Practicum in Spiritual Direction

This foundational practicum is designed for persons desiring formation in pastoral presence and communication skills. Focus is placed on the development of a contemplative stance, compassionate listening and evocative presence for pastoral service in roles such as spiritual director, chaplain, parish minister, and for those in service within the context of everyday work life. This transformative process integrates topics of Ignatian discernment, prayer, spiritual growth, spirituality, justice, theological assumptions and images of God. This is a two-term, supervised, peer based practicum. Requirements and prerequisites: two year's previous experience receiving spiritual direction, permission of the instructor, regular attendance essential; 3 integration papers; pass/fail. For students considering the 12 credit Diploma in Spiritual Direction, this course is the first of a four-phase Practicum, which facilitates ongoing discernment and formation for the ministry of spiritual direction.