THE FRANCISCAN SPIRITUAL DIRECTION TRAINING PROGRAM
Spiritual direction is an ancient practice of accompaniment that honors the divine light in each person, helping the seeker to further awaken to the mystery called God in his or her unique and sacred journey. The spiritual direction relationship is grounded in contemplative practice and includes deep and attentive listening for movements of the Holy Spirit in relationship with self, others, and creation.
Our two-year program is inspired by our passion for the ministry of spiritual direction. Participants are guided by an experienced team who will welcome them as colleagues to create an atmosphere of mutual ministry and learning. Emphasis is placed upon the role of the spiritual director as companion rather than leader in helping others to recognize and follow the movements of grace in their lives.
A key feature of our program is a one-year supervised practicum in spiritual direction in which students offer direction to two volunteer directees, once a month, for a year. During this year-long practicum, students receive monthly supervision from a teacher/mentor in the program. Students will also develop their working definition and practice describing the ministry of spiritual direction while inviting volunteers to join the practicum, and later, consider how and where they may want to offer spiritual direction after completion of the program. In our studies, we explore in-depth our core topics, which include Self Knowledge, Contemplative Attitude, Practices of Prayer and Silence, Listening and Speaking Skills, the Art of the True Question, Basic Psychological Knowledge, Discernment, Referrals, Professional Ethics, Social Justice, Historical and Biblical Contexts, and Interior Freedom. Additionally, in our second year of study, we explore topics related to common human experiences including Trauma, Grief, and Addiction, and how these may be supported in Spiritual Direction.
ADMISSION
We welcome all with personal experience that includes a practice of daily prayer and at least three to five years experience of being in spiritual direction. Candidates are required to submit a completed application and two letters of recommendation, and to attend a personal interview. Ideal candidates bring life experience that reflects a deep grounding in their relationship with God, have received affirmation of this call from others in their community, and desire an experiential and academic program in a contemporary Christian context while being open to learning from other faith traditions and practices.
For more information, please contact:
Jennie Isbell Shinn, Director of the Spiritual Direction Training Program
Franciscan Spiritual Direction Training Program
100 Arch Street, Boston, MA 02110
https://stanthonyshrine.org/ministries/spiritual-direction-training-program/stanthonyshrine.org
