What Companions Say
A Spiritual Journey
Year 1
Companions Program, Materials, Facilitators & Spiritual Direction
The Program & Facilitation
“Integrating the Spiritual Exercises with the opportunity to discuss our findings in a facilitated group setting, along with being able to further clarify my thinking and feelings on a one-on-one basis through spiritual direction, was a great experience.”
“The integration of the Spiritual Exercises with social justice work is a very important aspect of the program.”
“I now have a purpose in my retirement.”
“The co-facilitators were so insightful, knowledgeable, compassionate, and have excellent listening skills. They listened to us and responded to us in such a way that we knew they heard what we were saying and feeling.”
“I found the group experience very special. The group meetings gave a focus and direction to the month's daily prayer, both as beginning and as a completion.”
“Thank you beyond words (co-facilitators) depth of insight and relaxing style; for this inspirational program; for being insightful and so supportive, particularly in moments when I needed it; "the hunger is the gift"; I feel truly blessed; the program was a once in a lifetime experience; it was a truly beautiful and transforming experience for me.”
The Guide
“The Guide is wonderful, an exceptionally deep resource, and so lovingly prepared – it’s a great grace.”
“I found the materials to be 'treasures hidden in a field'. Which includes the facilitators!
“The approach to scripture, although 500 years old, was new to me and allowed me to have a perspective on scripture and Christ that was new, refreshing, and hopeful.”
Spiritual Direction & Prayer Life
“My time with my spiritual director is a wonderful gift, and a fabulous foundation.”
“Having a spiritual director is an ongoing relationship and it was very helpful in integrating the Companions experience.”
“Every minute with my spiritual director was precious. She is so insightful and she helped me more than she will ever know.“
“I gained an enriched experience in prayer – I became motivated to spend time in prayer and ‘new life’ happened.”
“It’s given me a way to anchor my prayer life, while helping me discern what I am called to do at this time in life – bring hope to those who are struggling.”
Monthly Gatherings, Liturgy & Lunch
“We are fortunate beyond expectations.” (Santa Clara University, the Jesuit Residence and Chapel)
“The Jesuit Residence and their chapel are perfect for our program.”
“I love our meeting place - very comfortable and conducive to discussion. It is easy to get to and our lunches were fabulous.”
“The sense of community and personal sharing among us as a group is extraordinary and deeply felt.”
“The program has become ‘community’ to me.”
“The monthly gatherings are absolutely necessary, as an experience of the companionship and as assembly.”
“The monthly gatherings are what keep us growing in our spirituality as Companions. I come away spiritually fulfilled.
“An indispensible part of the process; I could not have followed the exercises on my own. I found them meaningful, insightful, supportive, and enjoyable.”
Connection Between Ministry & Spiritual Life
“My attitude changed from a feeling of obligation to ‘doing service’ to one of contentment and happiness in doing God’s work in the world.”
“Companions really gave me the push to become involved instead of just ‘thinking’ about it.”
“In my ministries I’ve met Christ through the people I work with. I’ve come to know and understand Christ better – it renews me to do more to help others… I realize what it means to see God in all things.”
“It was definitely the link for me. The prayer and the program were constantly on my mind from day to day, and I found it easy to see connections with my ministry.”
“Any time in serving others, in any way, is time that’s holy, and never a waste. It is not about the result.”
“It deepened, strengthened and made me more conscious of the connectedness of daily life, especially service, to spirituality, prayer, and worship.”
“There is a sense of doing God’s will in my service commitment, which greatly enhances my spirituality.”
“Through Companions I came to know why I am doing my service commitment. I always felt called on to act, but Companions has helped me to know why I am doing it. I have come to understand that God is everywhere—in all the good that is happening and in the not so good. It is easy to find Him when things are going well, but we have to learn to look for Him when things are not going well also and to make the most out of that situation. It took away this feeling that I always had towards the unfortunate of feeling sorry for them.”
“The program reminded me that if I believe God is in me, I better believe He is in everybody else. It awakened me. It made me see my job as a service to God. It is helping me in my every day life.”
“Prior to experiencing the Ignatian Companions program, I viewed my volunteer lay ministry of counseling service as driven by my spiritual commitment. At the culmination of this wonderful program, the two became intricately linked, with an even stronger bond.”
“The Companions program helped me to see my volunteer experiences (and all other experiences as well) in an entirely different light, something that was in some fashion connected to what Christ did and how he acted; and also that in some fashion God was depending on me to take seriously the little encounters I had with poor people as one who was struggling along side of them to try to live with some dignity and purpose on this earth without trying to “accomplish” anything by changing people, making them Catholic or “good” or making them realize and appreciate what Catholics do for them.”
Retreats
“The retreats were incredible and the location is perfect.”
“The retreats were such gifts, a gift of time to reflect, a gift of an inspiring location, and the gift of the companionship and group experience. The topics were handled in the great with sensitivity to the different spiritual histories of the participants.”
Year 2
Companions Program, Materials, Facilitators & Spiritual Direction
“People make the program for me - their insightfulness and commitment to action. The personal sharing is especially important.”
“The structured 9-month period of readings and meditations, along with our monthly meetings, has resulted in almost all of the changes that have happened in my life because of the Companions program.”
”Learning the discipline of Ignatian Spirituality is probably the best aspect of Companions for me, followed by a well thought out curriculum, and the opportunity to journey with others. The call and challenge to deepen our commitment and respond more fully to companioning the poor and marginalized in our community and our world has been important, too.”
“The spiritual components have been essential and the program materials wonderful for our journey together. The Guide is beautifully thought out and rich in resources. The facilitation of the monthly meetings in all cases has been top-notch and exceptional in preparation and delivery.”
“Spiritual direction has enhanced my Companions experience, giving me an excellent arena for personal growth.”
Connection with Ministry & Spiritual Life
“The reflection/action process of Ignatian spirituality is key. The Companions program keeps me accountable to that process individually and in the small group. It is very inspiring and humbling to hear the others share of their experiences in ministry, and in personal reflection & discernment. I find it both challenging and affirming to share these areas in the small group. I always learn something.
“The concept of God’s Kingdom on earth has received a big boost in my consciousness.”
“It has helped me find a new project and to find Jesus in the faces of the homeless and the less fortunate.”
“The program has really made me much more aware of the presence of God in my daily life.
Companions has met or exceeded my expectations for support in my ministry.”
“My work with a food distribution project, as a first-year Companion, has lead me to a make a regular commitment as a volunteer teacher at a program for immigrant women and children.”
“As a result of my experience with the Companions program, I’m exploring a career change. When a case worker position opens up at the half-way house where I’ve been volunteering, I’m going to take the position and regularly help out there.”
“I plan to spend a year learning as much as I can about immigration and the reality of undocumented immigration the San Jose area, so that I can be informed and ready to be an advocate for justice when legislative debate over immigration reform begins.”
Monthly Gatherings
“Outstanding! I always looked forward to the monthly gatherings because they integrate the key elements of my “journey” – prayer, spirituality and ministry. The Breaking of the Bread (Liturgy), and the sharing of bread (at lunch) with fellow Companions enhances the overall experience.”
“The monthly gatherings are key. In the small group we are very accustomed to personal reflection and sharing and keeping each other up on our ministries, the issues and challenges. The sharing of Eucharist and the meal in the larger group is very important.”
“We have a terrific setting. The venue for Liturgy and lunch could not be better.”