Growing and Healing with ISC

Serving as a presenter at the Novena of Grace: Healing Our Hearts for a Mission of Mercy in 2021 was a blessing for me. Those nine days of inspiring music, reflecting on God’s word, and community was contemplative prayer at its best, a much-needed balm in a world of isolation during the pandemic. This is just one example of how ISC has helped me grow and been a place of healing.

For the past 20 years, ISC programs and workshops have helped me see God in all things and been a pathway to a place of deeper understanding. As a member of the Board, I appreciate the planned intentionality of retreats and programs that grow spirituality and practice, especially in community with others. I appreciate that ISC has a long-standing history of spiritual practice, contemplative prayer, and spiritual direction. The staff work tirelessly and are passionate about guiding others.

As we celebrate the ISC’s 30th anniversary, I believe Ignatian spirituality crosses all cultural boundaries and is a function of daily life. The ISC understands the changing landscape of the Church and the world and seeks to invite all people, including more young people, people of color, and multifaith participants and partners in this work. I hope to be a part of this transformational change that empowers future leaders.

Barbara Henderson is the Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Bellarmine Preparatory School in Tacoma, Washington. Barbara is a member of the Black Catholic Advisory Circle and a parishioner at St. Leo Catholic Church. She is a member of the ISC Board. She attended Seattle University and received her Masters in Human Development from Pacific Oaks College.