top of page
IMG_0048.JPEG

The Art of Spiritual Direction

DSC04208.JPG

About ASD

The Art of Spiritual Direction (ASD) is a three-year program that trains individuals for the ministry of spiritual direction. It covers various subjects like theology, spirituality, skills development, psychology, Scripture, and supervision. Classes are held 10 Saturdays per year at St. Joseph Center in Orange, CA, including content, reflection, group discussions, reading, and journaling. The program also includes practicum sessions for hands-on experience and individual supervision. ASD prepares students for the fulfilling role of spiritual directors.

Successful completion of the three-year program results in receipt of a certificate of completion from both the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange and the Center for Religion and Spirituality at Loyola Marymount University.

DSC04139.JPG

Who May Apply?

The program is open to individuals of all cultures and faith traditions who feel called to the ministry of spiritual direction and wish to receive formal training.

Prerequisites

  • Be in on-going and continued spiritual direction for at least two years

  • Be active in a faith community

  • Be committed to a life of prayer and discernment

  • Minimum age: 35

  • Be willing to comply with the current COVID protocol of the St. Joseph Center (refer to the Center for Spiritual Development website)

  • Session Material
    Reflection Questions Stages on the Journey of Life
  • Supplemental Reading
    Midlife Change of Faith Morgan SD - Busy Working Women Pandiani SD Second Half Rolheiser 2 - Spirituality and Second Half Rolheiser 3 - Last Stage Rowen Herzog - View from First Half Second Half of Life - Readings Resources Woods SD - Gen X
  • Pre-read
    Rohr - the Two Half of Life Rohlheiser 1 - Stages Darcy - Come, Follow Me Chittister - Gift of Years Erick's Stages of Development
  • Why do you require that a person be in regular and ongoing spiritual direction for at least two years?
    Spiritual Direction is a contemplative ministry that requires a deep connection with one's own spirituality and openness to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. To be a spiritual director, it is essential to prioritize personal spiritual practices such as prayer, contemplation, spiritual reading, and regular engagement with a designated spiritual director. This intentional discipline helps foster accountability and enables individuals to receive the daily gifts from God.
  • What does the connection with Loyola Marymount University mean?
    The Art of Spiritual Direction program offered by the faculty at the Center for Spiritual Development is a recognized program of the Center for Religion and Spirituality at LMU. The University awards students with 6 semester hours of continuing education credits for each of the three ASD courses (18 total semester hours for the three-year program). Both institutions will award a Certificate in the Art of Spiritual Direction. You are required to complete all assignments, both reading and written, attend all classes, and actively participate in discussions, small groups, supervision, practicum, and internship experiences in order to be graded for the assessment in the program. You have access to the Saint Joseph College library; students are welcome to visit the William Hannon Library on the LMU Campus in order to access its collections. Important Note: Obtaining the Certificate in the Art of Spiritual Direction does not automatically qualify you as a spiritual director. It is simply a credential that signifies completion of the program. Whether or not you become a spiritual director ultimately depends on God's calling. The Art of Spiritual Direction Program at the Center for Spiritual Development aims to support individuals in further developing and enhancing their existing skills. These individuals, guided by their deep prayer life, consultation with their own spiritual director, and the intentional companionship they offer to others on their spiritual journey, recognize that they have been called by God for this ministry. The program does not claim to make someone a spiritual director but rather assists them in answering their divine calling.
