Center for Spiritual Development

A Ministry of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange

	Spiritual Direction Programs

The Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange offer a spiritual direction formation program known as The Art of Spiritual Direction.

Please read below or contact Cecilia Magladry, CSJ at cmagladry@csjorange.org or (714) 744-3175 ext. 4415. Art of Spiritual Direction rack card & Art of Spiritual Direction application.

The Art of Spiritual Direction
The Art of Spiritual Direction (ASD) is a three year program for individuals who discern in themselves a call to the ministry of spiritual direction. It provides a holistic curriculum which integrates theology, spirituality, skills development, psychology, Scripture and supervision in the art of spiritual direction. See ASD Frequently Asked Questions.

The Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange and Loyola Marymount University offer a joint Certificate in the Art of Spiritual Direction. Successful completion of the three-year program results in receipt of the professional ministry credential and continuing education units of specialized or upper-level ministry studies. Students who complete the course are eligible to receive 6 credits towards a Masters Degree in Pastoral Studies with an emphasis in Spiritual Direction pending approval of LMU’s Department of Theological Studies.

ASD Frequently Asked Questions
When are classes?
How much work is involved in the program?
What do I need to do to apply?
Why do you require that a person be in regular and on-going spiritual direction for at least two years?
What are the costs involved?

When are classes?
Classes for ASD I, II and III, are scheduled one Saturday per month, from September through June, and typically occur on the second Saturday of the month. A blessing ceremony honoring completion of the program is scheduled on a different Saturday in June. This is a three-year commitment.

FAQ

How much work is involved in the program?
There are different activities for assessment each year, including reflection papers on required books, reflection papers on the completed modules, and an annotated bibliography on books you have chosen to read.

Participants in Year Three are spiritual director “interns” required to have at least two of their own directees, and meet for supervision each month. A research paper of 15-20 pages on a topic of your choice related to the art of spiritual direction is also required in ASDIII.

FAQ

What do I need to do to apply?
Call the Center for Spiritual Development and ask for an application to be mailed. You can also download the brochure from the website. The brochure includes the application.

Pre-requisites Include:
• Be in on-going and continued spiritual direction for at least two years
• Be in a faith community
• Be committed to a life of prayer and discernment
• Minimum age: 35

Application Requirements Include:

1. An autobiography of no more than 2 pages (12-point typed, double-spaced).


	a) Focus on your spiritual life/journey. Who were some key figures for you as you grew up? b) How do you nourish your spiritual life? c) Which faith community do you belong to? d) What have you noticed about your journey that has brought you to discerning admission into this program?

2. Two Letters of Recommendation


	a) From your spiritual director b) From your pastor, rabbi, major superior, etc.; someone who can comment on your spiritual journey and recommend admittance to the program

3. Enclose a non-refundable deposit of $100 with your application.

FAQ

Why do you require that a person be in regular and on-going spiritual direction for at least two years?
This is the most important and challenging question of all. Many of us have the deepest desire to be of service to others in our world. There are numerous ways to serve God and each other, from pastoral care, to counseling, healing ministries, or volunteer services in a parish. In all of these and related ministries, there are requirements for appropriate training. Spiritual Direction, as a ministry, is by its very nature a contemplative ministry; the ability to hear another's sacred story and to be open continuously to the guidance of the Holy Spirit of God, both in the life of the directee and the director. Unlike any other ministry, one cannot consider being a spiritual director without first being intentional about one's own spiritual life. This means entering into the discipline of prayer, contemplation, spiritual reading, and spiritual direction - the regular, intentional connecting with another designated spiritual director, in order to be accountable to another for the daily gifts from God.

FAQ

What are the costs involved?
Fee: $1100 per year. (7/1/2009)
A non-refundable deposit of $100 is required for application to the program. After the interview with faculty and acceptance, you will then be required to pay the balance of $1000.

Payments may be received in full on the first day of classes, or on due dates throughout the year: in January ($400), March ($300) and June ($300).

FAQ

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