Ignatian Communal Discernment

2021 Commitment to Justice Conference resources
Debra Mooney, PhD, Chief Mission Officer, ½ñÈÕ¿´ÁÏ
Connie Perme, Chief Human Resources Officer, ½ñÈÕ¿´ÁÏ
Dan McDonald S.J., Provincial Assistant for Higher Education, Midwest Province


6 Steps

1. Begin the process in a state of Ignatian indifference

  • Approach the deliberation with an impartial mindset.

2. Outline the pro’s and con’s of the decision

  • Weigh the issues, concerns, and values in light of the mission and vision.

3. Be a contributor and an active listener in brainstorming a solution

  • Share opinions and encourage the contributions of others.

4. Presume good intentions on the part of others

  • Pay close attention to people with viewpoints that differ from your own by 'seeing through their eyes'

5. Notice God’s presence and will

  • Be mindful of Ignatian desolation, feelings of agitation or a disharmony of thoughts and feelings and Ignatian consolation, feelings of peace and satisfaction. Recognize that moments of inspiration and gratitude are encounters with the Divine.

6. Deliberate until there is a shared contentment with a decision

  • When decision-makers have united around an outcome, communicate the decision to those that are impacted and help to bring the resolution to fruition.


See a brochure including the steps, tips for leading and a Prayer to Open a meeting

See a flip book and order copies of the brochure              


Province Tool Box

Communal Apostolic Discernment - come and see  
Basic Tools:  
                    Spiritual conversation
                    The check-in  
                    The review  
                    Spiritual conversation in small groups  
                    Communal discernment  
                    Communal decision-making
Supplemental Tools:
                    Communal graced history  
                    Communal discernment of the signs of the times

Other


University staff, faculty and administrators



Trustees