Spiritual Director
Fr. Bernard Bush, S.J.
"Spiritual retreats are important — perhaps now more than ever. Our contemporary world is filled with noise, distraction and confusion; it's difficult to hear God speaking. The silent reflection of a retreat provides an opportunity to tune into the movements of God in order to hear His direction and guidance. Heeding His guidance can bring great inner peace and a dedicated, practical and generous love for others." Fr. Bernard Bush, S.J., Spiritual Director
Fr. Bernie is a spiritual director and psychotherapist by training— background that he believes enables him to see people's lives in a rich and diverse way. He says he enjoys the challenging adventure of helping others find God in their lives — something he recognizes is different for every person. He defines a spiritual director as one who is a servant to others as they grow in their relationship with God.
Born in Humboldt County, California, Fr. Bernie entered the Society of Jesus following graduation from Bellarmine College Preparatory, San Jose, CA. He was ordained in 1965, and then trained as a spiritual director and psychotherapist, earning a Ph.D. in human science (psychology and theology) from the Saybrook Graduate School, San Francisco.
Early in his career, Fr. Bernie taught at St. Ignatius High School, San Francisco, and assisted the chaplain at Alcatraz, San Francisco. For 13 years, he directed the House of Affirmation, a clinical treatment center for emotionally troubled clergy and religious. Fr. Bush is the author of the Book called Living in His Love: Essays on Prayer and Christian Living, and the Editor of Coping: Issues of Emotional Living in an Age of Stress for Clergy and Religious. He joined the Jesuit Retreat Center staff in 1993 after working in the Diocese of Norwich (Conn.), developing continuing education programs in social justice and the prevention of child abuse for the clergy.
Fr. Bernie continues to advocate for children. He also looks back fondly on his piloting days when he was truly "out of reach, looking down on the world a sort of God's eye view."
Retreats Fr. Bernie will be directing this season:
- Aug 20-22 Breaking the Ties that Bind, Silent Retreat for Women
- Oct 1-3 Breaking the Ties that Bind , Silent Retreat for Men
- Nov 29 The Coming of Jesus, Our Healer, (Mon.) Advent Healing Service
- Mar 8 The Self-Giving of Jesus, Our Healer, (Tues.) Pre-Lenten Healing Service
- Mar 9 Lent: A Time of Freedom and Joy, Non-silent Retreat for Women & Men, Ash Wednesday Day of Prayer
- Mar 18-20 Breaking the Ties that Bind, Silent Retreat for Men, including the Knights of Columbus
- Jun 6 Spirit Sent, as Our Healer, (Mon.) Pentecost Healing Service
And assisting:
- Aug 13-15 Faith Matters! (or Dogma for Dummies), Silent Retreat for Men
- Sep 17-19 Saints of September Speak Today, Silent Retreat for Men
- Oct 15-17 From Misguided Desire to Promised Fulfillment, Silent Retreat for Women & Men, including the St. Vincent de Paul Society
- Nov 12-14 Called to Be One for the Journey , Non-silent Retreat for Married Couples
- Dec 8 My Spirit Rejoices!, Advent Day of Prayer, Non-silent Retreat for Women & Men
- Jan 28-30 Heavenly Tools for Earthly Tasks, Silent Retreat for Men
- Apr 8-10 Marriage: Visible Sign of God?s Love, Non-silent Retreat for Married Couples
- Apr 15-17 From Shattered Dreams to Restored Creation, Silent Retreat for Men
- April 29 - May 1 Oh, Say, Can You Seek?, Non-Silent Retreat for Women
- May 27-29 A Journey Through Grief to Healing, Non-silent Retreat for Women & Men, for Those Grieving
