Michelle’s journey in Ignatian spirituality began with the Finding Christ in the World program at her parish and continued through her formation as a spiritual companion with ISI. As an Ignatian-trained spiritual director, she walks with others as they explore their relationship with the Lord and recognize God’s presence in their lives. She also accompanies those making the 19th Annotation of the Spiritual Exercises and has served as a companion for several ISI offerings including Finding Christ in the World, the Forgiveness Retreat, Prayer in Practice and Ways of Praying. Michelle serves as ISI’s Coordinator for Spiritual Direction and is a member of its Board. A former Catholic school educator, she remains active in her parish as a senior acolyte, a mentor to engaged couples, and a facilitator for a women’s group. She and her husband, Kevin, live in Plano and have three adult children and seven grandchildren.
The Listening Heart: An Ignatian Formation in Spiritual Accompaniment
The Listening Heart is a two-year formation program offered by the Ignatian Spirituality Institute for those who feel called and desire to enter the ministry of spiritual companioning. Offered online, with a required residency retreat each year, the program invites participants into a sustained process of learning, prayer, reflection, and personal growth. Formation with ISI is experiential, rooted not only in the study of Ignatian spirituality but in the lived experience of prayer, personal reflection, shared conversation, and the practice of spiritual accompaniment. Participants learn through their own experience, allowing what they encounter to shape their understanding and practice of this ministry.