New Directions Spiritual Renewal: Jesuit School of Theology at Berkeley

The Opening Retreat

"The retreat at the beginning of the sabbatical helped me transition from my previous ministry as Provincial, gave me focus and direction and set the atmosphere for the New Directions sabbatical experience."
- Mary Owens, IBVM
Nairobi, Kenya

Your sabbatical begins with a silent, directed retreat (six days in August, five in January), during which time you will meet daily with a spiritual director. The quiet of the retreat and the experience of praying together provide an opportunity to slow down from the demands of ministry and travel, listen to God's call, gain focus for your sabbatical time, and connect with other participants in the group.

The dates for the upcoming opening retreats are August 17-22 for Fall 2008 and January 19-23 for Spring 2009.

Ongoing Spiritual Supports
Spiritual direction is central to your New Directions experience and is one of the main means for integrating the various elements of your sabbatical. Participants choose a spiritual director from a list of qualified directors that the school maintains, and they meet with their director regularly. The spiritual director will be an important companion on your sabbatical journey.

"There was quiet time for prayer and reflection, and planning for next steps in ministry."
- Rev. Tony McGuire
San Mateo, California

The program provides free time for your prayer and reflection. Most participants take two classes (one of which can be the sabbatical workshops) for audit. You then have adequate time for renewal and refreshment in a relaxed atmosphere.

You may choose to join a faith-sharing group; groups meet regularly, usually every other week. During these sessions, each person reflects on her or his life journey. Participants also reflect upon how to integrate what they are experiencing in the personal, spiritual, physical, social, and academic facets of the program.

On-Campus Liturgies

You are welcome to participate in the morning Eucharist at the Jesuit Community chapel Monday through Saturday; the School sponsors liturgies Tuesday through Thursday afternoons, with a special all-school Eucharist on Tuesdays. In addition, New Directions participants celebrate together as a group on a regular basis. Participants also enjoy the opportunity to attend the Sunday liturgies of the diverse parishes which make up the Bay Area.