Training Program

Two-Phase Program For Spiritual Directors in the Ignatian Tradition

The Spiritual Growth Staff offers a non-residential training program that provides developmental skills and practice for the ministry of spiritual direction in the Ignatian tradition. The program consists of two separate but related sequential phases.  Each of the two phases requires six two-day meetings at the Jesuit Center.

The first phase emphasizes is on discernment and the development of specific skills for giving spiritual direction. The second phase consists of a detailed sequential movement through the four weeks of the Spiritual Exercises.

Among the components of the process are seminar sessions, various experiences of supervised direction, peer supervision, verbatim-writing, ongoing reading assignments, ongoing spiritual direction of 2 persons, and direction of 2 Prayer Weekends each year (retreatants provided by the applicant.)

Prerequisites for the Training Program

• a personal desire and graced sense of call to the ministry of spiritual direction
• an experience of being called upon by others to this ministry of spiritual direction
• adequate life experience
• having ongoing spiritual direction on a regular basis, as well as retreat experiences
• full experience of the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises before the second year of the program (30 Day Retreat or full term 19th Annotation Retreat)
• foundational knowledge in areas of contemporary theology, scripture, spiritual life, psychology
• BA degree or equivalent life experience
• acceptance into the program and progression from one phase to the next depends upon the recommendation of the Center Staff

To receive information about costs, scheduling and/or applying, please email Maria McCoy, S.S.J..

Applications are being accepted for Year 1 which will be offered in the Fall of 2010.

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Last modified: January 7, 2010