  • When are classes?
    We meet one Saturday per month, and typically the second Saturday unless it conflicts with a major holiday, e.g. Easter.
  • How much work is involved in the program?
    In ASD I and II, the program requires you to read one book per month and write a bibliography card or book review for each book. Four specific books are mandatory, while the rest can be chosen from a provided book list. The program is divided into modules, and at the end of each module, you will need to write a reflection paper. By Year Three, you will transition into the role of an "intern" spiritual director, where you will have at least two directees of your own. To support your growth, you will meet with your mentor for monthly supervision. Additionally, you will be expected to write a 15-20 page research paper on a topic of your choice related to spiritual direction. Completing four book reviews and three module reflections is also required. In Years Two and Three, you will participate in mentoring groups as well.
  • Do I need to attend all ten classes each year? What if I am sick or have an emergency?
    Students are required to attend all ten classes each year. Students may be absent from no more than two classes per year and still obtain credit. Failure to meet this requirement will result in an automatic deferment and a need to redo the year in question.
  • Would seeing my close friend, with whom I have deep conversations about God and life, be considered spiritual direction?
    No, this person cannot serve as your friend and spiritual director simultaneously. Blurring these roles would create confusion and mix different responsibilities. A spiritual director should maintain objectivity and provide contemplative listening, while a friend may be personally involved in your life. The role of a spiritual director is professional, with clear ethical boundaries separating the director and the directee.
  • What are “mentoring groups”?
    Starting from the first year of the program, you will have the opportunity to participate in small group meetings. However, in Year 2, you will be assigned to a dedicated mentoring group for the remaining duration of Years Two and Three. These groups typically consist of six students and are led by a faculty member who serves as the mentor. The mentors are often adjunct faculty members who bring their expertise to guide and support the group throughout the program.
  • What are the costs involved?
    Fee: $ 1,400 per year. Payment Schedule for Each Year of the Program: ASD I (Year One) You must send a non-refundable deposit of $150 upon application into the program. After the interview with faculty and acceptance, you will then be required to pay the balance of $1,250. Remaining balance may be paid in two ways: 1. $1,250 balance on the first day of classes, OR 2. Balance paid during the year in September ($350), January ($450) and April ($450) ASD II and ASD III (Year Two and Year Three) Payments can be made in two ways: 1. $1,400 on the first day of classes, OR 2. Balance paid during the year in September ($450), January ($475) and April ($475) People may apply for a scholarship by contacting Lucy Dominguez AFTER you have been accepted into the program.
  • June 2023
