Message from the Director

Dear Friends,

October 4, 2011 marks the 40th anniversary of the Spiritual Growth programming at the Jesuit Center.  George Schemel, S.J., (1930-2000) is the founder of the Jesuit Center for Spiritual Growth as we were formerly known.   In 1971 George asked the provincial of the Maryland Province for a two year trial period in order to begin a spiritual center at the Jesuit Novitiate of St. Isaac Jogues in Wernersville, PA.  When asked by the provincial what a spiritual center was, George replied that he was not sure but to ask again in two years!   Now forty years later we celebrate and give thanks for George’s courageous initiative, vision and creativity that has provided sacred space for thousands of people from around the world to be engaged in our directed retreats, prayer weekends, and workshops. This space also has provided the seed ground for over four hundred individuals to be trained in the Ignatian tradition of spiritual direction and to carry that tradition to places as far flung as India, Australia, Africa, the United Kingdom, Europe, South America, Central America, China, Japan and the Philippines.  George Schemel very aptly described the Jesuit Center as a “house of bread” where the spirituality and sense of prayer so deeply held in the heart of each individual who visits it is fed and nurtured and hopefully in turn nurtures others.

Our program offerings this year are highlighted in this brochure including our October anniversary celebration with Jesuit Father James Martin, a week long discernment program for individuals considering the ministry of spiritual direction, and a Paschal Triduum retreat.  We hope that you will join us here at the Center for one or more of our retreats or programs.

On behalf of all of our staff I would like you express our deep gratitude to you for your support, encouragement and presence.  We ask you to continue to hold the Jesuit Center in your prayer and we assure you of our continual prayerful remembrance.

Sincerely,

© 2005-2010 Jesuit Center
501 N Church Road PO Box 223 •   Wernersville, PA 19565

Last modified: May 3, 2011