The Trauma-Informed Spiritual Exercises: Growing Your Ignatian Spiritual and Pastoral Caregiving Skills

An Ignatian, Semi-Silent Weekend Retreat for Adults

March 20 - 22, 2026

Suggested Contribution: $380.00 per person

Groups Attending: Individuals

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Summary

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. In the Christian tradition, these human components do not function separately but are understood holistically as the “soul.”  

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 Ignatian 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 and discuss particular 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.” 

A hybrid 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.