    6/1/2023 / How Beautiful Are All God's Works / Robinson 6/2/2023 / The Legacy of the Godly / Robinson 6/3/2023 / I Sought Wisdom Openly / Robinson 6/4/2023 / The Mystery of the Trinity / Robinson 6/5/2023 / Walking the Paths of Truth & Righteousness / Robinson 6/6/2023 / A Pilgrim's Dispatch: Preparation / Mussché 6/7/2023 / A Pilgrim's Dispatch: Getting There / Mussché 6/8/2023 / A Pilgrim's Dispatch: Sacred Encounters / Mussché 6/9/2023 / A Pilgrim's Dispatch: Sacred Encounters II / Mussché 6/10/2023 / A Pilgrim's Dispatch: Sacred Encounters Ongoing / Mussché 6/11/2023 / Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ / Helmlinger 6/12/2023 / The Beatitudes / Helmlinger 6/13/2023 / Salt of the Earth / Helmlinger 6/14/2023 / Holy is Our God / Helmlinger 6/15/2023 / Glory in the Lord / Helmlinger 6/16/2023 / Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus / Helmlinger 6/17/2023 / Memorial of the Immaculate Heart of Mary / Helmlinger 6/18/2023 / The Good Shepherd / DeLisle 6/19/2023 / God's Word Illuminates / DeLisle 6/20/2023 / Strength Through Love / DeLisle 6/21/2023 / God Loves a Cheerful Giver / DeLisle 6/22/2023 / This is How You Are to Pray / DeLisle 6/23/2023 / Where is Your Heart? / DeLisle 6/24/2023 / Prophet of the Most High / DeLisle 6/25/2023 / Do Not Be Afraid; You Are Worth More / Hilliard 6/26/2023 / Leave the Land of Your Kinsfolk / Hilliard 6/27/2023 / They Could Not Dwell Together / Hilliard 6/28/2023 / Memorial of St. Irenaeus, Bishop & Martyr / Hilliard 6/29/2023 / Solemnity of Ss. Peter and Paul, Apostles / Hilliard 6/30/2023 / "Lord, If You Wish, You Can Make Me Clean" - Hilliard
  • September 2023
    9/1/2023 / Everyday Miracles / Mussché 9/2/2023 / Revelations / Mussché 9/3/2023 / The Prophet's Lament & the Redeemer's Gift / Fallon 9/4/2023 / The Spirit of the Lord is Upon Me / Fallon 9/5/2023 / A Day in Capernaum / Fallon 9/6/2023 / A Day in Capernaum, Part II / Fallon 9/7/2023 / Prayer for Constant Growth / Hilliard 9/8/2023 / He Shall Be Peace / Hilliard 9/9/2023 / God Is My Helper / Hilliard 9/10/2023 / God of Infinite Love / Helmlinger 9/11/2023 / St. Paul's Passion / Helmlinger 9/12/2023 / Faithful in Prayer / Helmlinger 9/13/2023 / Blessed Are We / Helmlinger 9/14/2023 / Self-Emptying and Humility / Helmlinger 9/15/2023 / Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows / Helmlinger 9/16/2023 / Foundation in the Lord / Helmlinger 9/17/2023 / The Mandate of Forgiveness / DeLisle 9/18/2023 / Pray for Everyone, Always / DeLisle 9/19/2023 / Journey Toward Integrity / DeLisle 9/20/2023 / Self-Gift / DeLisle 9/21/2023 / The Aim of Your Vocation / DeLisle 9/22/2023 / From My Resources / DeLisle 9/23/2023 / The Soil of My Soul / DeLisle 9/24/2023 / Single-Hearted Generosity / Mussché 9/25/2023 / Let Your Light Shine / Mussché 9/26/2023 / To Walk in Beauty / Mussché 9/27/2023 / More Adventures with God / Mussché
  • July 2023
    7/1/2023 / My Soul Proclaims the Greatness of the Lord / Hilliard 7/2/2023 / Warm-Hearted Hospitality / DeLisle 7/3/2023 / Finding Jesus in the Ordinary / DeLisle 7/4/2023 / A Reflection on Freedom / DeLisle 7/5/2023 / God is Never Finished With Us / DeLisle 7/6/2023 / Sacrificial Love/ DeLisle 7/7/2023 / Blessed in Every Way / DeLisle 7/8/2023 / Blessed Discernment / DeLisle 7/9/2023 / Come to the Lord / Helmlinger 7/10/2023 / Do We Have Faith to Touch the Cloak? / Helmlinger 7/11/2023 / Harvest Awaits Us / Helmlinger 7/12/2023 / The Design of His Heart / Helmlinger 7/13/2023 / Reliance and Generosity / Helmlinger 7/14/2023 / Listen and Respond! / Helmlinger 7/15/2023 / Love and Light! / Helmlinger 7/16/2023 / "The Seed That Falls on Good Ground Will Yield a Fruitful Harvest" - Hilliard 7/17/2023 / Our Help is in the Name of the Lord 7/18/2023 / Turn to the Lord in Your Need / Hilliard 7/19/2023 / I Will Be With You / Hilliard 7/20/2023 / I Am Who Am: My