top of page

Considerations  when seeking a Training Program

Prerequisites & Curriculum 

The preparation and formation guidelines for Catholic spiritual direction programs—whether for clergy, religious, or laypersons—draw from longstanding principles in the Church’s tradition. While practices vary across programs and traditions (e.g., Benedictine, Carmelite, Dominican, Ignatian, Passionists, Redemptorists ), there are essential elements of formation. 

​

Below is based on reviewing content offered on the websites of 40+ programs in the USA

 

Average prerequisites for a Certificate in Spiritual Direction ​​( check with the schools)

  1. Be under spiritual direction for at least one year.

  2. Complete before entering or during the first year of training, the Spiritual Exercise of St. Ignatius (19th Annotation or 30 day)

  3.  A BS or MS degree 

  4. A Masters in a related subject, such as theology, religious studies, pastoral care, etc., or 

All require #1;  most require #2;  all #3; and most, though not all,  university-based programs provide or required #4

​

​​

Opportunities to fulfill the Spiritual Exercises Prerequisite #2​

 

 

Examples of Opportunities to fulfill Prerequisites in Foundations of Theology #4

​

3 Types of Certificates / Levels of Training

 

1. Graduate Credit Certificate (University, Seminary):

o   Prerequisites: Master's degree (30-36 credits +) in a related subject.

o   Full-time program with 12-18 graduate credits post master's.

     

2. Graduate non-Credit Certificate (University, Seminary)

o   Prerequisites:​​ A graduate or undergraduate degree (any subject)

o   Part-time program (18 months - 3 years) all in person, or all on-line,  or with one week on-site and virtual meeting once a month.

 

3.  Non-Credit Certificate (Diocesan, Retreat houses, Institutes)

o   Prerequisites:​​ May or may not require a graduate or undergraduate degree or equivalent in theological foundations.

o   Part-time program (18 months - 3 years) all in person, or all on-line,  or with one week on-site and virtual meeting once a month.​

​​​​​​​​​​​​

Locations

  • On-Site / Virtual Program /Combination

  • Offered in the Catholic Tradition through:

    • Universities

    • Seminaries

    • Diocesan

    • Retreat Centers

    • Religious Institutions 

    • Independent Organizations

​​

​Disclaimer: These lists are a combination summary from different programs' websites to offer as an overview for each program differs somewhat while some do not list their courses' content or instructors.

 

The USCCB Commission on Certification and Accreditation has approved guidance for chaplains and campus minsters organizations.

​​​​​​​​​​​​

​

Complied Formation Track for a Spiritual Director

This four-track structure summarizes and organizes the most common courses identified during a review of the programs’ curricula available online of the 45 Catholic spiritual direction programs (30+ programs listed their courses).

 

The list reflects the recurring topics and competencies across the surveyed programs, arranged into a sequential framework that mirrors the Four Pillars of Formation with its theological foundations, ministerial skills, supervised practice, and advanced specialization.

 

A synthesized four-track formation framework for the 5 main areas: Christology, Scripture, Moral Theology, Sacramental Life, and the Spiritual Life

​

  1. Track I: Theology/Foundations for Formation - Master's or Equivalent Prerequisite

    • Christology

    • Sacred Scripture

    • Moral Theology

    • Sacramental Theology

    • Spiritual & Mystical Theology

    • Christian Anthropology

    • Human & Spiritual Development

​

  1. Track II: The Ministry of Spiritual Accompaniment

    • History and Theology of Spiritual Direction

    • Theology of Spiritual Development

    • Human and Spiritual Formation

    • Interpersonal and Intrapersonal Skills/ Pastoral Counseling Skills

    • Art of Accompaniment - Contemplative Listening & Evocative Questioning

    • Foundations - Ways of Prayer, Prayer & Scripture

    • Discernment in the Tradition & Spiritual Growth

    • Discernment of Spirits: Theology and Practice

​

  1. Track III: Supervised Practicum & Integration​

    • Advanced Prayer and Situations (Obstacles, Distractions)

    • Discernment of Spirits II: Theology and Practice

    • Pastoral Issues: Psychological & Pastoral Dimensions

    • Case Studies, Role Playing

    • Assessments/Goals/Applications

    • Ethics & Guidelines/Ministry Basic & Best Practices

    • Ministry Integration 

​

  1. Track IV: Advanced Certificates

    • Asceticism and Mysticism

    • Giving the Spiritual Exercises – History and Theology 

    • Designing and Leading Retreats

    • Teaching Discernment 

    • Formator/Supervisor Training

    • Topics and Issues: Trauma, Scrupulosity, Healing, Life Transition, Aging, Youth, Grief

bottom of page