Jesuit Ministry

Adult Formation

Ignatian Formation

The Office of Ignatian Mission and Identity assists in articulating and perpetuating the vision and philosophy of Ignatian Education for principally the adult members of Loyola Blakefield’s community.

The co-laboring of the adult members of Loyola’s community – teachers, staff, trustees, parents, alumni – with the dedicated members of the Society of Jesus here at Blakefield is the key to perpetuating Loyola’s identity as a Jesuit school in the Ignatian tradition. Opportunities for growth in this area will help maintain the atmosphere conducive for ongoing faith-based educational development. The Office of Ignatian Mission and Identity provides opportunities and programs for Loyola adult community members to grow in their understanding of what forms the charism of a school such as Blakefield. This understanding centers on themes that include the life of St. Ignatius, the Spiritual Exercises and Ignatian Spirituality, the History of the Society of Jesus, the History of Jesuit Education and Key Documents, the Characteristics of Jesuit Education and Ignatian Pedagogy, and the History and Traditions of Loyola Blakefield.

These themes capture most of what motivates Loyola Blakefield’s mission to be “...a Catholic, college preparatory school, established by the Jesuits and imbued with the spirit of Ignatius Loyola, forms men to serve with and for others. The Loyola student is preparing to graduate as a man of integrity, who, because he strives “to find God in all things,” is open to growth, intellectually ambitious, religious, loving, and committed to diversity and doing justice.”

Contact

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  • Photo of Louis Charest

    Mr. Lou Charest 

    Director of Ignatian Mission and Identity

Additional Resources

For additional information about Ignatian Spirituality, please consider visiting Ignatian.info, a valuable resource offered by the USA East Province of the Society of Jesus.

Formational Programs For Parents, Guardians, Faculty, Staff, Alumni, & Trustees

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  • Mass & Examen

    Mass is celebrated on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays in the Chapel of Our Lady of Monteserrat. 

    Each afternoon, our community pauses its work to show gratitude for the day’s blessings by praying the Examen. The Examen is an opportunity for peaceful daily reflective prayer inviting us to find the work of God in all of the people and events of our day.
  • Meeting Christ in Prayer

    Meeting Christ in Prayer is an eight-week guided prayer experience modeled on the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola. By means of prayer, reflection, and faith sharing, our time together will introduce various ways of praying in the Ignatian tradition, help form regular habits of prayer, and build community among one another. During these exercises, participants are asked to commit to fifteen to thirty minutes of reading and reflection per day and weekly faith sharing meetings.  

    Register for the program here.


    Meeting Dates (2024)
    All meeting times are from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.

    January 29
    February 5
    February 12
    February 26
    March 4
    March 11
    March 18
    March 25


    “I have gained more tools to enrich my prayer life, and it has been a beautiful way to become closer in my relationship with Jesus. My heart and mind have been exercising.” – 2019 Participant

  • Ignatian Evenings

    An evening including a presentation, reflection, prayer, music, and optional time for Eucharistic adoration. Please click on a date below to register to attend.

    Meeting Dates

    October 10, 2023

    December 6, 2023
    March 21, 2024
  • Ignatian Book Club

    Participants read an Ignatian-themed book and join for a discussion in the chapel followed by fellowship time.

    Book #1
    A Friendship Like No Other: Experiencing God's Amazing Embrace 
    October 26, 2023
    Register to attend.
  • Gratitude Gatherings (Virtual)

    Gathering the graces at the end of each school quarter, all adults are invited to gather for a brief prayer exercise followed by sharing in groups.

    Meeting Dates
    October 18, 2023
    January 10, 2024
    February 13, 2024
    May 15, 2024

    Register to attend.

Formational Programs For Parents/Guardians and Alumni

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  • Parent/Guardian Retreat

    Opportunity for parents/guardians to gather for an Ignatian retreat focused on topics that pertain to family life. Half-day retreat beginning with lunch and ending with mass.

    November 19, 2023

    Register here.

Formational Programs For Alumni

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  • Kairos Renew

    A bi-annual day of reflection is open to alumni and their significant others.

    May 10 - 11, 2024
    Bishop Claggett Center

    Registration will open in September.
500 Chestnut Ave. Towson, MD 21204
communications@loyolablakefield.org
(410) 823-0601