About Spiritual Direction Programs
The Center for Spiritual Development offers several training options for those seeking to become Spiritual Directors and those already in
the ministry of spiritual direction. Please review the information below, or contact Sister Cecilia Magladry, CSJ at cmagladry@csjorange.org
or (714) 744-3175 ext. 4415.
Spiritual Direction Training
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why do you require that a person be in regular and on-going spiritual direction for at least two years?
- Would seeing my close friend, with whom I have deep conversations about God and life, be considered spiritual direction?
- When are classes?
- What does the connection with Loyola Marymount University mean?
- What are the costs involved?
- How much work is involved in the program?
- What do you mean by "mentoring groups"?
- 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?
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. The ways that this can happen are many and varied; from pastoral care, counseling, CPE, ordained ministry, various therapeutic schools, healing ministries, to volunteer services in parishes, congregations, communities and temples. In many of these ministries it is required that people get the appropriate training in order to best serve the community. 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
Would seeing my close friend, with whom I have deep conversations about God and life, be considered spiritual direction?
In essence, no. This person is not your spiritual director, but a friend. This would be like blurring the boundaries, or trying to wear two different "hats" at the same time. There are times when the topic of conversation is related to your close friend, and the other person as spiritual director is there as an objective, contemplative listener.
The role of spiritual director is that of a professional, for whom the ethical boundaries between director and directee are clearly delineated.
FAQ
When are classes?
One Saturday per month, from September through June, with two gatherings in June (11 classes per year). A different Saturday is allocated for each year. This is a three-year commitment.
FAQ
What does the connection with Loyola Marymount University mean?
The Art of Spiritual Direction program offered by the faculty as CSD is now a recognized program of the Extension Service of the Center for Religion and Spirituality at LMU/LA. The University awards the students with 18 semester hours of continuing education units (c.e.u's) which may be transferable to another similar program at LMU/LA in the future. Both institutions will award a Certificate in the Art of Spiritual Direction.
You are required to complete the assignments, both reading and written, be present at all classes and participate in the varied processes in order to be graded for the assessment in the program.
You have access to both the Loyola Marymount University and Saint Joseph College Libraries.
WARNING: Being awarded the Certificate in the Art of Spiritual Direction does not make you a spiritual director. It is a piece of paper that tells the public you have completed the program. Whether or not you will be a spiritual director is in the hands of God. The Art of Spiritual Direction Program at CSD is designed to assist a person in enhancing and developing skills they already have. These people know - through the depth of their own prayer life, in consultation discernment with their own spiritual director, and the fact that they are already intentionally companioning someone on their spiritual journey - that they have been called by God to this ministry for the people of God. This program does not pretend to make you a spiritual director.
FAQ
What are the costs involved?
Fee: $1000 per year.
You must send a non-refundable deposit of $100 upon application into the program. After the interview with faculty and acceptance, you will then be required to pay the balance of $900.
Payments can be made in two ways:
1. Up front: $900 on the first day of classes, or
2. During the year: in January ($300), March ($300) and June ($300).
FAQ
How much work is involved in the program?
There are different activities for assessment each year. There will be articles to read in preparation for the upcoming class, critical reviews on articles to be written, reflection papers written on text books (3 per year) and reflection papers on classes.
By Year Three, you will be "intern" spiritual directors, having at least two of your own directees, for which you will be meeting with your mentor for supervision each month. You will also be required to write a research paper of 15-20 pages on a topic of your choice related to the art of spiritual direction. You will also be in mentoring groups in Years Two and Three.
FAQ
What do you mean by "mentoring groups"?
You will already have been meeting in small groups in the first year of the program, but by Year 2, you will actually be assigned to a mentoring group for the duration of Years Two and Three. These groups, typically, are made up of six students and a faculty member who acts as mentor for the group. These people are often adjunct faculty.
FAQ
What do I need to do to apply?
Call the Center for Spiritual Development and ask for an application to the mailed. You can also download this brochure from the website.
You are required to send
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1. An autobiography of no more than 2 pages (typed, double-spaced). |
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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 the discerning admission into the type
of program? |
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2. 2 Letters of recommendation |
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a) One of these must be from your spiritual director.
b) The other is to be from your pastor, rabbi, major superior, ... someone who can comment on your spiritual journey and recommend that you be admitted. |
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3. Enclose a non-refundable deposit of $100 with your application. |
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