Issuu

u r Pi l la o F rs he of

JOY for

Catholic Educators A POCKET RETREAT

Denise Ball, EdD

Copyright © 2026 Denise Ball All rights reserved. Scripture texts, prefaces, introductions, footnotes and cross references used in this work are taken from the New American Bible Revised Edition © 2010, 1991, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., Washington, D.C. All Rights Reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner. Spiritual Exercise references (marked SE) are taken from The Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius: Translation Based on Studies in the Language of the Autograph by Louis J. Puhl, S.J., © 1951 by The Newman Press, reprinted by Loyola Press © 2021. Cover art credit: cienpies/iStock/Getty Images ISBN: 978-0-8294-6319-4 Library of Congress Control Number: 2026947279 Published in Chicago, IL Printed in Canada 26 27 28 29 30 31 31 32 33 34 MQS 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

This book is dedicated to Michael, my husband and best friend: Thank you for the many hours of quiet support and encouraging words. To Nathaniel and Claire, thank you for continuing to inspire me to be the best mom and the best version of myself I can be for His glory! And thank you, Noreen, for the countless hours of discussion and review— I am grateful. To all the educators I have been blessed to serve alongside over the past twenty-eight years, thank you for saying yes to His call to serve the students and parents placed in your care. Never underestimate the power of your words and actions in the lives of your students. You make a difference!

Contents Foreword............................................................................ xi Introduction.................................................................... xiii Personalized Retreat Benefits.........................................xv Part I: The First Pillar: Forgiveness 1. The Importance of Forgiveness.................................... 1 2. God’s Infinite Mercy and Our Need for Forgiveness.... 6 3. Self-Examination and the Role of Confession.............. 9 4. The Challenge of Forgiving Ourselves and Others..... 12 5. Living in the Freedom of Forgiveness......................... 17 6. Following Through on Forgiveness............................ 20 Part II: The Second Pillar: Trust 7. Trust in the Journey of Growth.................................. 25 8. Building Trust: A Daily Exercise Plan........................ 28 9. Following Through on Trust...................................... 35

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Part III: The Third Pillar: Service 10. The Life of Ignatius of Loyola: A Journey of Transformation....................................................... 41 11. Training Our Eyes to See His Good........................... 42 12. Service with Love....................................................... 43 13. Streaming in the Spirit: Walking in His Presence...... 44 14. Conversion as a Continuous Journey.......................... 45 15. Ignatius of Loyola Insights for Educators................... 46 16. Practical Steps for Developing a Heart of Service....... 48 17. The Educator’s Call to Humility................................ 51 18. Practical Steps to Serve with Humility and Love........ 52 19. The Power of Education as a Service to Others.......... 54 20. Practical Steps to Model Service................................. 56 21. Pursuing the Magis on the Path to Joy........................ 59 22. The Magis in Action for Educators............................. 60 23. Following Through on Service................................... 64 Part IV: The Fourth Pillar: Joy 24. Finding Joy in God’s Creation and Presence.............. 69 25. Joy in Loving and Serving Others.............................. 70 26. The Consolation of the Spirit..................................... 70 27. A Personal Letter About Joy....................................... 71 28. The Joy of Surrender.................................................. 72 29. Following Through on Joy......................................... 75

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Part V: Conclusion: Additional Resources Reflection for Educators: Courage to Act and Live with Purpose.............................................................. 79 Recommended Reading for Inspiration............................ 83 Appendix A Format for a Four-Session Faculty Retreat........................ 89 Appendix B Diocesan Format for School Leaders Retreat.................... 95 Appendix C Lectio Divina..................................................................... 99 Appendix D Playlists to Accompany the Four Pillars of Joy................ 103 About the Author............................................................ 107 Endnotes......................................................................... 109

Foreword

Faculty and staff are essential for advancing the mission of Catholic schools. The mission of Catholic schools is to educate the whole student—heart, mind, and soul. Educators are instruments of the Holy Spirit, who strives to form disciples of Jesus Christ who embrace the mind of Christ, the heart of Christ, and faith in God. Oftentimes, due to the complexity of helping students and relating to parents, fellow teachers, pastors, and other stakeholders, this mission is challenging. This complexity can distract a teacher, administrator, or staff person from being connected to the vine, Jesus Christ (John 15:5). The Four Pillars of Joy for Catholic Educators: A Pocket Retreat is a ready and user-friendly resource to help educators train their eyes to see Jesus in everything that they experience. Drawing from the spiritual wisdom of St. Ignatius of Loyola, this resource will help the xi

