About
Via is designed to introduce adults of all ages to Ignatian spirituality and the Jesuit tradition. Via offers virtual and in-person (where available) options to participants.
Who is Via For?
Via participants want to explore Ignatian spirituality, learn more about the Jesuit tradition, gain a deeper sense of purpose, and are seeking a meaningful experience of community.
Why is it called Via?
Why Via?
The word, “via”, in English means “by way of,” while in Spanish, vía refers to a road or system of complex pathways. This new program that we call Via is more than just a journey, but a way of crafting and creating a spiritual path using Ignatian spirituality.
We chose Via to describe the openness that Ignatian spirituality gives each person: to incorporate companions on the road and cultivating new paths for themselves with others. Via is not a road that is forged by one person, but a way that has been enriched by those who have travelled in the way of Ignatian tradition before us. Via invites the traveler to engage on the path and learn what this tradition can do to help you on your spiritual path.
Via is a one-year program consisting of three movements:
Module 1 - Spirituality
Where you will be introduced to Ignatian spirituality and the concept of “finding God in all things”, rooted in the teachings of St. Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Jesuits. You will also experience the different kinds of prayer found within the tradition.
Module 2 - Discernment
Where you will discover the practice at the center of Ignatian spirituality, which encourages us to pay attention to the movements of our heart and soul to help us decide how to respond to God’s invitation.
Module 3 - Jesuit Tradition and Heritage
Where you will explore the rich history of the Society of Jesus in the many ministries that were founded by Jesuits as well as the culture that helped birth Jesuit institutions around the world.
Module 4 - Mission
Where you will discover what it means to be a person of mission. What is your sense of purpose? How are you being asked to respond in service to God, people, or the world?
Each movement consists of four activies (in both virtual and in-person formats):
Retreats
Via begins and ends with a weekend retreat, each designed to give you a chance to step away from the busy-ness of life, to rest and reflect, and form new friendships.
Self-directed learning
You will gather virtually with Via participants from other cohorts as, together, we learn from teachers and leaders in the Ignatian family. There is a virtual workshop at the start of each movement; each lasts 1.5 - 2 hours.
Cohort sessions
Each module includes four cohort sessions, for sixteen in total. Each offers you a chance to discuss and “go deeper” with your cohort. Cohort sessions are 2 hours.
Via Timeline- Virtual Cohort (2026)
Opening Retreat: Late February 2026 (Weekend and Weeknight Options)
Module 1: March- Early May
Module 2: March- Mid-July
Module 3: Late July- Mid-September
Module 4: October- Late November
Closing Retreat- December
Via Timeline- In- Person Cohort (2026-2027)
Hybrid/Virtual Opening Retreat: Mid-Late September (Weekend and Weeknight Options)
Module 1: October- November
Module 2: December- February (with break for holidays)
Module 3: February- April
Module 4: April- June
Closing Retreat- July
FAQs
What is Via?
VIA is an introductory program for those that are seeking community and formation through Ignatian tradition. VIA’s goal is to form adults of all ages in the practices held in the Ignatian tradition, including: discernment, contemplation, and working in mission. Along with learning the fundamental parts of Ignatian tradition, participants will learn the history of the Society of Jesus and tradition of service to God and to the Church that the Jesuits have modeled since the founding of the Society in 1540.
We believe that this program can help people develop skills in discerning God’s movements in their lives and responding out of love as people with and for others. Via helps form people who wish to follow in the way of Ignatius, his companions, and the Jesuits after them, and all the people who have found a spiritual home in Ignatian spirituality. Via hopes to help participants draw closer to Jesus and to a life that is both contemplative and action oriented, based in the first Principle and Foundation.
Why Via?
The word, “via”, in English means “by way of” and in Spanish, vía refers to a road or system of complex pathways. This new program that we call Via is more than just a journey, but way of crafting and creating a spiritual path using Ignatian spirituality.
