Download PDF file: Spiritual Direction Program brochure 2008
THREE LOCATIONS:
What is Spiritual Direction?
"Spiritual Direction is, in reality, nothing more than a way of leading us to see and obey the real Director--the Holy Spirit hidden in the depths of our soul." Thomas Merton, Trappist Monk
The Certificate in Spiritual Direction
The certificate program in Spiritual Direction is a formation process designed to support the participant's ongoing personal relationship with God. Among the goals of the certificate program is the cultivation of a contemplative and reflective way of living, the discernment of God's call to a ministry of Spiritual Direction, and preparation for the challenges of that ministry.
This is a four-year formation program that includes an annual intensive week at one of the three retreat center locations. During the remainder of the year, candidates are guided by readings, quarterly reflection papers, written self-evaluations, personal spiritual direction and supervision of their work with directees. There is an option for a Certificate in Spirituality for those who are not interested in becoming a spiritual director. The program is structured around a four-year cycle of themes:
- Hearing the Word
- Discerning the Word
- Contemplating the Word
- Celebrating the Word
This program is available to laity, religious, and clergy and consists of:
- Lectures
- Group process
- Seminars
- Theological reflection
- Liturgy
- Integration
- Individual supervision
Our Distinguished Faculty
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Maria M. Decsy, Ph.D., co-founder and coordinator of the program, earned a master’s degree in spirituality and pastoral ministry from St. Joseph College in West Hartford, a certificate in spiritual direction from the Hartford Archdiocesan Spiritual Life Center and a doctorate in biochemistry from New York University. She is also a member of the staff of Our Lady of Calvary Retreat Center in Farmington, CT. |
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Rev. James M. Bowler, SJ, M.A., M.Div., serves as facilitator for Catholic and Jesuit identity at Fairfield University, following more than 20 years of ministry in the area of spiritual direction as director of Campion Renewal Center, executive director of the National Jesuit Retreat and Renewal Ministries, and as a staff member at the Guelph Center of Spirituality in Ontario, where he was responsible for training and supervising spiritual directors in the Ignatian tradition.
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Sr. Patricia Cook, RSM, Ph.D., a co-founder of the program, earned a doctorate in systematic theology from Fordham University and a certificate in ministry supervision from Yale University. She has taught theology on both undergraduate and graduate levels and was director of ministry formation for the Diocese of Norwich for 11 years. Since 1998, Sister Patricia has been chaplain for 3 men’s state correctional facilities in Connecticut.
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Carol Ludwig, M.A., is the director of the Center for Spiritual Care in Vero Beach, FL, and brings to her ministry a wealth of international experience as a career diplomat. A member of the executive board of Spiritual Directors International, Carol coordinates the teaching staff of the Audire Spiritual Direction program at the San Pedro Center for Spiritual Development in Orlando. She studied at the Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation and holds a graduate certificate in spirituality studies from the Washington Theological Union. |
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Mary Lou Mlecko, M.A., Psy.D., holds a doctorate in clinical psychology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and an M.A. in theology from Duquesne University. Dr. Mlecko also graduated from the Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation. A clinical psychologist, teacher of spiritual direction and Benedictine oblate of Saint Vincent Archabbey, Mary Lou is married and lives in Pittsburgh. |
Program Requirements
To apply for a Certificate in Spiritual Direction for the four-year program, you must complete the application process. You are expected to be under the guidance of a Spiritual Director. Applicants need to fill out the application form, submit references, and complete the screening process. In addition to the annual intensive week, the program requires participants to continue under the guidance of a spiritual director, to make an annual retreat, and to participate in monthly theological reflection, ongoing discernment, reading, and spiritual direction. Each participant is expected to guide others in spiritual direction. This is done under supervision, and requires completing verbatims and participating in peer supervision. A Certificate in Spirituality may be an option for those who, after discernment, choose not to become a Spiritual Director.
2008 program cost: $1250 (Note: does not include accommodations.)
Additional expenses borne by the participant may include the cost of one's annual retreat, books, and (for those who begin giving spiritual direction) one's regular meetings with a supervisor.
For more information call: 203-371-7843 or email: CSM@sacredheart.edu.