‘To what should I compare the kingdom of God? It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of flour until all of it was leavened.’
Luke 13: 20-21
Dear Friends,
There is a kindness in Jesus' image of yeast that leavens. The adding of yeast is a small, ordinary act, almost hidden from view. And yet, something remarkable happens. I don't know that we often think of God's kingdom that way - in the ingredients of our day to day living.
Being yeast added to flour is a way we imagine the work of the Ignatian Spirituality Institute. Our small ministry, doing its work quietly and faithfully. We accompany women and men who come to us with their desires, hopes, challenges, and complexities, seeking to navigate a life of faith, hope, and love. And often, slowly, over time, a person begins to pray with greater freedom. A spiritual companion learns to accompany another with greater care. Love rises.
This is the quiet work of leaven. It begins with something small, offered with care, and grows in ways we cannot always see or measure. We may never know all the places where a moment of prayer, a deepened relationship, or a more attentive act of accompaniment will bear fruit. We do know the leaven offered touches families, friends, communities, the Church, and the many lives entrusted to those who come to ISI for formation and spiritual nourishment. We cannot always see what God is bringing to life. We can, however, remain faithful to the work entrusted to us.
Whether you have participated in an ISI program, shared our work with others, prayed for us, or supported us financially, you are part of this ministry, and a part of the community that sustains our mission. And so I turn to you with hands and heart open: Would you consider making a gift to ISI through our annual giving campaign?
Your generosity sustains and makes possible retreats, the Spiritual Exercises, spiritual accompaniment, and formation ISI offers. Your gift is the ingredient that allows us to rise into God's kingdom today.
Thank you for being part of the ISI community and for believing in the quiet, transformative work of our ministry. Together, may we continue to offer what we have, trusting that God can bring forth more than we imagine.
Prayers always,
Carol Atwell Ackels, ISI Director
The ISI Board
| Henry Ackels, Chair | Christopher Ackels |
| Michelle Anderson | Mike Chesney, SJ |
| Kevin Fitzsimmons | Susan Friedrichsen |
| Francis 'Billy' Huete, SJ | Mary Katherine Simion |
| Debbie Wallace | Roberta Ward |
About ISI
ISI began in 2013 as a small circle of lay people and Jesuits gathered in prayer, conversation and hope. What began as a simple desire to serve God's people has grown into a ministry that continues to hand on the first of Ignatian spirituality, welcoming and accompanying thousands of seekers across the United States and around the world.
Our ministry
Your gift is the leaven that helps the whole loaf rise. What your gift sustains:
Retreats
ISI offers the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius, along with individual and small-group retreats, both online and in person.
Spiritual Accompaniment
ISI connects seekers with spiritual companions formed in the Ignatian tradition.
Formation
ISI offers general courses in the foundations of Ignatian spirituality along with specifically designed formation programs and workshops for spiritual directors.
Every gift matters. Whatever its size, each gift helps provide leaven for this ministry. Thank you