Regional News
Buffalo, New York
On March 10th, a group of 45 people gathered at St. Joseph’s Spirituality Center, Clarence, NY, to begin a group of Ignatian spiritual directors in the Buffalo area. The meeting was organized by Fr. Tom Colgan, S.J. and Dr. Pat Van Verth (both from Canisius College) and Jan Sheridan from the Center. After a presentation by Fr. Ronald Mercier, SJ, participants discussed the mission of the Collaborative and expressed particular interest in continuing education, supervision and ensuring the quality of the ministry.
Charlotte, North Carolina
On October 19th, Fr. Ronald Mercier, SJ and Kevin O’Brien visited Charlotte, NC to meet with the Parish Spirituality Team of St. Peter’s Parish, the Jesuit parish in the diocese. The team (several members pictured on the left) consists of eight parishioners, their Jesuit liaison, Fr. Vince Alagia, SJ, and the pastor, Fr. Joe Sobierajski, SJ. Though small in number, in the fall alone, the team held retreats for men, women, gays and lesbians, young adults, people over 40; plus they have Ignatian Prayer evenings each year, and Annotation 19 retreats as requested.
Rochester, New York
Monday, October 1st, The Church of the Transfiguration in Pittsford, New York (photo above) hosted the first-ever gathering of area spiritual directors to discuss the vision and mission of the Jesuit Collaborative. Thirty-five people from Rochester and Buffalo gathered for a day of reflection and information with Fr. Ronald Mercier, SJ, and Sr. Clare Walsh, MHSH. Representatives from McQuaid Jesuit High School, the Mercy Prayer Center, parishes which use the Exercises for adult formation, and independent spiritual directors enthusiastically received the vision and mission of the Collaborative. To facilitate ongoing prayer and conversation, Fr. Edward Salmon, SJ will direct a Spring Day of Reflection and Conversation. For more information, please contact Damian Zynda at dzynda@dor.org