Spiritual Exercises in Everyday Living at St. Simon Parish
Spiritual Exercises in Everyday Living (SEEL) is a transformative program rooted in the Spiritual Exercises developed by St. Ignatius of Loyola. This program is designed to help participants deepen their relationship with God through daily prayer, reflection, and spiritual guidance.
Trained spiritual directors accompany participants in weekly meetings of 45-60 minutes as they reflect on the Scriptures and their own relationship with Christ. Persons interested in SEEL are encouraged to have a regular daily practice of prayer and be open to continuing daily prayer of 45-60 minutes a day during the 9-month period.
Please note there are 3 parts to the application:
- Application questions (read this first)
- Application form
- Recommendation form (you will ask someone to write you a recomendation)
Read on below for more information about the history, elements, and benefits of SEEL. Learn more about our Spiritual Directors and tips to help you prepare for the online application form. Questions? Email Sr. Gloria Marie Jones, OP seel@stsimon.org
Some history … Ignatius of Loyola and the Spiritual Exercises
During the 1530s, St. Ignatius Loyola began writing about the emotions that took hold of him — feelings of gratitude and anguish, consolation and sadness — while encountering the scriptures. Those meditations eventually became the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius Loyola, first published in 1548.
The Spiritual Exercises is a compilation of meditations, prayers, and other contemplative practices. It is not like other classics in Western spirituality that are typically read from beginning to end. It is more like a handbook, especially for use by spiritual directors who accompany and guide people through this dynamic process of reflection. Taken from Jesuit West Province; June 2021
St. Simon Parish Applications for 2025-26 are now open.
After you apply, applicants will then be contacted for a Zoom interview. Applications are accepted with a requested fee of $750 per participant for those that are willing to be connected to a Spiritual Director. Scholarships are available. Contact Sr. Gloria Marie, OP at seel@stsimon.org to inquire. If interested, you are strongly encouraged to apply as soon as you discern a call to experience the program as there are limited places available.
Elements of the Spiritual Exercises in Everyday Living (SEEL) Program:
2. Structured Guidance and Support: Participants are paired with trained spiritual directors who provide personalized guidance throughout the program. These directors help interpret experiences, offer insights, and support the spiritual journey, ensuring that participants stay on track and receive the encouragement they need. They will meet once a week in person or on zoom (to be determined).
3. Community and Shared Experiences: Participants and spiritual directors of the SEEL program will meet once a month in person where participants can share their experiences, challenges, and insights with one another. This sense of community fosters mutual support and enriches the individual spiritual journey through shared learning.
4. Scripture and Contemplative Practices: The exercises involve meditating on specific passages of Scripture, using imaginative contemplation to place oneself within the biblical scenes. This method helps participants to internalize the teachings of Jesus and apply them to their own lives.
2025-26 SEEL Information Meeting Recording click here
Monthly Fellowship Gatherings
Our monthly sessions are the primary opportunity for us to share our faith and create community with each other during the SEEL Retreat.
October 2 (St. Simon Room), October 30 (Zoom), November 20 (Zoom), December 11 (Zoom), January 22 (Zoom), February 26 (Zoom), March 26 (Zoom), April 23 (Zoom), May 7 (Zoom), May 21 (St. Simon Room)
SEEL Zoom Meeting Link coming soon.
