Spiritual Direction Certification Program

Becoming a Spiritual Director is a reflective journey, a path of listening deeply to the Spirit within oneself and within others. Sacred Ground’s spiritual director formation training program is Christian based and emphasizes self-knowledge and the discernment of Presence within oneself and within another. It prepares men and women of all denominations to become spiritual directors. The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius provide guidance for the discernment of God’s presence and an invitation to action. The principles of discernment are taught and emphasized throughout the training. Our Spiritual Direction Certification Program is comprised of two components: two years of classroom education, and two to three years of facilitated supervision. Instructors are experienced spiritual directors with degrees in theology and/or other subjects related to human development. Classes include a focus on images of God, forms of prayer, Christian spirituality, scripture, theology, study of the mystics, human and spiritual development, the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius, and blocks to one’s relationship with God. Facilitated supervision is lead by experienced spiritual directors. Directors-in-training are given a safe place to integrate what they have learned in class with what they are learning about themselves as they begin the practice of companioning others. First year students have the opportunity to participate in the Retreat in Everyday Living and all students complete the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius before they receive Sacred Ground certification as a spiritual directors. Classes in the first two years meet weekly for three hours, September through April. The small class size gives students opportunities to identify and reflect on personal experiences. Following the completion of the class component, if the student and teachers still discern a call toward spiritual direction, the student is invited into the facilitated supervision program. Small groups meet bimonthly with supervisors for two hours, September through May. At the end of this time, directors-in-training apply for certification as a spiritual director. FEES: $75 Application fee $2,175 for each year of the education component Approximately $110 per year for books and materials Facilitated Supervision - $950 per year Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius - at current rate at the time the Exercises are taken. Current fees for the program are non-refundable and are subject to change. For more information, please call 651-696-2798 or email sacredground@sacredgroundspirit.org

Fee

Yearly Tuition $2,175

Facilitated Supervision $950

Application $75

PREREQUISITES FOR APPLICATION --------------------------------------------------- 1.) Currently receiving spiritual direction 2.) Sense of a call to the ministry of spiritual direction 3.) A willingness to discern that call with God and the Sacred Ground Education Formation Team QUALIFICATIONS ------------------------ 1.) Dedicated to a daily personal prayer life. 2.) Deepening awareness of the mystery of God in the world and one’s life. 3.) Willing to do personal growth work in psychology and spirituality. 4.) Willing to explore the call to ministry as an ongoing discernment process. 5.) Interested in and able to listen to others share their faith experiences. 6.) Willingness to change, grow and be open to new ideas and varied expressions of faith journeys. 7.) Able to be self reflective and integrate head knowledge with heart experience.

For more information, call 651-696-2798 or email us at sacredground@sacredgroundspirit.org