SPIRITUAL DIRECTION

TRAINING PROGRAM

The Center offers a two year Spiritual Director Training Program that includes the following 5 to 12 week courses which meet one night a week in Clarence. The fees range from $100 to $220 per course. People are welcome to take one or two courses or enroll in the entire program.

FIRST YEAR OF PROGRAM

Spiritual Direction I

This basic course addresses a variety of issues pertaining to spiritual direction and provides assistance to those with initial interest in the spiritual journey as well as to those already engaged in directing others.

Methods of Prayer

We explore various ways of becoming more aware of God's loving presence in our lives by means of meditation, contemplation, scripture, centering, mantras, music, and more.

St. Teresa of Avila

Come to know the life and spirituality of this great woman of God and Doctor of the Church. Your own inner faith journey will be enhanced through the study of her books - The Way of Perfection and The Interior Castle and Teresa’s Autobiography.

St. John of the Cross

We will study The Spiritual Canticle, The Ascent of Mt. Carmel, and The Dark Night of the Soul using the original texts of John of the Cross supplemented with contemporary understandings.

SECOND YEAR OF PROGRAM

Understanding the Dynamics of the Exercises of St. Ignatius

Geared for those helping others on the spiritual journey, this course is an opportunity via video and discussion to grasp the internal dynamics of the Exercises. In order to take this course, you need to have already made a 30 day Ignatian retreat or the 19 th Annotation.

Spiritual Direction II

A special opportunity for independent readings, sharing, and peer supervision, this course is geared for those assisting others in their life journey.

Discernment and Decision Making

How do we make the important decisions in our lives? We will address the history of discernment in the Christian tradition and experience different methods of discernment.

Growth in Faith, Hope, and Love

What does this look like in my life? How can I help others in their growth? Based on the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius and contemporary psychology, this course is for those who help others in their faith journey as well as those who want to grow in faith, hope, and love.

Additional Requirements : Practicum and peer supervision, Exercises of St. Ignatius: either 30-day retreat or 19 thnnotation, course in Scripture, course in counseling

Call 716-759-6893, ext. 408 FOR RESERVATIONS

Click here for Current Classes in PDF format.