National Conference for Spiritual Exercises (NCSE)

Saturday, June 13 - Monday, June 15, 2026.

Low-angle view of Fairfield's gray-and-brown brick, castle-like Dolan House building.

Showing the Way to God: A Conference for Practitioners of the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius Conference

Join us for a groundbreaking national gathering: Showing the Way to God: A Conference for Practitioners of the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius, hosted by the Murphy Center for Ignatian Spirituality of Fairfield University. This first-of-its-kind event welcomes all who guide or accompany others through the Spiritual Exercises to two enriching days of fresh insights, shared best practices, and a supportive community of fellow practitioners.

REGISTER NOW

Conference Schedule

Check-in begins on Saturday, June 13. All programming, meals, and housing will take place on campus.

Saturday, June 13, 2026

Schedule of events for the first day of the NCSE Conference — Saturday, June 13, 2026.
Time Event
2 p.m. Arrival
4 p.m. Mass in Egan Chapel of Saint Ignatius Loyola
5 p.m. Evening Dinner Reception/Welcome address

Sunday, June 14, 2026

Schedule of events for the second day of the NCSE Conference — Sunday, June 14, 2026.
Time Event
7 a.m. Mass in Egan Chapel of Saint Ignatius Loyola
7:30 a.m. Breakfast
9 a.m. –
12:15 p.m.
Morning Presentations and Break-Out Sessions
12:30 p.m. Lunch
2:30 – 5:45 p.m. Afternoon Presentations and Break-Out Sessions
6:30 p.m. Dinner

Monday, June 15, 2026

Schedule of events for the third and final day of the NCSE Conference — Monday, June 15, 2026.
Time Event
7 a.m. Mass in Egan Chapel of Saint Ignatius Loyola
7:30 a.m. Breakfast
9 – 11:45 a.m. Presentation & Breakout Sessions
12 p.m. Closing Reflection and Prayer
1 p.m. Check-out

Conference Highlights

Please note, topics and speakers subject to change.

  • The Four Faces of Jesus’ Love in the Spiritual Exercises | Sr. Joan McCarthy, CSJ
  • America’s Original Sin of Racism and the Spiritual Exercises | Fr. Brian McDermott, S.J.
  • Sharing the Exercises with other Religions | Fr. Kevin O’Brien, S.J. and Erin Cline, PhD, Georgetown University
  • The Transformation of One's Identity, Charism and Mission as an Ignatian Spiritual Director | Dr. Damian Zynda, Th.D.

  • Spiritual Exercises and Cultural Diversity
  • Family Systems and the Spiritual Exercises
  • Spiritual Exercises Through Art
  • Parish Life and the Spiritual Exercises
  • Offering the Exercises in Group Format

  • Christian Cashman, MEd, President, Fairfield College Preparatory School

  • Fr. Denis G. Donoghue, S.J., Director, Murphy Center for Ignatian Spirituality

  • Marcy Dolan Haley, MA, Associate Director, Murphy Center for Ignatian Spirituality

  • Fr. John Mulreany, S.J., Alumni Chaplain & Superior, Fairfield Jesuit Community

  • Fr. Kevin F. O’Brien, S.J., Vice Provost and Executive Director, Fairfield Bellarmine

  • Fr. Paul Rourke, S.J., Vice President, Mission and Ministry, Fairfield University

  • Fr. John Savard, S.J., Director, Campus Ministry, Fairfield University

Housing & Meals

All housing will be on-campus in our Suite Style Dorms.

  • Each Suite is same gender and consists of 8 individual bedrooms, and linens.
  • Each Suite has a living room area and two shared bathrooms.
  • All meals will take place on Campus provided by Stags Hospitality.

Please let us know if you have any dietary restrictions or allergies during the check out step of the Ticket Purchase.

Thank You to Our Sponsors

  • Jesuit USA East Province
  • Office of Ignatian Spirituality
  • Fairfield Preparatory School
  • Fairfield University Mission & Ministry
  • Fairfield University Jesuit Community

To learn more about the Murphy Center and the programs offered throughout the year, please visit fairfield.edu/mcis.