Spirituality in Practice: Embodied Imagination for Life and Liberation

 “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 

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What does it mean to live a spiritual life that is deeply rooted, life-giving, and responsive to the world around us? Spirituality in Practice, an offering of The Academy for Spiritual Formation, invites you to explore that question in community while cultivating spiritual practices that deepen your relationship with God and become part of the rhythms of your everyday life. 

Spirituality in Practice: Embodied Imagination for Life and Liberation will be a transformative experience tailored for 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 five-session hybrid model consisting of three immersive, five-day in-person retreats and two online one-day retreats. To ensure ongoing support and community, we have also incorporated monthly, two-hour online spiritual 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 10 – 15, 2027 (Friday – Wednesday)    

• Spirituality and Scripture 

• Spirituality and Justice  

Session 2 (online)     January 8, 2028, plus 2-hr. evening practice session on Jan. 7 

• Spirituality Embodied in Personal, Relational, and Vocational Life (Part 1) 

Session 3 (in person)     April 28 –May 3, 2028 (Friday – Wednesday) 

• Spirituality and Discernment 

• Spirituality and Compassion  

Session 4 (online)    September 15, 2028, plus 2-hr. evening practice session on Sept. 14 

• Spirituality Embodied in Personal, Relational, and Vocational Life (Part 2) 

Session 5 (in person)    February 2-7, 2029 (Friday – Wednesday) 

• Spirituality and Creativity 

• Spirituality and Creation  

In-person retreats will take place in Mundelein, Illinois (near Chicago) at the University of Saint Mary of the Lake Conference Center. 

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What to Expect

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 Should Apply?

Like any expression of The Academy for Spiritual Formation, this program 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. There is only one in-person session per calendar year, limiting the need for travel and time away from work, family, and other obligations. Likewise, payments are spread across three separate calendar years, making it easier to budget and utilize resources such as continuing education funds. 

Financial Accessibility

To ensure accessibility, we offer a sliding scale pricing structure. You can choose your rate, ranging from $4,500 to $5,700.  Partial scholarships are also available, ensuring that financial barriers do not stand in the way of your spiritual journey. 

*To make participation accessible for anyone 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 into three payments 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, 2027, for accepted applicants. Contact [email protected] if you have questions about the scholarship process. 

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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.