Spiritual Direction Formation Programme 2023-2025 – Zoom

Course Features

KEY FEATURES

The following are the key features of our unique programme. They are the ten features that make the Spiritual Direction Training Programme (CT) distinct.

Hybrid Model.

 The unique combination of residential and online learning makes it possible for people with various jobs and other commitments to have access to the programme without needing to give up these other commitments.

Focused in Structure and Approach.

The six-course modules taught over a two-year period by seasoned experts explore in-depth the essential topics in spiritual direction. They are delivered with sustained momentum which facilitates continuous learning while allowing dedicated time for exploring and experiencing the key features in the contemplative practice of spiritual direction.

Contemplative in Focus.

Contemplative prayer – with prayer understood in the Teresian sense as an intimate conversation with a friend – is Carmel’s essential contribution to the Church. The programme is intent on introducing participants to, and immersing them in, formats of learning and the practice of spiritual direction that will encourage them to grow in intimacy with God and in their own capacity for contemplative awareness, which is a way of being, living, seeing, listening and perceiving reality in an integrated and holistic fashion.

Authentically Catholic. Our Programme is based on a Catholic worldview with an emphasis on biblical principles. It strives to continue the work of the Spirit in the Church as articulated by Benedict XVI: “As she has always done, today the Church continues to recommend the practice of spiritual direction not only to those who desire to follow the Lord closely but to every Christian who wishes to live responsibly his or her Baptism, that is, new life in Christ. Everyone, in fact, especially those who have heeded the divine call to follow Christ closely, needs to be accompanied personally by a guide reliable in doctrine and expert in the things of God; this guide can help people to watch out for facile forms of subjectivism, making available their own knowledge and experience lived in the following of Jesus.” (Address of Pope Benedict XVI to the Carmelite Pontifical Theological Faculty, “Teresianum”, Rome, 19 May 2011)

Ecumenical in Outreach.

The prayer of Christ, that all his followers may be one, and our common baptism impel us towards greater unity and thus Christians of all faith traditions are welcome on the Programme and our selection process deliberately encourages this diversity. We recognise that, as the Spirit is at work in all Christian traditions, our Programme provides a forum where the mutual enrichment of Christians from diverse faith traditions, ministerial experiences, as well as educational and cultural backgrounds, can be made possible.

Influenced by the Venerable Carmelite Tradition

Our Programme is founded on a tradition with an 800-year history from which has emerged a host of great saints and writers who have enriched the Church and guided countless pilgrims along the road of prayer and in their spiritual search including Teresa of Avila, John of the Cross, Thérèse of Lisieux, Elizabeth of the Trinity and Edith Stein. Our curriculum incorporates the key contributions of Carmelite saints and mystics with regard to Christian spirituality and spiritual direction and encourages practical appropriation of the disciplines they illuminate so compellingly in their writings: solitude, silence, community, contemplation, presence, prayer, listening, discernment, hospitality and integration.

Led by Seasoned Practitioners.

All who contribute to our programme – speakers, mentors and facilitators – are experts in their fields with many years of experience in the practice of spiritual direction.

Communal in Emphasis.

Through our Carmelite Community of Spiritual Directors (CCSD) Covenant everyone involved in the programme – candidates, accompaniers, tutors, facilitators – are invited to identify themselves as a pilgrim and learning community whose integrity is founded in keeping their covenant commitments to one another. Dynamics of group spiritual companionship and direction are employed throughout the entire duration of the course.

Accompanier-Guided.

Throughout the Programme, personal and interpersonal care remain in view. The accompanier’s role is to support and assist course participants, both one-on-one and in a small group. Mentors help to facilitate participants’ engagement with the learning process, integration of the insights from shared guidance and discernment of the journey towards ownership of the gift of spiritual direction.

Experiential and Practical Learning.

Each course module facilitates experiential and practical learning by providing opportunities for growth and integration gained from personal reflection and communal activities.