Core Courses

Spiritual Direction

Noticing the Things of God
A study of the place of prayerful listening in discerning the presence of God in events, relationships, and the rhythm of life.
Direction and the Role of Spiritual Disciplines
A study of spiritual disciplines, the theology that informs them, and their place in the life and work of the spiritual director.
Practicum A - Freedom
An experimental introduction to spiritual direction under supervision, focusing on practice, theology, and the synthesis of both. Attention is also given to the dynamics of group spiritual direction.

Spiritual Journey and Direction
This session seeks to help deepen self-awareness of the student’s own spiritual journey while also looking at the relationship over time with another whom they serve in the ministry of spiritual direction. A study of stages of faith formation, discovering God's presence and activity in the lives of persons across the faith spectrum, with attention given to persons in the postmodern matrix who are seeking God in a deeply grounded spirituality.
Current Topics in Spiritual Direction
A study of the governing assumptions behind and the differences between spiritual direction, pastoral care, and therapy, including practical guidance for the spiritual director in distinguishing between them and in making optimal use of the professionals who practice each discipline.
Practicum B - Body
Continuation of experiential engagement in spiritual direction under supervision, with reflection on the dynamics of individual and group spiritual direction. An experiential introduction to spiritual direction under supervision, focusing on practice, theology, and the synthesis of both. Attention is also given to the dynamics of group spiritual direction.

The Holy Spirit and Discernment
This session will consider the role of the Holy Spirit in our human journey toward ultimate union with Triune Mystery, and address issues involved in spiritual discernment, the Christian practice of seeking God’s will in all the aspects of one’s life.
Practicum C - Art, Music, and Group Spiritual Direction
Continuation of experiential engagement in spiritual direction under supervision, with reflection on the dynamics of individual and group spiritual direction. Reflection will include relating these dynamics to specific themes highlighted in the previous weekend sessions of the entire program.

All courses are required and are taken in sequence for the CSD program.