Spiritual Direction Training Programs
Discerning a call to become a spiritual director? Are you interested in a training program with an Ignatian orientation? The Office of Ignatian Spirituality maintains a list of programs in the Northeast where you can receive training. And there are other programs all over the country. Here are two which are located close to Maine:
St. Anthony Shrine
“Participants are guided by an experienced team who will welcome them as colleagues to create an atmosphere of mutual ministry and learning. Emphasis is placed upon the role of the spiritual director as companion rather than leader in helping others to recognize and follow the movements of grace in their lives. We explore in depth our core topics, which include Self Knowledge, Contemplative Attitude, Practices of Prayer and Silence, Listening and Speaking Skills, Psychological Knowledge, Discernment, Intimacy, Social Justice, Historical and Biblical Contexts, and Freedom.”
Classes meet on primarily online on Saturdays from 9:30 am - 3:30 pm, nine times a year for two years.
Spiritual Direction Internship Initiative
“This internship program is led by Sr. Joan McCarthy CSJ and Sr. Maureen Casey SND. Internship in Spiritual Direction aims to provide opportunities for the following:
Personal growth and development
An understanding of the theological and psychological bases for spiritual direction
Improved communication skills within the context of the helping relationship
Supervised ministry as spiritual directors
Discernment of one’s call as a spiritual director
The program begins each year in September and runs through the following April. Applications are usually accepted through August, so long as spaces are still available. The program meets virtually each week, with 2 in-person retreats.”
Fordham University Advanced Certificate in Spiritual Direction
“The advanced certificate in spiritual direction is designed to assess a student’s potential to become a spiritual director, and it supports students in their efforts to:
discern a call to this ministry;
formulate a model of spiritual direction and chaplaincy; and
develop the specific skills required to serve as a spiritual director.”
Creighton University
“Creighton University’s Graduate Certificate in Spiritual Direction and Directed Retreats (SDDR) offers a transformative experience of reflection, prayer, worship, community and study that cultivates a deep knowledge and personal appropriation of Christian Spirituality in the Ignatian tradition.
Grounded in the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola, the SDDR Certificate forms students to be certified spiritual directors using the contemplative-evocative method. The certificate includes a nine-month, directed practicum experience with supervised spiritual direction and retreat formation.”
Boston College Post Master’s Certificate in Spiritual Formation
“Certificate Features
An introduction to the fundamentals of spiritual direction practice
An opportunity to fine-tune retreat skills
Convenient summer study – two weeks for three consecutive summers
Opportunity to participate in vibrant daily liturgy
Economical on-campus housing”