Our Story

in the USA

Spirituality

Spirituality in Ministry: In response to a call from Church leaders to utilize our resources to deepen an appreciation of spirituality within the whole Church and to more actively promote the spirituality of the laity, the congregation established a department for Spirituality in Ministry. This is a jointly sponsored ministry of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word of San Antonio and the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word of Houston. Through a variety of workshops, conferences, and retreats, this ministry seeks to enhance the spirituality and mission of the two congregations by supporting the ongoing formation and spiritual growth of its members, associates, and co-ministers as well as members of the Church at large. Spirituality in Ministry serves as a resource to all the ministries of the two congregations.

Incarnational Pathways
A path through the woods This group of relatively new ministries of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word helps the Sisters and the wider community to foster a spirituality of the Incarnation. These ministries nourish holistic and contemplative living, encourage the appreciation of beauty and artistic expression, advocate for protection of the sacredness of creation, and raise awareness of the role of the arts in promoting human dignity. Incarnational Pathways includes the following ministries:

• The Sacred Garden, San Antonio, Texas: The Sacred Garden offers workshops, retreats, spiritual direction and other opportunities for the psychological and spiritual development of women in San Antonio and the surrounding areas. It assists women who desire to live fuller and more dynamic lives by providing a supportive and resourceful environment in which individuals and small groups can gather, explore, and share the reality of their lives as women and find ways to live with greater depth and integrity. For more information, see The Sacred Garden Brochure, Sept - Dec 2008 (pdf) or contact .

• SPARKS/Chispas, San Antonio, Texas: SPARKS is an acronym for Spiritual Practices and Art Reclaiming Knowledge of the Soul. This ministry promotes human dignity, creativity, and Incarnational spirituality by providing access to the arts, culture, and spiritual traditions from a multicultural, inter-faith perspective through spiritual direction and programs. For further information, contact .

• Spiritual Companioning, San Antonio, Texas: This is a ministry of simple presence to another who speaks whatever is in his or her heart. This confidential, non-judgmental companioning is especially helpful and healing in times of sorrow, transition, searching, hurt, illness and loss. For further information, contact .

• Psychotherapy—Journey into Wholeness, San Antonio, Texas: This ministry seeks to provide psychotherapeutic services to individuals, who for financial reasons might not otherwise receive them. It leads adolescents and adults to self-knowledge, self-understanding, and self-acceptance, freeing them to be their deepest, truest selves. For further information, contact .

• Reflexology, San Antonio, Texas: This ministry provides stimulation through the soles of the feet. By affecting glands, organs, and all parts of the body, it releases stress and tension and brings the body back to normality. For further information, contact .

• Holistic Health, San Antonio, Texas: This ministry gives mental-spiritual training through structured processes which are designed to help establish new inspired thought structures and allow for more effective manifestation of goals. For further information, contact .

• Marriage & Family Institute of San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas: Through its team of highly qualified licensed professionals, the Institute aims to alleviate family and individual distress and dysfunction, and to provide healing and growth in family relationships. It also maintains contracts with professionals who provide outreach to schools and organizations throughout the city. For further information, contact .

• Incarnate Word Creations, San Antonio, Texas: This ministry spreads the Good News through the combination of art and technology, using website and e-Gift Shop modes with local displays of computer generated art products created from personal scenic photography. For additional information, contact .