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professionals who are educating our children to trust God in their daily lives. This trust provides the joy and the strength to fulfill their role. The daily application of the spiritual insights captured in this pocket retreat will help educators to see the good in all they do. Denise Ball also draws spiritual insights from her own personal experience as a Catholic educator grounded in her relationship with God. I have experienced this firsthand over the years when we have worked together. I strongly encourage the use of this pocket retreat. You will notice the difference! Very Rev. Msgr. Dr. Charles Kosanke, Episcopal Vicar, Archdiocese of Detroit

Introduction

This pocket retreat for educators is a transformative journey inspired by St. Ignatius of Loyola’s perspective on finding joy in life’s journey as outlined in his spiritual masterpiece, The Spiritual Exercises. This guide offers a series of meditations, prayers, and contemplative practices, each with the potential to inspire and transform educators, helping to deepen your relationship with God and discern His will. In The Spiritual Exercises, St. Ignatius of Loyola emphasizes the importance of finding God in all things and cultivating an inner sense of joy and peace, regardless of external circumstances. The Ignatian perspective, which inspired the four pillars of this retreat (forgiveness, trust, service, and joy), invites educators to engage in intentional reflection and spiritual renewal. Attached to each pillar throughout this retreat are Ignatius of Loyola inspired reflection nuggets. These xiii

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nuggets reveal Ignatius’s deep spirituality and his emphasis on trust in God, forgiveness, selfless service, and finding joy in life’s journey, and are shared in the hope of inspiring those who walk through this pocket retreat. While each pillar can stand alone, they cannot be fully experienced without the scaffolding strength that comes from each pillar building upon the others. I call this “streaming in the Spirit,” maintaining a continuous connection with the Holy Spirit so His will may fully manifest in our lives. When we train our eyes to see the good, amazing things can happen in our lives for His glory. In his writing and reflections, Ignatius of Loyola encourages us to seek and find God’s presence in every aspect of our lives, whether in moments of consolation or desolation. Training our eyes to see the good can lead to a deep sense of joy and gratitude. When focusing on the good versus embracing the chaos of the world, we can experience inner peace. The writing of Ignatius of Loyola teaches that true joy comes from living in alignment with God’s will and in being free from attachment to worldly desires. Through detachment and discernment, living in but not of this world, we can experience inner freedom and a lasting sense of joy. Focusing on the good also reinforces our trust in God’s providence. Ignatius of Loyola’s writing emphasizes the

Introduction

importance of trusting in God’s providence and surrendering to His plan, even in times of uncertainty or difficulty. Trust brings a sense of peace and joy, knowing that God is guiding and caring for us. Ignatius’s The Spiritual Exercises is a guide for personal spiritual growth and discernment; it contains profound insights into Ignatius’s view on finding joy in life’s journey and provides a helpful framework for this pocket retreat. As we walk through each pillar, let us be reflective practitioners so that we can experience and embrace joy and help manifest joy in the lives of the students, parents, and colleagues placed in our care. By engaging in this self-directed retreat inspired by Ignatian practices, educators are invited to deepen their spiritual awareness, enhance their sense of well-being, and renew their commitment to the sacred vocation of education. Through these four pillars, may you rediscover the joy of serving, leading, and living in the Spirit. Personalized Retreat Benefits • Deepening spiritual awareness: Ignatian spirituality emphasizes the presence of God in all things and encourages individuals to discern God’s will in their lives. As educators, we can