Name Forever / Hilliard 7/21/2023 / Celebrating Belonging to the Lord / Hilliard 7/22/2023 / My Soul is Thirsting for You, O Lord My God / Hilliard 7/23/2023 / Extravagant Beyond All Measure / Mussché 7/24/2023 / On the SeventhDay / Mussché 7/25/2023 / A Pilgrim's Dispatch: Return Again / Mussché 7/26/2023 / A Pilgrim's Dispatch: Being There / Mussché 7/27/2023 / A Pilgrim's Dispatch: Being There II / Mussché 7/28/2023 / A Pilgrim's Dispatch: Amazing Grace / Mussché 7/29/2023 / A Pilgrim's Dispatch: Sacred Underpinnings / Mussché 7/30/2023 / An Understanding Heart / Fallon 7/31/2023 / Ignatius of Loyola: An Unlikely Saint / Fallon
  • August 2023
    8/1/2023 / Unending Growth in the Knowledge of God / Robinson 8/2/2023 / The Radiance of Mercy and Justice / Robinson 8/3/2023 / Intimacy in the Love of God / Robinson 8/4/2023 / The Mystical Cycles of Seven in Jewish Religious Practice / Robinson 8/5/2023 / The Kingdom of Freedom / Robinson 8/6/2023 / Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord / Helmlinger 8/7/2023 / Loaves and Fishes: Transformation / Helmlinger 8/8/2023 / Walking on Water / Helmlinger 8/9/2023 /Healing and Faith / Helmlinger 8/10/2023 / Grains of Wheat / Helmlinger 8/11/2023 / Take Up Your Cross / Helmlinger 8/12/2023 / Mustard Seed / Helmlinger 8/13/2023 / The Lord Passing By / Hilliard 8/14/2023 / What Does the Lord, Your God, Ask of You? Hilliard 8/15/2023 / Blessed Are Those Who Hear the Word of God and Observe It / Hilliard 8/16/2023 / For Thirty Days the Children of Israel Wept for Moses / Hilliard 8/17/2023 / The Ark of the Convenant of the Lord of the Whole Earth Will Precede You / Hilliard 8/18/2023 / Mercy Endures Forever / Hilliard 8/19/2023 / Fear the Lord and Serve Him Completely and Sincerely/ Hilliard 8/20/2023 / God's Gifts / DeLisle 8/21/2023 / Treasure in Heaven / DeLisle 8/22/2023 / For God All Things Are Possible / DeLisle 8/23/2023 / The Living Word / DeLisle 8/24/2023 / Feast of St. Bartholomew, Apostle / DeLisle 8/25/2023 / God's Great and Personal Love / DeLisle 8/26/2023 / In All Humility / DeLisle 8/27/2023 / Light of the World / Mussché 8/28/2023 / An Invitation / Mussché 8/29/2023 / Awareness / Mussché 8/30/2023 / A Potent Wizard / Mussché 8/31/2023 / Divine Resounding / Mussché
  • Evocative Responses
    Evocative vs Interpretive Responses in Spiritual Direction, Angela Dean Wisdom Exercise: Situations for Evocative Responses A Contemplative and Evocative Approach to Spiritual Companioning Focus Areas for Evocative Responses Evocative - Interpretive Responses Chart
  • General Resources
    Three Year Schema of Classes 23-24 ASD Handbook 2023.24 Revised ASD I Student Assessment Sheet 2022-2023 Focus and Skills Areas for ASD Afternoon Practicums 2023 SD-External-Validation-Form-2023 STUDY SCHEDULE I II III 2023.2024
  • Afternoon Practicum Resources
    Contemplative Reflection Guidelines Group Process Covenant Closing Liturgy Active Listening Contemplative Responding The Posture of Attentiveness Triad Instructions Counseling Skills for Spiritual Direction
  • Additional Resources
    Contemplative-Reflection Group Spiritual Direction Lectio Group Spiritual Direction
  • General Resources
    Three Year Schema of Classes 23-24 ASD Handbook 2023.24 Revised ASD II Focus and Skills Areas for ASD Afternoon Practicums 2022 ASD II Student Assessment Sheet II 2023-2024 ASD RESOURCES Handout Contemplative Reflection SD External Validation Form 2023 STUDY SCHEDULE I II III 2023.2024
  • Evocative Responses
    Evocative vs Interpretive Responses in Spiritual Direction, Angela Dean Wisdom Exercise: Situations for Evocative Responses A Contemplative and Evocative Approach to Spiritual Companioning Focus Areas for Evocative Responses Evocative - Interpretive Responses Chart
  • Evocative vs. Interpretive Questions