We chose Via to describe the openness that Ignatian spirituality gives each person: to incorporate companions on the road and cultivating new paths for themselves with others. Via is not a road that is forged by one person, but a way that has been enriched by those who have travelled in the way of Ignatian tradition before us. Via invites the traveler to engage on the path and learn what this tradition can do to help you on your spiritual path.
What happens in Via?
A lot! During the course of your Via experience you will be part of a community made up of passionate, encouraging peers. You will have opportunities to explore Ignatian spirituality and learn how to integrate it in your life. You will learn from generous, inspiring people dedicated to sharing their spiritual insights. Through short presentations, discussion, reading, prayer, and reflection you will have the time and space to contemplate the meaning of your life, the needs of the world, and how you choose to respond.
Who can participate in Via?
Via invites all adults interested in Ignatian spirituality to register and participate. Our ideal cohort is composed an intergeneration group of people from diverse identities, professional experiences, and educational backgrounds. Applicants who work for Jesuit or Ignatian institutions are encouraged to register.
How are participants selected to be part of a cohort?
The Via enrollment process is designed to put together the best possible cohort. Important attributes of a successful participant include:
Strong interpersonal skills
Accountability
The ability to engage across different perspectives
Capacity for faith-sharing, dialogue & reflection
Openness to learning & growth
The ability to listen
We want to create cohorts that reflect the diversity of our faith community: different identities, professional experiences, and educational backgrounds.
Where is VIA being offered?
Via’s virtual cohort will begin in February of 2026.
In-person regional cohorts will be launched in Fall of 2026.
What is the length of VIA?
The VIA program is approximately 11 months. The 2026 program will begin in late-January and end in early December.
Do I have to be Catholic?
One of the many gifts of the Ignatian tradition is its openness. Via participants range from life-long Catholics to spiritual seekers, converts, and those who are questioning what they believe. The Via community is enriched by the diversity of values and beliefs. At the heart of Via is Ignatian spirituality, itself deeply rooted in the Catholic faith, the history and culture of the Society of Jesus, and the legacy of countless people who have sought to find “God in all things.” This tradition informs both the context and the content of VIA. We invite any young adult open to deepening their relationship to God to join us on this journey.
Do I have to live in the (Via) city?
No. Via cohorts are regionally based. Anyone from a particular region is welcome to apply. We do, however, recommend living within one hour of the city given feedback from participants of other OIS programs.
We offer a Virtual Cohort for those who do not live in a region where VIA already operates.
People who live in a region where Via operates may participate in the Virtual Cohort, given extenuating circumstances.
Please note that our Denver cohort of Via is only offered to young adults at this time. People older than 39 years interested in Via who live in and around Denver are invited to participate in our virtual cohort.
What is the time commitment?
VIA begins a virtual/hybrid weekend retreat, beginning on Saturday and ending on Sunday. Each retreat day will begin in the late morning and end in the mid-afternoon.
VIA meets twice per month: These meetings will consist of prayer, discussion, and other activities that might include art or journaling.
There are readings and exercises between each gathering. Participants should anticipate approximately 2 - 3 hours per month of independent engagement that will include reading, listening to podcasts, praying, and journaling. Beyond the regular program, participants are encouraged to take advantage of extra-curricular offerings.
What are the two ways to participate in Via?
Regional: Retreats and monthly cohort sessions are all in-person.
Virtual: The entire experience is virtual.
Program content is consistent whether you select to apply to a regional or virtual cohort. Only the method of delivery (in-person or virtual) is different.
Do I need to have attended a Jesuit school or be a member of a Jesuit parish to participate in Via?
No! We welcome anyone striving to be an Ignatian leader. Many of our previous participants in other programs did not attend Catholic or Jesuit schools or universities. VIA intentionally brings together people from a variety of backgrounds with varying levels of familiarity with the Jesuits and Ignatian spirituality. All are welcome! An affiliation with the Jesuits is neither a requirement nor will it impact our selection process.
Would you like to register or learn more about Via: the Ignatian Way?
We are currently accepting registrations for our virtual cohort.
Registrations for Via in-person cohorts will be opening in early 2026.