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deepen our spiritual awareness and develop a closer relationship with God through prayer, reflection, and discernment. • Enhancing personal well-being: The practices of prayer, mindfulness, and self-reflection promoted in Ignatian spirituality can help cultivate greater inner peace, resilience, and emotional wellbeing, thereby positively impacting an educator’s professional effectiveness and satisfaction. • Clarifying vocation and mission: Ignatian spirituality invites us to discern our vocation and mission in life, understanding that the purpose of our work is to serve others and to participate in God’s work in the world. Taking a moment or two to focus on this perspective can help us gain clarity about our calling as educators and find renewed purpose and motivation in our work. The Four Pillars of Joy for Catholic Educators has been in the making for more than a decade. I began my reflection notes while attending graduate school at the University of Detroit Mercy. However, it wasn’t until I was asked to be a part of a Women’s Speaker Series for the Archdiocese of Baltimore, St. John’s parish, that I focused and dedicated some quiet time with the Lord to this work. Completing my research for my dissertation on teacher

Introduction

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retention was also insightful, and it propelled me to action for the betterment of our educators. In a society full of chaos, it is often easier to keep our heads down and face forward. We can see this reflected at times in a group of friends who are gossiping about someone, or when we see a coworker sitting alone, but we do not engage. We might feel that tug to say a kind word to someone placed before us, but we do not act on it because of the barriers we have put in place. I call this tug the initial pull before streaming in the Spirit. Streaming in the presence of the Holy Spirit is my goal every day. This handy pocket retreat is designed to be read often, as a reminder that when we take time to forgive others and ourselves, we deepen our trust in God, which allows us to serve others fully and experience His joy that He has waiting for us as we walk the journey of life.

Part I

The First Pillar: Forgiveness 1. The Importance of Forgiveness Forgiveness is one of the most profound acts of grace we can extend to others and to ourselves. Forgiveness is essential for a healthy mind, body, and spirit because it allows us to release the weight of resentment and pain that can hold us captive. Choosing to forgive doesn’t mean we forget or condone the hurt we have endured; it means we entrust the hurt to God, knowing that He will bring healing in His time. Walking through the journey of forgiveness is life-giving. It frees our hearts to experience peace, our minds to focus on what is good, and our spirits to thrive in the joy of the Lord. Forgiveness is not a onetime decision but a continual choice to embrace love over bitterness.

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Equally important is the act of forgiving ourselves. Too often, we carry the burden of guilt and shame, replaying mistakes that God has already forgiven. When we choose to let go, we open ourselves to the transformative grace of His mercy. In forgiving ourselves, we make room for growth, allowing God to shape us into who He has called us to be. Scripture tells us: “When you stand to pray, forgive anyone against whom you have a grievance, so that your heavenly Father may in turn forgive you your transgressions” (Mark 11:25). Beginning this retreat with forgiveness is intentional. As Christians, we are called to be His light in the world, bearers of hope. Let us work toward being all He is calling us to be as distributors of hope. However, if we struggle with forgiving others or even forgiving ourselves, we create obstacles that make it difficult to receive the grace God longs to pour into our lives. Father Isaias Powers, in his meditation writings, uses vivid imagery to explain forgiveness. He describes how we often justify our resentment by saying we’ll forgive but not forget, or by nursing wounds instead of allowing God’s grace to work through them. He shares an example of a penitent who, after hundreds of gracefilled confessions, has one poor experience with a harsh priest, and allows that single experience to eclipse all

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the healing ones that came before.1 How often do we do the same in our spiritual lives? C. S. Lewis might have called this a “Screwtape moment,” those subtle interior shifts when our hearts begin to harden, and we unintentionally glorify anger, fear, or resentment rather than surrendering to God’s love. In The Screwtape Letters, Lewis exposes how easily small distortions of thought can distance us from grace.2 Ignatius of Loyola reminds us that if God works with us and loves us without limit, who are we to place limits on forgiveness? When we cling to our wounds or justify our bitterness, we quietly elevate our emotions above God’s mercy. Ignatius calls us back to freedom, the place where we receive God’s limitless love and extend that same boundless forgiveness to others as well as to ourselves (SE).3 Regardless of the many roles we serve in our lives, we make mistakes. I am a child of God, wife, mother, daughter, sister-in-law, aunt, friend, educator, retired assistant superintendent, and prayer warrior. I fail in all these areas on a weekly, sometimes daily basis. Yet I call on the Holy Spirit to walk beside me on this journey of life, and I lean in and lean on Him all day long. I often forget to forgive myself, and I have asked the Lord to send me reminders because I do not want any barriers between us, and I want to experience His grace fully.

