in it. Inspiration will come from nature walks and guided outdoor meditations in this unique and inspiring landscape, and from sharing each others' insight.
CREATIVE SACRED ART 8-DAY RETREAT
Facilitated by Sister Virginia Varley, C.S.J., Sister Grace Sauve, C.S.J., and Father Roger Yaworski, S.J.
For those who are looking for a new or different way of praying. In this retreat you pray through the art you create. This can lead to a deep intimacy with God. There is consultation but no personal direction on these retreats.
Mysticism of earth: an Ignatian ecology retreat
July 22-30 2013
When we experience Earth’s beauty we enter into Mystery and are filled with awe and wonder. In Earth’s exuberant diversity we sense the unity of the Divine. Come and be nourished by God through the beauty of our farmland and its natural surroundings. Reflecting and praying on your relationship with the Earth, you will be encouraged to experience God’s goodness and beauty. These days will offer inspiration and nurture hope-filled living expressing the healing power of the Earth.
This guided silent retreat is facilitated by members of the Ecology Project Working Group including: James Profit, S.J., Cristina Vanin, Yvonne Prowse, Marianne Karsh, Gary Bowron, Diane Baltaz, John Geeza, Tarcia Gerwing, Barbara Peloso, Peter Peloso, and Don Webers.
Spiritual direction will be offered.
---------------------------------------------
OY VEY.
ReplyDeleteI have heard Fr. Profit speak (didn't know right away that he was a priest since he didn't wear collar of course), and I took a course at UW from Dr. Vanin. It was helpful to interact with both of them as I was investigating the Catholic Church prior to my conversion. Helpful, because I needed to know just how insidious and prevalent the smoke of satan had become before I formally joined. Thank God Almighty I came to understand the divine origin, indefectability, particularity, petrine nature, and visibility of the one holy Catholic and apostolic Church before these poor souls derailed my quest for Truth by convincing me it could not be found in the Catholic Church.
We must pray for the Society of Jesus (it used to be awesome!)
We must pray for all those named above.
We must pray for all those deceived by them.
The Divine Mercy is infinite. We can't lose hope.
Holy Mother of God, St. Michael, St. Joseph, St. Ignatius of Loyola, St. Robert Bellarmine, Holy Canadian Martyrs.....Ora pro nobis.
Amen.