Have you completed the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius and wish to deepen that experience?
The Magis Program
Greater Understanding, Love and Service
The Magis program offered by the Bridges Foundation provides diverse, experienced lecturers who share their insights and wisdom for people who wish to continue their spiritual journey. Seven sessions (offered monthly beginning in September) are designed to deepen your experience of the Spiritual Exercises.
Participants have the opportunity to explore the dynamics of the Spiritual Exercises and share their insights with others in a small group. You may participate in the Magis Program every year if you wish in order to take advantage of new perspectives from presenters that will be offered each year.
Here’s a video describing the Magis program:
The objectives of the program are four-fold:
1. Deepening the prayerful experiences of participants in the Ignatian Way.
2. Facilitating a sense of connection and community through a monthly gathering and small group sharing.
3. Enhancing the learning and understanding of the spiritual and psychological movements of the Spiritual Exercises.
4. Discerning, learning, and practicing to be prayer companions (for those called to be companions). Click here to read more about that program
REGISTRATION FOR 2026-27 MAGIS
Time: 8:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Dates and Topics:
Saturday, September 19, 2026
Speaker: Marcus Fryer, SJ
- Purpose of the Exercises and Annotations
- Principle and Foundation
Saturday, October 17, 2026
Speaker: Fr. Paul Hoesing
- Root Sin and Root Grace
- Social and Systemic Sin
Saturday, November 21, 2026
Speaker: Danielle Harrison
- Imaginative Prayer
- Contemplating Jesus’ Life
Saturday, January 16, 2027
Speaker: Tom Auffenberg
- Discernment of Spirits Week 1
- Discernment of Spirits Week 2
Saturday, February 20, 2027
Speaker: Drew Kirschman, SJ
- Two Standards
- Ignatian “Election”
Saturday, March 20, 2027
Speaker: Thomas Flowers, SJ
- Eucharist: Jesus’ Gift of Self
Speaker: Carol Brescia
- The Passion and Compassion
Saturday, April 17, 2027
Speaker: Mary Flick, CSJ
- Contemplation of Divine Love
Speaker: Katie Jansen
- Ignatian Contemplatives in Action
Small Groups
Small groups have a minimum of 5 and maximum of 10 participants, unless otherwise noted.
A Modern Ignatian Pilgrimage: Deepening My Relationship with God
This small group study offers a structured process for living Ignatian Spirituality, featuring discernment chapters enriched by the words of St. Ignatius. Required texts include a Spiritual Exercise Manual (Fleming, Puhl, or similar) and “The Spiritual Path: Embarking on the Journey of a Lifetime” by Lisa Kelley (Loyola Press, 2025).
- Facilitators: Linda Leib and Kathy Gibler
Spiritual Threads: Weaving Ideas from Psalms, Proverbs, Jesus, and Ignatius
Ignatius studied Jesus. Jesus studied Psalms and Proverbs. We will reflect on readings from these sources, and discuss how these spiritual threads connect to Ignatian Spirituality and can enrich our lives today. One month before each session you will receive a set of Biblical selections, an overview of key elements from Ignatian Spirituality, and optional reflection questions. This is a discussion-oriented group. Required text: “The Ignatian Adventure: Experiencing the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius in Daily Life” by Fr. Kevin O’Brien, SJ.
- Facilitator: Dan Coughlin
Book Discussion: Zen and the Spiritual Exercises
While a Jesuit, the author took up the practice of Zen Buddhism and explored its connections to the Spiritual Exercises. The book walks through key movements of both traditions, suggesting that Zen practice can provide insights to enrich and enhance the experience of the Exercises.
Required text: “Zen and the Spiritual Exercises” by Ruben L.F. Habito.
- Facilitator: Denny Klosterman
Book Discussion: Tattoos on the Heart
This is the true account of a Jesuit’s ministry to hardened gang members who experience God’s limitless love, forgiveness and mercy. For those new to Boyle’s work or those who want to go deeper, this book study will open the door to heartfelt conversations about our own faith experiences, as well as critical social justice issues. This book explores the importance of not only serving but truly understanding and loving the marginalized in our society. Required text: “Tattoos on the Heart” by Greg Boyle, SJ.
- Facilitator: Laurie Spellmeyer
Prayer Companion Training
Entry into this group requires completion of “Dynamics of the Spiritual Exercises” and admission into the Prayer Companion Training Program. This program serves as preparation for leading others through the Spiritual Exercises. Specific requirements: a thorough knowledge and love of the Spiritual Exercises, full participation in the Magis program, evidence of a discerned call, obvious intention for helping individuals grow in their relationship with God using the Spiritual Exercises, and willingness to be a listener and to practice growing in these gifts with others in this group. Open to approved participants only.
Minimum of 4, maximum of 8 participants.
- Co-Facilitated by Marian Love and Steve Givens.
Dynamics of the Spiritual Exercises
The main focus of this group is an in-depth study of the psychological/spiritual dynamics and graces of the Exercises. Participants will review their own experience of the Exercises and gain increased self-awareness and understanding of how the movements in each Week of the Exercises take place in their personal spiritual journey, leading to a deeper relationship with God. Requirement for all who wish to enter the Prayer Companion Training Program. Potential Prayer Companions are accepted before others, but this group is open to all. Required text: “Draw Me into Your Friendship” by David Fleming, SJ.
- Facilitated in person by David Dickey and Martha Broyles
- Facilitated online 2nd Wednesdays 7-8:30 p.m. CST beginning October – May by Hsin-hsin Huang, PhD
Magis Speaker Forum
This is an open, facilitated discussion group focused on unpacking, asking questions and sharing insights from the presentations given during the large group session. The day’s featured presenters will be invited to join in the conversation.
- Facilitated in person by Carl and Laura Greiner
- Facilitated online 3rd Wednesdays 7-8:30 p.m. CST beginning October – May by Hsin-hsin Huang, PhD (Speakers will not be present.)
Peer Supervision/Consultation & Resources for Prayer Companions
The purpose of this informational and experiential group is to assist prayer companions in their spiritual growth and enhance their skills in accompaniment. It focuses on a prayer companion’s interior movements/counter movements when interacting with a retreatant. It attends to the retreatant’s and prayer companion’s interior reactions to God’s presence, such as desires, consolation, resistance, and denial. Consultation issues will also be addressed and prayer companions will share resources and insights. Requirement of second year Prayer Companions, open to all Prayer Companions. Maximum 8 participants. Required text: “Looking into the Well” by Maureen Conroy, R.S.M.
- Facilitated by Carol Brescia and TBA
Registration and Cost
Cost: Contribute whatever amount you can afford. The cost to the Bridges Foundation per participant is approximately $350.00. A payment schedule can be arranged. One person’s contribution helps another, and no one is turned away for financial reasons. Let us know how we can support you. A $35 deposit with registration is nonrefundable. This is 10% of the total cost of the program and will be put toward your “Promise to Pay” amount.
Registration Deadline: September 1, 2026
Number your first and second choice for small group participation. We will do our best to accommodate you.
Note: Once registered for either an in-person or online group, you may register for another group at no additional cost, space permitting.