19th Annotation for Faculty and Staff

Short Program Description:

Every other year, Boston College’s Center for Ignatian Spirituality offers a 19th Annotation retreat for faculty and staff. Participants agree to pray for one hour per day; to meet with a spiritual director once every two weeks; and to participate in regular group meetings. The program runs for the entire academic year.

Program Goals/Intended Outcomes:

1. Help participants become closer to God and to Jesus.
2. Deepen participants’ practice of Ignatian spirituality in their lives.
3. Help participants apply their learning to their roles in the University.

How long does it take to complete the program?: Other

Further Details on Completing Program: One academic year

Total Program Length: One academic year

Key University/Other Partners: Jesuit Community; Clough School of Theology and Ministry

Funding Source(s): Center for Ignatian Spirituality

Stipends Paid or Other Participant Benefits: Other

Other Stipends: None

Program Material 1: 2025 Registration Form

Program Material 2: 2025-26 Group Meeting Schedule

Lessons Learned:

This is one of the most important programs offered to colleagues by BC’s Center for Ignatian Spirituality due to its potential for depth and influence. The 19th Annotation retreat is filled every year; Center staff are blessed to have enough spiritual directors to accompany retreatants. Most other programs are designed to encourage and guide colleagues toward the 19th Annotation retreat.

Assessment Data:

Administrators and staff are enthusiastic about joining this program. Their openness to learning about faith practices is refreshing and constant. Faculty are more reluctant: Center staff have to work very hard to recruit professors and build a pathway for them to sign up for this experience. It is worth the time and trouble to make this program attractive to them. Much effort is made to help the Center for Ignatian Spirituality identify and connect faculty to this retreat. Trust is essential and takes time to build.