The Sacred Story Institute is a United States-based nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the practice and understanding of Ignatian spirituality through innovative applications that integrate spirituality, psychology, and trauma studies. Established as a 501(c)(3) charitable entity, the Institute focuses on revitalizing the traditional Ignatian Examination of Conscience to facilitate holistic healing and spiritual transformation for individuals across diverse demographics, including adults, youth, seminarians, and clergy.

Mission and Vision

The core mission of the Sacred Story Institute is to help individuals encounter Christ, understood as the Divine Physician, who heals body, mind, and spirit, thereby enabling individuals to transform their lives into what the Institute terms a "Sacred Story." This mission emphasizes the role of spiritual disciplines in personal healing and evangelization within the Catholic tradition.

The Institute's approach is characterized by a pioneering integration of classical Ignatian spirituality with contemporary research in neuroscience, medicine, psychology, and trauma studies. This interdisciplinary foundation allows the organization to address the complex ways trauma—particularly intergenerational trauma linked to sin—impacts faith development and personal healing.

Key Programs and Research

Sacred Story Institute is notable for its research led by founder Fr. William M. Watson, S.J., D.Min., which explores how trauma affects an individual's capacity to engage with spiritual practices and receive healing. The Institute incorporates specific exercises within its programs designed to gently reduce fear and open individuals to confronting unconscious trauma memories. These spiritual and therapeutic methods are rooted in Ignatian spirituality and discernment, allowing for gradual healing and growth.

Programs offered by the Institute include tailored spiritual exercises for various populations, such as "Forty Weeks" (including versions for priests and incarcerated individuals), "True Heart," and "Whole-Life." These programs are designed to foster deep spiritual renewal and missionary discipleship aligned with Catholic teachings.

Governance and Support

The Sacred Story Institute is governed by a board comprising professionals from diverse fields, including religious leadership, consulting, finance, and academic research, reflecting a commitment to integrating spiritual and intellectual disciplines. Notable board members include Fr. William M. Watson, S.J., founder and president; Dr. Christina Lynch, consultant to Catholic bishops and seminary formators; and Fr. Robert Spitzer, S.J., founder of the Spitzer Center for Visionary Leadership.

Financially, the Institute sustains its mission through a combination of donations, grants, and revenues from its educational offerings. It operates as a private charity with full tax-exempt status, encouraging supportive contributions to expand its evangelization and healing ministries.

Impact and Evangelization

Sacred Story Institute positions itself at the forefront of third-millennium evangelization, emphasizing a seamless integration of classic Catholic spiritual disciplines with the insights of modern science and scholarly research. The Institute’s work represents a dynamic apostolate aiming to create effective missionary discipleship resources that resonate with contemporary spiritual and psychological understandings while remaining harmonious with Catholic faith and tradition.

This comprehensive approach marks the Sacred Story Institute as a unique and influential nonprofit organization within the Catholic spiritual and educational landscape in the United States.