Via Companions

What is a Via Companion?

Via is OIS's latest spirituality program, designed specifically for those new to the Ignatian tradition. Participants will have opportunities to explore the graces of Ignatian spirituality, learn about the Jesuit way of proceeding, reflect on their vocation, and prayerfully discern their response as “people of mission.” As a ministry of the Society of Jesus and responding to the Universal Apostolic Preferences set forth by the Society of Jesus, Via Facilitators so much as Ignatian Spirituality is a response to the Universal Apostolic Preferences, set forth by the Society of Jesus, this program aims to  

Via Companions are the guides of the Via program. Companions will act as discussion leaders, cohort companions, and community participants. 

Responsibilities: 

In collaboration with the Via Program Coordinator, Via Companions will perform the following functions to help implement the program:

• host in-person or virtual programmatic sessions for their appointed cohort (with guidance and materials provided by the Via program coordinator),

• provide support and encouragement to participants throughout their experience,

• accompany Via participants through the whole or part of the program,

• guide discussions,

• refer any issues to the Via Program Coordinator .

Companions will receive an hour-long training in discussion facilitation, active listening, and establishing community norms.  

 Experience and Qualifications: 

1. A successful candidate is engaged with the Catholic community, has some experience with Ignatian spirituality, enthusiastic about joining an intergenerational community of adults who are interested in Ignatian spirituality.  

2. Facilitation skills are essential. The cohort coordinator does not direct the program nor teach the content. Rather the companion accompanies the cohort through the Via program, adding their own insight and helping the group transition between activities.  

3. Companions must be non-judgmental and open to people’s realities and lived experiences. 

To help foster the dispositions to lead Via, we have identified two simple resources for you to watch and read. Here are some additional prompts for prayer and reflection that may deepen your engagement with the resources below:

• What is one notable memory or experience that I have of being seen, heard, acknowledged, and respected in the world of Ignatian spirituality?

• What is one practice, technique, or exercise that I like to use to center myself?

• For those who enjoy imaginative prayer with passages from the Bible, consider the passage when Abraham and Sarah entertain three divine visitors (Genesis 18:1-15). The Letter to the Hebrews in the New Testament refers back to this story with the exhortation: “Do not neglect hospitality, for through it some have unknowingly entertained angels” (Hebrews 13:2). What are my unique gifts, talents, dispositions for welcoming people and exercising hospitality? As I imagine and learn more about my cohort and about the itinerary of Via, how does this passage speak to me about the role of the facilitator?