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Prayer is crucial in seeking forgiveness and overcoming barriers. Satan works to promote the divide between us and God. When we are caught by the chaos of life, we can forget how to pray or feel like the barrier to God is so great. Please know that this is never the case; this is the lie of the deceiver. When we remain rooted in prayer, streaming in His Spirit as a constant companion on this journey of life, this practice becomes profoundly life-giving. In moments when we feel overwhelmed or distant from God, we can simply call upon the name of Jesus. His sacrifice on the cross assures us of His grace, His mercy, and His companionship. That alone is enough. Throughout the day, I often find myself whispering simple prayers, before meetings, while driving, in the quiet spaces between responsibilities, words that gently quiet the chaos of the world: “Into Your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit. Be with me. Work through me. Go before me. Give me the strength to forgive as You have forgiven. Help me to be Your light to all You place upon my path.” Into His hands I surrender my spirit, asking for strength, guidance, and grace to forgive, committing myself again to growth and healing in Him.

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Reflection Prompt Is there a roadblock in your life where the power of forgiveness will not allow you to step closer to God? When we harden our hearts, whom do we glorify? Take a moment of silence and reflect on your “forgiveness meter.” If there is anything between you and God, be encouraged to offer it up to God and surrender the situation to Him. Psalm 103:12 reminds us, “As far as the east is from the west, / so far has he removed our sins from us.” Sit with that image for a moment. East and west never meet; they stretch endlessly in opposite directions. God does not partially remove our sin or hold it within reach; He separates it completely from us. Where, then, are you still holding on to what God has already released? Is there a wound you continue to rehearse, a mistake you replay, or a resentment you quietly protect? Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any place where you are clinging to what God has already cast away. Imagine placing that burden in His hands and watching it disappear beyond the horizon. In that space of surrender, allow yourself to receive the freedom He so generously offers. I encourage you to take some time to walk through the five focus areas for this pillar, which are designed

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to help center your thoughts on reflection and prayer. Each focus area has a corresponding Scripture to aid you on this walk. Grab your Bible and let’s begin.

2. God’s Infinite Mercy and Our Need for Forgiveness As educators, we are uniquely called to nurture, guide, and inspire those entrusted to our care. This sacred vocation often brings joy and fulfillment, but it can also challenge us to confront our limitations, frustrations, and the imperfections of others. It is in these moments that we are invited to reflect on God’s infinite mercy, a mercy that is boundless, unconditional, and transformative. God’s mercy reminds us that we are never beyond the reach of His love. No mistake is too great, no moment of failure too deep for His forgiveness. This truth is profoundly liberating, especially for educators who often hold themselves to impossibly high standards. God does not expect perfection; He simply desires our hearts, open and willing to grow in His grace. Recognizing our need for forgiveness is not a sign of weakness but of strength. It allows us to model humility and vulnerability to our students and colleagues.

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When we admit our mistakes and seek forgiveness, we create a culture of trust and compassion within our schools. We show others that it is safe to fall and rise again, with God’s help. God’s mercy also calls us to extend forgiveness to others. As educators, we encounter challenges with students, colleagues, and families that may test our patience or understanding. Forgiveness does not erase hurt or excuse wrongs; instead, it frees us from the burden of resentment, allowing us to love as Christ loves, seeing those He has placed in our lives anew. God never tires of forgiving us; we are the ones who tire of seeking His mercy.4 Let us embrace this truth, returning to Him in prayer when we feel burdened or discouraged. In His mercy, we find renewal and strength to continue the vital work of education. Colossians 2:14 reminds us that Christ has canceled the record of our debt, nailing it to the cross. The price has already been paid. When we contemplate this truth, it frees us from the quiet burden of self-condemnation and the weight of withheld forgiveness. We are no longer bound by what has been; we are invited into what can be. Ignatius encourages us to reflect on the magnitude of God’s forgiveness toward us, honestly acknowledging our sins and shortcomings while trusting fully in

