There is a communion with God, and a communion with the earth, and a communion with God through the earth.
—Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, Cosmic Life Essay
Jesuit paleontologist Pierre Teilhard de Chardin's unique approach to spirituality was fostered by both his love for Earth and his devotion to science, especially the science of evolution. His emphasis on the importance of scientific knowledge with its insistence on experience of the physical world sets his spirituality apart. Science fueled his natural devotion and provided him with the images and a vocabulary to describe an experience of God that is otherwise unspeakable. Yet, despite the predominance of scientific imagery and content, Teilhard was not trying to propose a scientific theory or system; rather his dominant concern was communicating his experience of the divine and his insight into the role of the human in the evolutionary process.
Cost: $50. Scholarships available.
The online five-week Lenten Journey will explore some of the major themes running through Teilhard’s mystical vision. We will reflect on Teilhard’s life, writings and insights through daily individual prayer exercises and weekly group presentations and spiritual conversation.
We will meet as a group six times via Zoom on Thursday evenings from 6:30 - 8:00 pm CT beginning February 19, 2026 and ending on March 26, 2026. Daily prayer exercises will be offered over the five weeks based on Teilhard’s writings and associated Scripture.
Retreat Leaders:
Lori Stevens, M.A.
As a spiritual director and retreat leader rooted in the Ignatian Tradition, Lori delights in accompanying others on their spiritual journeys. She is actively engaged with the Ignatian Center of Kansas City as a prayer guide for the Spiritual Exercises, teacher of Ignatian Spirituality and member of the Center’s program committee and Board. Lori holds an M.A. in Christian Spirituality along with a graduate certificate in Spiritual Direction and Directed Retreats from Creighton University. She is the mother of two adult daughters.
Joseph Snyder, M.Div, Ed.D
As a lifelong student of Ignatian Spirituality, Joe enjoys guiding individuals and leading groups in various adaptations of the Spiritual Exercises, teaching courses on Ignatian topics, and facilitating spiritual conversations through retreats and book studies. He has been actively involved with the Ignatian Spirituality Center for many years serving on its Board of Trustees and Program Committee. Joe obtained an M. Div. from the Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara University and an Ed. D. from the University of Kansas. He is married to Marilyn, an accomplished poet.
