Stories of Impact
Every step along a path of transformation is a story worth telling. We tell stories to one another to make sense of our lives. Stories bond us in joy, in healing, and in seeking to find God in all things. This page is dedicated to sharing the stories of those impacted by ISC.
Do you have a story to share? Email Corinne Bergmann, Executive Director, at corinne@ignatiancenter.org.
Finding Spiritual Community
When Rich Okamoto found the ISC 12 years ago, it marked a turning point in his faith journey. “Coming from a Protestant background, a lot of the things that are part of Ignatian Spirituality were not things that I had been exposed to before,” said Rich who currently directs the Office of Disability Services at Seattle University.
Rich was brought up in the one Japanese American church in Santa Barbara, California which happened to be Congregational. “In the Japanese American community, you're either in the Buddhist community or you're in the Christian community, so that's how my parents introduced us to faith. They gave us the option to attend after junior high school and I lost interest at that time in my life.”
In college, after friends started coming to him with questions about God and faith, Rich joined a dormitory Bible study. “I wish my intentions were entirely spiritual, but there was a person in the Bible study I was interested in.” His involvement led to a year of being in ministry with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, and a stage of faith that was “more black and white.” He eventually drifted away from it.
Each of the photos below represents a unique story. Click on the image to read the full story.
Will Warrick moved from spiritual desolation to feeling new life and God’s love breathed into his soul.
Summer Ignatian Retreat 2024 scholarship recipient Tu-Ha Nguyen has come a long way.
When Loren Day went looking for a spiritual retreat, she was in a dark place.
When Rufo Calvo was invited by his partner to join him for ISC’s three-day Summer Ignatian Retreat, Calvo was leery.
Cézanne Hardy co-leads a small but mighty group, Women Companions of Color.
Malcolm Nelson wasn’t sure if he was ready to lead parishioners through the nine days of the Novena of Grace.
Sharon Spence-Wilcox drifted from religion, yearned for more, and finally accepted an insistent invitation.
John and Carolyn Hickman’s devotion to Ignatian spirituality spans decades.
Jonathan Went came to the ISC for spiritual direction, looking for guidance while in the middle of a big decision.
“Who would have thought that stepping out in faith—trembling, unsure, yet willing—would open a door to such an overflowing abundance of grace?” ~ Kirk Acnam
Board Member Barbara Henderson found growth and healing at ISC.
Cameron Bellm traded the academic life for the contemplative life.
Mary Gorman and the St. Leo Formation Commission was at a crossroads when they collaborated with ISC.
Kathy Collins woke each morning with the question, “Who needs love today?”
As the youngest of eight, Mercy Lazo Mandac was always accompanied by someone from her family. Now she is a companion to others.
DuWayne Andrews, Jr. was in a place of feeling stuck when he encountered the Contemplative Leaders in Action training program.