Discernment Retreat 2024
Ready for an education on discernment? Walk through the details of the rules of discernment with our speaker Julia Maloney during this silent retreat for men and women of all ages.
The inner voice that guides us can often be a complex blend of our own desires and divine inspiration. It’s not uncommon to feel a sense of disappointment or frustration when our expectations don’t align with reality, especially when we believe we are following a path laid out by God. So, what do we do when faced with this dissonance? The truth is, God has the profound ability to bring forth good from any situation. In this transformative retreat, Julia will take us on a deeper dive to illuminate the path to understanding and implementing the fundamental principles of discernment. She will guide us in exploring how to recognize and resist the allure of seemingly beneficial opportunities that do not originate from God.
God honors our aspirations and encourages us to dream big. However, navigating our desires with God at the center is a challenging journey. This retreat offers us the tools to articulate our spiritual experiences and the wisdom to share them, all while keeping our lives anchored in Christ’s love and teachings.
During the “Rules for Discernment” retreat, Julia will introduce us to the ways in which The Holy Spirit facilitates our encounters with God in the mundane aspects of life, highlighting the manifestations of His love in our daily lives. Drawing upon the Discernment of Spirits as taught by St. Ignatius, this retreat will provide an in-depth examination of strategies to identify what is truly beneficial for those of us striving towards a life in communion with God.
This retreat is an opportunity to deepen our understanding of our spiritual encounters, enabling us to distinguish God’s presence in our lives. By mastering the art of discernment, we liberate ourselves from deception and embrace the freedom to pursue a fulfilling relationship with the Lord. Join us on this journey to cultivate a discerning heart, one that is capable of recognizing God’s direction and embracing the abundant friendship He offers.
A proud alumna of Kennesaw State University, Julia holds a Nursing Degree, and she furthered her education at Spring Hill College, earning a certificate in Spiritual Direction. She serves as an affiliate Spiritual Director at Ignatius in Atlanta, offering guidance and support for those wishing to improve their conscious contact with a God of their understanding. Notably, Julia also extends her spiritual direction to women navigating their steps in Alcoholics Anonymous, specializing in the Fifth Step. Passionate about sharing her knowledge, she engages in teaching about liturgy, prayer, and Ignatian Spirituality.
Julia’s commitment to fostering spiritual growth is evident in her role as a teacher in Christian Mindfulness practices. From various forms of prayer to nature walks and pollinator counts, she encourages an open approach to spirituality. Julia also leads retreats and delights in sharing her approach to Ignatian discernment with others.
Beyond her professional pursuits, Julia’s home serves as a pollinator habitat, monarch way station, and a certified Audubon Bird Sanctuary. Her gardening practices, focused on native plants, reflect her dedication to supporting butterflies and wildlife. Julia’s profound connection to nature and her ability to find God in the ordinary are truly inspiring. She generously shares the beauty of God’s creations, emphasizing finding God in the ordinary for those around her.
Retreat Saint: St. Ignatius
Begins at 7:00pm EASTERN on Friday, May 3.
Weekend: $198.00 per person (includes $90.00 non-refundable deposit)
Day hop: $90.00 per person (includes $45.00 non-refundable deposit)