The three year formation program is designed so that participants will acquire the conceptual background and skills to develop a framework for understanding and a competency in fostering spiritual growth in others. The program will be interdisciplinary, experiential and process oriented. Each course will be developed and given by a team providing professional and theological input. Using the shared Christian praxis method, participants will be helped to integrate the new content with their own experience.

Those who satisfactorily complete the program will receive a certificate of completion of the Program of Formation for Spiritual Directors / Companions.

For Information and Application:

Director
Spiritual Direction Institute
Cenacle Retreat House
420 N. Kirkwood Houston, Texas 77079

(281) 497-3131

Description of Program

Admission Requirements

A Three Year Formation Program

Description of Program

Classes are held in Spring and Fall Semesters. In alternate years, groups meet Fridays 9 am –- 12 noon (2004) or three (3) Tuesday evenings and one (1) Saturday each month (2005).

First Year:

Participants will acquire the conceptual background and skills to help them understand their own spiritual experience and discern their call to the ministry of spiritual direction / companionship. The year begins with a Faith Experience weekend and includes a directed retreat experience.

Course Themes:

1. Foundations of Spiritual Direction / Companionship

2. Human Development and Spiritual Direction

Second Year:

In light of the experiences and learnings of the previous year, participants will develop a framework for understanding and competency in fostering spiritual growth in others.

Course Themes:

1. Understanding our Spiritual Heritage

2. Refining Approaches in Spiritual Direction

Third Year:

Participants will do spiritual direction in their sponsoring faith communities under supervision. They will meet regularly for sharing, additional instruction, skill development and supervision.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must be persons of faith who are:

• Sponsored by a faith community in which the participant can minister during the third year practicum and beyond.

• Willing to enter into a process of discernment regarding their call to ministry of spiritual direction / companionship.

• In possession of a bachelors degree or its equivalent and additional background in theol­ogy, counseling, retreats, group work, etc. Formation toward Christian Ministry Certificate or equivalent.

• Mature, having a minimum of five years reflective life experience.

• Willing and able to make a commitment to the three year process.

• Open to being assigned a spiritual director after needs are determined.

• In Spiritual Direction and / or having made a directed retreat.

Tuition: $450.00 per semester of which at least half should come from the sponsoring community.

Application Fee: $15.00 (non-refundable).

Admission Procedure

Request application by submitting name and address to the director

Applications are mailed out about January 30 for the Fall group. Completed application forms are due back to the SDI by May 1. After the forms have been received an Admissions Committee will interview applicants individually and make recommendations for acceptance.

Program Requirements

Participants must:

• Be regular in attendance at scheduled sessions.

• Be actively and enthusiastically involved in the process.

• Do the readings and outside assignments.

• Demonstrate satisfactory understanding and aptitude to do spiritual direction.

• Discern their call to this type of spiritual ministry with their spiritual director.