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His infinite mercy. By recognizing our deep need for God’s compassion, we open our hearts more fully to receive His forgiveness. When we allow ourselves to be forgiven, something changes. We become more capable of extending that same grace to others. May we pause often to reflect on the boundless mercy of God and ask for the grace to forgive ourselves and those around us. In doing so, we embody the love and compassion of Christ, becoming not only educators of knowledge but witnesses to His redeeming mercy, free to love because we have first been forgiven. Prayer Focus Meditate on God’s unconditional love, praying for a deeper understanding of His mercy. Scripture Deep Dive: Luke 15:11–32 This parable, recounted in the Gospel of Luke, reminds us of the importance of repentance, forgiveness, and unconditional love. Forgiveness is a powerful exercise of love and acceptance. Spend some time with God, breaking open His word. Pause and listen, put His words into action, and allow the Spirit to bear fruit through you. Walking through the act of forgiving others and forgiving

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yourself is freeing. Do not let the anxiety of today and society’s chaos disrupt your streaming with God. Come, Holy Spirit!

3. Self-Examination and the Role of Confession As educators, we are deeply immersed in the lives of others, our students, colleagues, and school communities. In the busyness of our vocation, it is easy to focus outwardly, addressing the needs and challenges around us, while neglecting the inner work essential for growth. Self-examination is a vital practice in the journey of forgiveness, offering a space to reflect on our hearts, actions, and relationships in the light of God’s truth. Forgiveness begins with understanding. When we take time to examine our thoughts and actions, we uncover areas where resentment or guilt may linger. This practice is not meant to condemn us but to invite God into those hidden spaces. Through prayerful reflection, we can ask: Am I holding on to anger or hurt that is weighing me down? Have I responded with grace in my interactions, or have my words or actions caused pain to others? Do I struggle to forgive myself for mistakes, even when God has already forgiven me? These questions open the door to

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God’s mercy and help us see how forgiveness of others and ourselves can bring healing. In the Gospel, Jesus teaches that we must first remove the wooden beam from our own eye; then we will see clearly to remove the splinter from our brother’s eye (Matthew 7:5). This verse reminds us that self-examination is not about dwelling on faults but about seeking clarity. When we acknowledge our own shortcomings, we approach others with greater humility and understanding. For educators, self-examination is especially powerful. It allows us to reflect on how our emotions, stress, or unhealed wounds may affect our interactions in the classroom or with colleagues. It helps us to become more intentional in living out our calling, modeling forgiveness and compassion for those we serve. As you reflect, consider these steps: • Pause in prayer: Ask the Holy Spirit to guide your thoughts and reveal areas in need of grace. • Examine with mercy: View yourself through the lens of God’s love, acknowledging your imperfections without judgment. • Seek reconciliation: Where hurt exists, seek to forgive or ask for forgiveness, trusting in God’s healing power.

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• Commit to growth: Invite God to shape you, transforming struggles into opportunities for grace-filled living. Through self-examination, we draw closer to the heart of Christ, who calls us to be agents of love and reconciliation. Forgiveness is not a single act but an ongoing journey; one that shapes us, stretches us, and transforms both our hearts and the hearts of those around us. When we embrace forgiveness as a practice rather than a moment, it deepens our faith, strengthens our relationships, and renews our commitment to serve as instruments of God’s peace. Ignatius emphasized self-examination as a path to greater awareness of our need for grace. Through the practice of the Examen, we prayerfully reflect on our thoughts, words, and actions, recognizing where we have fallen short and inviting God’s mercy into those places. Prayer Focus Practice the Examen with a specific focus on areas in need of forgiveness in your life. Approach the Sacrament of Reconciliation as a tangible encounter with God’s healing mercy.

The Four Pillars of Joy for Catholic Educators

How to Pray the Examen • Place yourself in God’s presence. Give thanks for God’s great love for you. • Pray for the grace to understand how God is acting in your life. • Review your day. Recall specific moments and your feelings at the time. • Reflect on what you did, said, or thought in those instances. Were you drawing closer to God or slipping further away? • Look toward tomorrow. Think of how you might collaborate more effectively with God’s plan. • Be specific and conclude with the Our Father. Scripture Deep Dive: Psalm 51 Psalm 51 is a prayer of confession and repentance. In this Scripture, we are reminded of the importance of acknowledging our sins and asking for God’s forgiveness with a humble heart.

