The Formation Experience in the Arrupe® Program
As we are following an apprenticeship model, in order to offer Arrupe students an excellent experience of formation to become Givers of the Spiritual Exercises, there will be three interrelated components of formation:
- Workshops and mentoring through which students will receive input from experienced spiritual directors: The aim here is for students to benefit from the wisdom and knowledge of a range of people who are experienced in giving the Spiritual Exercises. Where possible, we will also endeavour to create opportunities for Arrupe students to participate in giving retreats to individuals and groups. This will include gaining experience in giving the First Spiritual Exercises.
- Group Supervision: as they take exercitants through the Spiritual Exercises, students will have the opportunity to participate in a number of group supervision sessions where they can benefit from the wisdom of experienced directors. We will also assign each Arrupe candidate to a companion who will mentor them as they grow into becoming givers of the Spiritual Exercises.
- Individual supervision: as they take two exercitants through the full Spiritual Exercises, students will be accompanied by a supervisor who is experienced in directing the Spiritual Exercises, but who also holds qualifications in Supervision. Students will be required to choose from a list of accredited supervisors provided by the Arrupe Coordinator.
There is ongoing discernment throughout all stages of the Arrupe program by both program leaders and the students themselves. Students are assessed on their demonstration of the attributes listed in the Annotations for Givers of the Exercises and the Code of Ethics for Companions in the Ministry of the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises.