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 the Academy of Spiritual Formation. The next School begins on October 21, 2024 in Sumas, WA.

SCHOOL THEMES

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

REQUIREMENTS

To apply for the School of Spiritual Direction you must be a graduate of the Academy of Spiritual Formation.

Other requirements include:

  • Retreat Attendance: Attending all three-day in-person intensives from start to finish.

  • Reading: There are thirteen required books that you will read over the course of the nine months that relate to growing as a spiritual director.

  • Videos: We have recorded nine videos (approximately twenty minutes each)that you will watch in between the retreats.

  • Triads: You will be placed in a triad that will practice spiritual direction over the course of the program.

  • Practicum: In addition to your triad, you will be responsible to find a minimum of two directees before the start of the School. You will practice spiritual direction with each directee once a month for the duration of the School.

  • Supervision Group: You will be assigned a supervisor and placed in a supervision group that will meet virtually once a month until the end of the school.

Each of the above is required in order to graduate from the School of Spiritual Direction and receive your certificate of completion. Completion of the School of Spiritual Directors is a prerequisite to join the community of Spiritual Directors.

DESIRED OUTCOMES FOR THE SCHOOL

  • Before entering the school you will be required to find a minimum of two people to practice spiritual direction with for the duration of the school. You will also be in a triad that meets monthly to practice spiritual direction. This will become your training ground supported by the teaching at the retreats and monthly group supervision. Through this process, you can expect to:

    • Learn how to discern the movements of consolation and desolation in yourself and your directee

    • Grow in your proficiency in three-part listening

    • Understand desire and how it leads us to wholeness

    • Deepen your experience in grace and prayer

    • Become free to look for the light and find God in all things

  • We want you to walk away from the School of Spiritual Direction with the tools you need to begin practicing spiritual direction. For some, this will mean practicing in the context or organization that you are already in. For others, it will mean setting a new practice. We will cover key components of building a practice such as:

    • Ethical Guidelines for spiritual directors

    • Setting up a practice

    • Ideas for setting up a meeting space

    • Creating a discloser statement

  • In partnership with SoulFormation’s Community of Spiritual Directors, we want to connect you with folks who will walk with you for years down the road. Upon graduation, you will be invited to join the Community of Spiritual Directors. Benefits include:

    • Inclusion in the “Find a Spiritual Director” page on SoulFormation’s website

    • An annual retreat hosted by the Community of Spiritual Directors. (You are responsible for your own transportation and registration fees)

    • An online resource hub with a variety of resources

    • Occasional regional gatherings, organized by members of the community

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 Abby Guest House

Mt. Angel Oregon, OR

October 13-15, 2025

February 23-25, 2026

June 8-10, 2026