4. The Challenge of Forgiving Ourselves and Others Forgiveness is one of the most profound and most challenging aspects of our faith journey. As educators, we

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are called to model patience, understanding, and compassion in our classrooms and beyond. Yet there are days when we lace up our “red shoes,” step into the hallway with a steady smile, and carry on as though everything is fine, even when something within us remains unsettled. We know how to perform with composure. We know how to appear forgiving. But sometimes what we present outwardly has not yet been reconciled within. Noreen Bryant reflected that we can put on a “mask of forgiveness,” convincing others and even ourselves that we have moved on, all while silently nursing unresolved hurt beneath the surface.5 Such masking may preserve appearances, but it does not bring healing. True forgiveness asks for more than a polished exterior. It calls us into honest interior work, including the surrender of resentment, the courage to face our wounds, and the grace to allow God to soften what has hardened. The call to forgive is rooted in Christ’s example. On the cross, He offered forgiveness even in the face of betrayal and suffering, teaching us that forgiveness is not about the worthiness of the other person but about the condition of our own hearts. As Jesus said, if we forgive, we will be forgiven (Luke 6:37). Forgiveness is a gift we give ourselves, freeing us to grow in grace and love. Forgiveness is not just about the other person; it is also about us. It is a sacred journey that requires humility,

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courage, and deep trust in God’s providence. When we forgive, we acknowledge our own need for mercy and allow our hearts to be transformed by grace. Each act of forgiveness stretches us, shaping us more fully into the person God has called us to be. In the context of education, forgiveness is especially vital. Students, colleagues, and even parents may unintentionally hurt us, test our patience, or misunderstand our intentions. In those moments, forgiving others allows us to move forward without bitterness, fostering a spirit of collaboration and harmony in our schools. It also sets a powerful example for our students, teaching them the value of reconciliation and empathy. The ministry of teaching entrusts us with the extraordinary privilege of setting the tone for our classrooms, our colleagues, and even the families we serve. Our posture, whether marked by resentment or reconciliation, quietly teaches long before our lessons begin. When we choose forgiveness, we model mercy. When we extend grace, we cultivate it. In doing so, we become instruments of peace, forming not only minds but hearts. Consider these steps when faced with the challenge of forgiving others:

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• Acknowledge the pain: Be honest with yourself and God about how you feel. Naming the hurt is the first step toward healing. • Pray for grace: Ask God to soften your heart and provide the strength to forgive, even if it feels impossible. • Choose to release: Forgiveness is not a feeling but a decision to release resentment and trust God with the outcome. • Seek healing: Surround yourself with Scripture, prayer, or trusted confidants who can help you process and move forward by being His light in your life. Remember, forgiveness is not a single act but a commitment. It is a continual process that deepens our relationship with God and strengthens our capacity to love. Through forgiveness, we allow God’s grace to flow freely in our lives, transforming pain into peace and hurt into hope. As educators, let us embrace the challenge of forgiveness, knowing that it is through this act that we grow spiritually, emotionally, and professionally. May we strive to live out this call, trusting that each step in forgiveness brings us closer to the heart of Christ.

The Four Pillars of Joy for Catholic Educators

Forgiveness is not only about receiving but also extending it to others. Ignatius teaches us to see Christ in others, which is central to forgiving those who have hurt us. Ignatius of Loyola recognized the inner battle we face in forgiving ourselves. Have you been carrying a burden? Has your heart been heavy and closed off? Let this be the time you choose to let go of guilt, shame, and regret, trusting in God’s love and mercy to heal your wounds. Prayer Focus Pray for the grace to accept God’s forgiveness and to forgive yourself, trusting in God’s plan for your life. Ask for the grace to forgive those who have wronged you and to release resentment or anger that holds you back from spiritual freedom. Scripture Deep Dive: Matthew 18:21–35 and 1 John 1:9 This Scripture is a powerful example of how God forgives. We are called to forgive with boundless mercy. “If we acknowledge our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from every wrongdoing” (1 John 1:9).