Introduction to the activity
Do you work in a Jesuit School and feel that you would like to learn more about the Christian faith and Ignatian spirituality? Does the idea of a safe space where you can ask any questions and converse freely about God, faith, prayer, or the spiritual dimension appeal to you? Would you like to engage, together with colleagues from Jesuit schools in different European countries, in an simple exercise to deepen self awareness and to begin exploring ways to grow in relationship with God? This Online Activity organized by JECSE is for you!
We are organizing this online conversation as part of the effort promoted by the Society of Jesus to the worldwide educational sector to promote deeper faith formation in our schools. Be it because they never had opportunities to explore faith, be it because of their personal history or context, or because of any other reason, many teachers and staff in our schools may not feel completely at home with the Catholic, and Ignatian Spiritual dimensions of the education we seek to offer. This online activity is an invitation to any from our Jesuit schools in Europe who feel they would like to know more about this topic, in particular those who would like to start the conversation “from scratch” without assuming any prior knowledge.
This activity, held virtually via Zoom video call will take place on Tuesday, January 28, 2025 from 4:30 to 6pm CET.
This is a 90-minute standalone Online session, where participants from Jesuit schools in the JECSE network can come together to share their views in conversation form. With the help of a facilitator, we will discuss questions such as:
- Is there a spiritual dimension to human life? Is it important? What is spirituality?
- Do you believe in God? Who is God to you, how can we know God?
- Do you have any experience with prayer or spirituality? How does it benefit your life? What difficulties or questions are you facing at this time in your life?
During the activity, participants will also be led in a simple silent reflection exercise to begin exploring one possible way to get in touch with our deeper selves and with God.
FOR REGISTRATION OR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE FILL THIS ONLINE FORM
Introducing the facilitator: Francisco Machado
Francisco, spent several years as a Jesuit in formation discerning his calling, first in Portugal, then in China and the Philippines. He decided not to ask for priestly ordination and to continue serving the mission as a layperson in the Ignatian tradition. In the past 10 years, he has led many Ignatian retreats and facilitated workshops on prayer and Ignatian Discernment. He is also a spiritual director, passionate about offering individual and group accompaniment to people seeking to deepen their relationship with God. In 2022 Francisco joined JECSE’s executive team and has focused on the areas of faith formation, mission and identity for Jesuit Schools in Europe.