    Evocative vs Interpretive Responses in Spiritual Direction, Angela Dean Wisdom Exercise: Situations for Evocative Responses A Contemplative and Evocative Approach to Spiritual Companioning Focus Areas for Evocative Responses Evocative - Interpretive Responses Chart
  • General Resources
    Three Year Schema of Classes 23-24 ASD Handbook 2023.24 Revised ASD III Focus and Skills Areas for ASD Afternoon Practicums 2023 ASD III Student Assessment 2023.2024 ASD-RESOURCES-Handout SD External Validation Form 2023 STUDY SCHEDULE I II III 2023.2024
  • Writing Resources
    A Writers Prayer Tips on Writing a Research Paper 2022
  • Supervision
    A Intern Release Form (.DOC) A Intern Release Form (PDF) APPROVED-SUPERVISORS (.DOC) APPROVED-SUPERVISORS (PDF) ASD Session Video B Supervision Permission (.DOC) B Supervision Permission (PDF) C 2 Option A - Contemplative_Reflection_Form_Rev _8.01.23 (.DOC) C 2 Option A - Contemplative_Reflection_Form_Rev _8.01.23 (PDF) C 2 Option B. CONTEMPLATING THE SACRED NARRATIVE revised 8.01.23 (.DOC) C 2 Option B. CONTEMPLATING THE SACRED NARRATIVE revised 8.01.23 (PDF) C1-Verbatim_revised_August_1_2023.Tradional-Verbatim (.DOC) C1-Verbatim_revised_August_1_2023.Tradional-Verbatim (PDF) Checklist-Supervision (.DOC) Checklist-Supervision (PDF) D SUPERVISION EVALUATION PACKET (.DOC) D SUPERVISION EVALUATION PACKET (PDF) Peer-Supervision Group Process 2021 Supervision Packet 2023 Wondering What to Bring to Supervision (.DOC) Wondering What to Bring to Supervision (PDF)
  • Afternoon Process
    Contemplative Reflection Group Spiritual Direction Lectio Group Spiritual Direction
  • Pre-Session Material
    Sometimes Start-Close-In Pre-Session Reflection Questions https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sdj5piql6sg&t=144s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4WxtNhP1AcY https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcGhGT83lxo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CzFpqjFNldU https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QfpKU9D_0No
  • Mentor Assignments
    2024 Students and Mentor Assignments 2025 Students and Mentor Assignments Mentor Schedule Room Assignments
  • Other Resources:
    Resources on Grief and Loss How to Become an Effective Mentor Group Spiritual Direction Process Group Spiritual Direction - Lectio Guidelines for Faith-Sharing Group Faith Sharing Guidelines Faith Sharing
  • Student Assessment Sheet
    ASD I Student Assessment Sheet (Word Format) ASD I Student Assessment Sheet (PDF Format) ASD II Student Assessment Sheet (Word Format) ASD II Student Assessment Sheet (PDF) ASD III Student Assessment Sheet (Word Format) ASD III Student Assessment Sheet (PDF)
  • Articles
    The Posture of Attentiveness Movements in a Spiritual Direction Session
  • Supervision Resources
    Supervision Check List Approved Supervisors Wondering What to Bring to Supervision ASD Peer Supervision - Group Process Models of Supervision - Lucy Abbot - Tucker
  • Research Papers
    ASD Research Paper Collection 2005-2019 (sorted by themes)
  • Portal Instructions
    Portal Instructions
  • General Resources
    Three Year Schema of Classes 2023-2024 ASD Handbook 2023-24 Contemplative Reflection ASD I Focus and Skills areas for Afternoon ASD II Focus and Skills areas for Afternoon ASD III Focus and Skills areas for Afternoon External Validation Form Study Schedule I, II, III
  • Resources
    Video: The Practice of Discernment Part 2: Process America Magazine Shadows in Prayer Focusing as you Journal with an Issue or Experience Living from a Discerning Heart (revised 2023) Praise Examen The Difference Between Consolation and Feeling Good Voices Calling

Frequently Asked Questions

Get Started!

Many-Paths_Jane_Credit.png
bottom of page