Formation Program for Spiritual Directors
Statement of Purpose
At the Center for Spirituality at Work we understand the value of spiritual
direction. In a time marked by constant change, discernment becomes increasingly
important and spiritual companionship helps in the recognition of what
is enduring. It is for these reasons that we commit ourselves to the
education and the continued development of spiritual directors.
To this training program we bring the richness of our daily experience engaging others in the contemporary marketplace. We offer our understanding of work as a meaningful expression of the divine within each person. We provide a supportive community and network of relationships where individuals can explore the meaning of a spirituality of work. We encourage the development of a grounded practical spirituality that embraces work, family and community.
As we have discovered the mutual transformation that results from being
in relationship with those who are poor, we make ourselves available to
others who are open to the same privilege. In faithfulness to God’s
particular concern for the poor and abandoned, we are committed to providing
spiritual direction and retreat opportunities for those who would otherwise
not have access to these ministries. Not every spiritual director is called
to accompany those who have been marginalized, but the tradition clearly
reveals that the charism of spiritual direction is linked to a concern
for the most abandoned. We provide the opportunity for participants to
explore this reality.
Goals and Assumptions
The Formation Program for Spiritual Directors is designed to meet the following
needs of the spiritual director:
• To establish a framework for the ministry of spiritual direction
based in the tradition.
• To more freely “put on the Spirit of Christ” and
to grow in knowledge in the ways of the Spirit.
• To explore the meaning of contemplative action.
• To discover a deeper relationship with persons who are
poor and marginalized.
• To discern his/her own call to this ministry.
• To grow in the art of spiritual direction.
Content 
Topics include:
• Historical development of the ministry of spiritual direction
• Various approaches to this ministry
• Basic principles of the spiritual life
• Methods of prayer
• Discernment
• Use of Scripture
• Distinctions between counseling and spiritual direction
• Understanding of the human person
• Human growth and development
• The contributions of Vincent de Paul and Louise de Marillac
• Reflection on the gift of the poor
• Spirituality of work
• The continued growth of the director
Content is presented through an adult learning model respectful of the experience of all participants in an environment that understands “faculty” to be facilitators and co-learners. The facilitators are experienced spiritual directors who receive spiritual direction themselves and who are committed to their own growth and development.
Format
The Formation Program is a thirteen-month program consisting of two
intensive sessions and a supervised internship and study program. Each intensive
includes ample time for study, prayer, reflection and learning in a small
community environment.
Between Intensives, participants:
1. Read six books chosen from the reading list and submit a reflection
paper for each book. Reading is processed in the context of a small study
group of peers.
2. Are actively involved in a ministry of spiritual direction / retreat
direction.
3. Receive monthly supervision in their local setting.
4. Are actively involved in service with the poor.
5. Receive spiritual direction themselves.
Acceptance to the program implies a commitment from the participant
to both residency sessions as well as the supervised internship and study
program.
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