
SCHOOL OF SPIRITUAL DIRECTION
Since 2014, SoulFormation has offered the School of Spiritual Direction for graduates of the Academy of Spiritual Formation who are called to the ministry of spiritual direction. This program is designed around advanced teaching, coupled with direct engagement in spiritual direction, regular peer interaction in triads, and group supervision.
The School of Spiritual Direction is shaped by Ignatian Spirituality and builds on the Academy of Spiritual Formation. The next School begins on October 13, 2025, at the Mt. Angel Abbey in Mt. Angel, OR.
SCHOOL THEMES
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Discernment
To become a spiritual director is to become a discerning person. In the first retreat, we will explore the foundations of spiritual direction three-fold-listening and the discernment of spirits from an Ignatian perspective.
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Matters of the Heart
Often it’s our experience of pain or disillusionment that brings us to a spiritual director. In the second retreat, we will consider how to accompany our directees as they encounter times of darkness or struggle.
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Tending the Holy
Our final retreat will help you determine what it can look like to nurture the charism and practice of spiritual direction going forward. We will unpack the practical nuts and bolts of setting up a spiritual direction practice in your unique context.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
The School of Spiritual Direction is the second of two components in SoulFormation’s training process for spiritual directors.
The first component is the Academy of Spiritual Formation, an 18-month long cohort-based program which focuses on the care of the participant’s soul and includes an introduction to group spiritual direction through participation in triads. Completion of SoulFormation’s Academy of Spiritual Formation (including all assigned reading & assignments) is a prerequisite for the School of Spiritual Direction. Upon completion of the Academy, participants are invited to discern whether they have the desire and the charism to pursue further training through the School of Spiritual Direction.
SoulFormation’s School of Spiritual Direction is dedicated to providing both academic depth and practical experience. Rooted in the tradition of Ignatian Spirituality, the program trains students in the art of spiritual direction through advanced instruction, hands-on practice, peer interaction in triads, and personalized supervision. Students journey together in a cohort of 30, engaging in a rich process of exploration, reflection, and applied spiritual direction.
At the conclusion of this course, and upon completion of all course requirements, participants receive a Certificate of Completion from the SoulFormation School of Spiritual Direction. Graduates of the School are then eligible and invited to join SoulFormation’s Community of Spiritual Directors for ongoing encouragement and support, continuing education, and the building of community. Choosing to join the Community of Spiritual Directors is your discerned decision.
If you are interested to learn more or would like to see the Course Syllabus, please email Betsy at betsy@soulformation.org
SCHOOL OF SPIRITUAL DIRECTION
Cohort 8 Dates
Cedar Springs Retreat Center
Sumas, WA
October 21-23, 2024
Feb 3-5, 2025
June 2-4, 2025
Registration Closed
Cohort 9 Dates
Mt. Angel Abbey Guest House
Mt. Angel, Oregon, OR
October 13-15, 2025
February 23-25, 2026
June 8-10, 2026
Cohort 10 Dates
Mt. Angel Abbey Guest House
Mt. Angel, Oregon, OR
October 14-16, 2026
February 1-3, 2027
June 14-16, 2027