Small Group Experiences

First Semester Groups

These mentor-led small groups offer first-semester students safe, noncompetitive places to reflect on their personal spiritual lives and how they are being affected by the seminary experience. Students coming from spiritually different places walk with and hold space with each other. They share their own spiritual journeys and explore new forms of spiritual practice.

First semester small groups are open to all Yale Divinity School students free of charge. 

Additional Small Group Experiences

Other small groups are offered for students beyond their first semester at Yale Divinity School free of charge.

These groups may focus on 

  • a particular topic
  • a person of prayer
  • a way of praying

Students are welcome to these groups whether or not they are meeting with a mentor for wayfinding! 

Ignatian Spiritual Exercises

One popular offering is the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises. The exercises are a creative and flexible program of prayer and meditation centered on the life of Jesus in the Gospels, meant to help you grow in discernment and to find God in all things. 

I am so very grateful for my spiritual director who encouraged me with gentle wisdom and deep kindness through these centuries-old spiritual disciplines.  The fruit of these exercises has been the joy of a deeper faith and a revitalized way of being.  I will forever be so very thankful for the gift of the Annand Program.

—

Professor Benjamin Doolittle

Working through the Spiritual Exercises was one of the most meaningful parts of my year. I learned as much through meeting with Pamela each week as I did through any class! It really brought in the spiritual formation I often miss in my academics-heavy divinity degree. Thank you Annand!

—

YDS student Katie Davis

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