Silent Retreat for Men, including the Knights of Columbus
St. Ignatius proposes ways to become free of worldly values and to find happiness in the will of God. This retreat—through prayer and God's grace—will help us to locate and to become free of the ties that bind each of us.
Fr. Bernard Bush, S.J., is a spiritual director and psychotherapist by training, background that he believes enables him to see people's lives in a rich and diverse way. He says he enjoys the challenging adventure of helping others find God in their lives, something he recognizes is different for every person. He defines a spiritual director as one who is a servant to others as they grow in their relationship with God.
Born in Humboldt County, California, Fr. Bernie entered the Society of Jesus following graduation from Bellarmine College Preparatory, San Jose, CA. He was ordained in 1965, and then trained as a spiritual director and psychotherapist, earning a Ph.D. in human science (psychology and theology) from the Saybrook Graduate School, San Francisco. More about Fr. Bernie
Mr. Michael Cheney is both a spiritual director and theology teacher. He currently teaches at Jesuit High School in Sacramento where he also serves as the Director of Faculty Development. From 1984-2002, he taught theology at Loyola High School in Los Angeles. He also taught theology and philosophy as an adjunct instructor at Mt. St. Mary's College and Marymount College in southern California. He and his wife have three children. With Fr. John Powell, S.J., he co-authored two books, A Life-Giving Vision: How to Be a Christian in Today's World (Thomas More Press) and The Christian Vision of Reality (Resources for Christian Living).
Assisting
Fr. Kevin Ballard, S.J. was born in San Francisco and raised in a traveling military family, joined the Society of Jesus in 1972 and was ordained in 1985. His ministry, mainly in parishes, has also included community organizing, high school teaching, and retreat work. Three years in Kathmandu, Nepal were a highlight and delight. His ongoing interest in Ignatian Spirituality has entailed directing the Spiritual Exercises in their various forms. Since 1981, the blessings of the 12 Steps have been key to life and work. Judaism has been an ongoing inspiration. He is blessed to live sober, one day at a time, since 1981. Kevin is recreated by languages, bird-watching and "staring into space!"
Fr. Gerald F. Hudson, S.J., was, for many years, a mathematics teacher (at Loyola High School, Loyola Marymount University, and St. Ignatius College Preparatory). He has served several times as a director in the JRC 36-day program. He joined the staff of the JRC in August of 2006 and has been involved in retreats and spiritual direction.
Ms. Barbara Nelson is a spiritual director and a graduate of the Pierre Favre Training Program on the Spiritual Exercises at the Jesuit Retreat Center. In January 2009 she attended the international Ignatian Common Apostolic Discernment workshop in Rome. She is a native and resident of San Francisco. Barbara does retreat work at JRC and in her parish, St. Agnes, where she also offers the 30 week Spiritual Exercises. Ignatian Spirituality is her passion. She enjoys photography.
Fr. Duc Vu, S.J., a software engineer before joining the Jesuits, was ordained in 2002 and served in a parish until 2007. An M.F.A. in Creative Writing reflects his interest in life as story. He likes to explore the creative dynamic among stories human and divine, as well as the fascinating dialectic between our corporeality and spirituality.
