Free information sessions via Zoom on April 30 and May 10 (see below for details)
“The spiritual life is first of all a life. It is not merely something to be known and studied, it is to be lived.” –Thomas Merton, Thoughts in Solitude
Are you seeking an authentic Christian spirituality that resonates with your daily life — a spirituality that is renewing, life-giving, and deeply rooted in your quest for justice and love? If you are, our first hybrid Academy offering is designed just for you.
Spirituality in Practice: Embodied Imagination for Life and Liberation will be a transformative experience tailored to individuals who want to integrate their spiritual and daily lives and who are dedicated to becoming agents of change in a world that cries out for justice and love.
Program Structure
Our program offers a unique six-session hybrid model that consists of three immersive, five-day in-person retreats, as well as three online one-day retreats. To ensure ongoing support and community, we have incorporated monthly, two-hour online practice sessions. This continuous engagement will help participants in their journey toward integrating spiritual practices into their lives and becoming part of a nurturing community. Find more details about the schedule below.
Session Dates and Curriculum Topics
Session 1 (in person)
September 6 – 11, 2024 (Friday – Wednesday)– Spirituality and Scripture
– Spirituality and JusticeSession 2 (online)
January 11, 2025, plus 2-hr. evening practice session on Jan. 10– Spirituality Embodied in Personal Life
Session 3 (in person)
April 4 – 9, 2025 (Friday – Wednesday)– Spirituality and Discernment
– Spirituality and CompassionSession 4 (online)
September 6, 2025, plus 2-hr. evening practice session on Sept. 5– Spirituality Embodied in Relational Life
Session 5 (online)
January 10, 2026, plus 2-hr. evening practice session on Jan. 9– Spirituality Embodied in Vocational Life
Session 6 (in person)
April 17-22, 2026 (Friday – Wednesday)– Spirituality and Creativity
– Spirituality and CreationIn person retreats will take place in Mundelein, Illinois (near Chicago) at the University of Saint Mary of the Lake Conference Center.
What is this for
At the heart of this program is the opportunity to develop a life deeply rooted in spiritual practices. Through our sessions, you will be empowered to lead a more integrated spiritual life and embrace a path of peace and justice.
Who Is This For
The Academy is open to all who hunger for deep spiritual experience. Spirituality in Practice is designed to fit your life. The program is structured to provide an in-depth spiritual journey while keeping the time and financial commitments at manageable levels.
Financial Accessibility
To ensure accessibility, we offer a sliding scale pricing structure. You can choose your rate, ranging from $4,500 to $5,500. We also have partial scholarships available, ensuring that financial barriers do not stand in the way of your spiritual journey.
CHOOSE YOUR PROGRAM FEES:
Early Bird rate (available for those who apply on or before May 31, 2024):
- $4,200 ($1,350 per in-person session plus $150 acceptance deposit)
Standard rates:
- $4,500 ($1,450 per in-person session plus $150 acceptance deposit)
- $4,950 ($1,600 per in-person session plus $150 acceptance deposit)
- $5,550 ($1,800 per in-person session plus $150 acceptance deposit)
*To make participation accessible for any who wants to attend, you may choose any of the program fee rates listed above. We encourage you to pay as high on the scale as your circumstances allow to enable us to continue offering these programs and to provide scholarships for those who need additional support.
Program fees include room and board costs for each of the three in-person sessions plus tuition fees for all in-person and online sessions. Books and travel are not included. Upon acceptance into the program, a $150 acceptance deposit is due to confirm your spot. The remaining fees are divided in three and due in conjunction with in-person sessions.
Application fee (not included in program fees above and non-refundable): $30.00
SCHOLARSHIPS: Partial scholarships are available based on need. A link to the scholarship application will be provided after being approved for the program. The deadline for the scholarship application is August 1, 2024, for accepted applicants. Contact [email protected] if you have questions about the scholarship process.
Join Us on this Transformative Journey
At The Academy for Spiritual Formation, we believe that a life rooted in spiritual practices is a life of transformation and liberation. Our program is tailored to help you:
Deepen Your Faith: Explore spirituality and Scripture, discernment, and creativity to deepen your faith journey.
Empower Your Life: Cultivate spiritual practices that empower you to live a more integrated life of peace and justice.
Build Authentic Community: Connect with like-minded individuals who share your longing for an authentic, life-giving community.
Ignite Change: Become an agent of change, driving a more just and loving world through your actions and faith.
Join us on this journey of self-discovery, spirituality, and community. Together, we’ll nurture the transformation you desire, so you can embody the love and justice the world needs today.
Are you ready to embark on this life-changing adventure? Apply now for Spirituality in Practice: Embodied Imagination for Life and Liberation.
Attend a live Spirituality in Practice Discernment Session
If you are interested but have questions or want to know more about the experience, join Johnny Sears, Academy Director, and members of the Spirituality in Practice leadership team for a free, one-hour session via Zoom to help discern whether this new hybrid opportunity is for you.
The session will be offered twice:
The sessions are free, but you must register to attend using the provided links above. After registering, we’ll provide you with the Zoom link to attend the corresponding session.