The Next Chapter Program

The Next Chapter program is a guided journey consisting of six-monthly sessions along with a two-day overnight retreat.  The primary purpose of this program is to assist people in discerning who God is calling them to be and what God is calling them to do in their next chapter of life. The ultimate hope for participants is that they will create next chapter plans that reflect their deepest desires that they feel truly called to and are excited about living in their next chapters. 

The Next Chapter program is structured around several key elements designed to guide participants through a deep and meaningful exploration of their future possibilities. Here are the building blocks of the plan you will develop.

Components of Your Next Chapter Plan

Daily Ignatian Prayer – The Examen

Incorporate this reflective prayer practice into your daily routine to foster ongoing spiritual awareness and growth.

Practicing Ignatian Discernment

Learn to more effectively discern God’s voice in your life, enhancing your decision-making process with spiritual depth.

Retreat for Planning

Participate in a retreat focused on drafting your written next chapter plan, providing a dedicated time and space to reflect and strategize.

Self-Knowledge Development

Gain a deeper understanding of your personal characteristics, talents, strengths, and spiritual gifts to better align your future actions with your innate capabilities.

Awareness of Service Opportunities

Discover a variety of service opportunities both locally and globally, broadening your impact and potential involvement in meaningful activities.

Community Support

Receive ongoing encouragement from facilitators and peers who support your spiritual and personal growth.

Optional Spiritual Direction

Engage with a spiritual director to further personalize your journey and enhance your understanding of your spiritual experiences.

Collaborative Insights

Benefit from the wisdom of facilitators and the shared experiences of fellow participants, enriching your journey with diverse perspectives.

Exploration of New Activities

Consider integrating new and enriching activities into your life that resonate with your spiritual and personal goals.

Implementation Groups

After the program, join small implementation groups that provide a supportive environment to discuss progress and challenges, helping you stay committed to your next chapter plan.

These components are designed to equip you with the tools, knowledge, and community support necessary to confidently step into the next chapter of your life.

In the Next Chapter program, participants will have access to a curated set of tools and resources designed to facilitate deep personal insight and spiritual growth. Here’s what’s included:

  • Reading Materials: Engage with key texts to enrich your understanding and practice of spirituality:

    • "Reimagining the Ignatian Examen" – A guide to refreshing your prayer life.

    • "A Simple Life-Changing Prayer" – Discovering the power of daily communication with God.

    • "God’s Voice Within" – An exploration of discernment as a path to spiritual maturity.

  • Educational Lectures: Gain insights from expert-led sessions that provide foundational knowledge and context for your spiritual journey.

  • Reflection Questions: Deepen your understanding with thought-provoking questions that encourage personal examination and spiritual contemplation.

  • Group Discussions: Participate in both small and large group discussions, providing a community-based environment to share insights and experiences.

  • Assessments:

    • Clifton Strengths Assessment: Identify your unique strengths to better understand how you can contribute to the world.

    • Spiritual Gifts Assessment: Discover your spiritual gifts to align your actions with your spiritual purpose.

  • Integration Conversation: Engage in meaningful conversations that help integrate the insights gained from assessments and discussions into your personal and spiritual development.

  • Volunteer Opportunities Panel Presentation: Learn about various ways to apply your skills and passions in service to others, featuring presentations from different organizations.

  • Implementation Small Groups: After the program concludes, continue your journey by participating in small groups. These monthly meetings with two or three peers are designed to support ongoing progress and mutual encouragement as you implement your next chapter plans.

These tools are carefully chosen to support your journey towards a fulfilling and spiritually aligned next chapter of life.