Christine A. Gerety, Ph.D.  Director of Spiritual Care & Engagement    (310) 566-1531

Be trained in this two-year intensive program to become a spiritual retreat director in

giving the Spiritual Exercises St. Ignatius of Loyola. 

In partnership with the St. Simon Spirituality Center in Los Altos, we are excited & pleased to welcome back Giving the Exercises (GTE), a two-year training program that prepares participants to be SEEL Retreat Directors who can guide others through the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola! Classes are one Saturday each month from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Classes are to be taken both in-person and by Zoom.

To download our brochure Click HERE

Applications for the 2026-28 program have concluded. Check back in 2028!

As you discern, here are a few questions and possibilities to consider: 

• Find out if this program is the right fit for you. Ideal candidates have completed the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola, are at least 30 years old,  currently receiving spiritual direction, and maintaining an active prayer life. You'll also need to be available for one Saturday each month over two years. We'll walk through the full syllabus, schedule, fees, and what to expect — so you can discern clearly.
  
  
• Has completing the Spiritual Exercises left a lasting mark on your heart? If you experienced the transforming power of the Holy Spirit through the Exercises and grew in your personal mission as a result, you may be ready for the next step. Join us for "Giving the Exercises," a two-year training program to become a certified spiritual director — offered jointly by St. Simon Catholic Church and St. Monica Catholic Community.
  
  

• Are you discerning a call to companion others on their spiritual journey? This program is designed for men and women who sense God is inviting them into the ministry of spiritual direction through the Ignatian Exercises. If you're someone who listens deeply, protects the confidences of others, and is aware of your own wounds and how Christ is healing them — we'd love to talk with you.
  
  
• Learn from a team of experienced Ignatian retreat directors. Our faculty brings backgrounds spanning theology, pastoral ministry, medicine, law, and executive coaching — united by decades of experience giving the Exercises. They'll share how this program can form you into a confident, compassionate guide for others.
  
  

 Questions? Contact Christine at   or 310-566-1531

 x