Pathways to freedom
Pathways to Freedom is an Ignatian series for those longing to pray more deeply, to tend the places that ache, and to discover the quiet, courageous work of forgiving. Rooted in the wisdom of the Spiritual Exercises of St Ignatius of Loyola, this series invites participants to notice how God is already at work in their lives—meeting them with mercy, truth, and a freedom that unfolds over time.
Through guided prayer, reflective teaching, and gentle practices of discernment, participants are accompanied as they explore interior movements of prayer, the healing of memory, and the grace to forgive—others, themselves, and even God. This is not a course about “fixing” what is broken, but unfolds a process of forgiving learning to stay present to God in what is real, trusting that healing emerges as we consent to love’s patient work.
Pathways to Freedom is well-suited for anyone desiring a more integrated spiritual life: those carrying old wounds, navigating strained relationships, or sensing an invitation to deeper interior freedom. In the Ignatian spirit, these sessions honor each person’s unique story, offering a spacious, prayerful rhythm where insight, compassion, and hope can take root.
When
Pathways to Freedom unfolds over five 90 minute sessions, as follows:
- Tuesdays, February 24, March 3, 10, 17, 24
- 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm
Where
Holy Trinity Catholic Church
Community Life Center, Room 201
3811 Oak Lawn Ave
Dallas, TX 75219
Faithful to the Ignatian spirit of generosity, ISI offers these sessions without a registration fee. However, donations will be gratefully accepted to support our ministry and the offering of these sessions.
Presenter(s):
Carol Atwell Ackels
Carol is Director of the Ignatian Spirituality Institute. A spiritual director in the Ignatian tradition she serves as retreat director of the Spiritual Exercises of St Ignatius in various formats. She offers weekend retreats, the Exercises in Everyday Life, and one-to-one directed retreats at Jesuit retreat houses across the United States. Carol regularly gives programs and days of reflection to parish and Church groups. She launched and continues to give workshops to shape persons, Jesuits and lay, who are moving into retreat ministry and spiritual companioning in the Ignatian tradition. Appointed by the Provincial, Carol served six years on the bi-province Commission on Ministry--the group that discerns long-range planning for apostolic work of the Jesuits and their colleagues. Carol co-authored with Joe Tetlow, S.J. the twelve week Ignatian retreat Finding Christ in the World, and worked with Anthony Borrow, S.J. developing the Toward Greater Freedom retreat for parents at Jesuit College Prep of Dallas. Carol holds a J.D. from SMU Dedman School of Law, Dallas and a Master of Art in Theology and Leadership from Gonzaga University, Spokane. She and her husband reside in Dallas and are the parents of five adult children.