top of page
Prerequisites & Curriculum Considerations 

The preparation and formation guidelines for Catholic spiritual direction programs—whether for clergy, religious, or laypersons—draw from longstanding principles in the Church’s spiritual and pastoral tradition. While practices vary across programs and traditions (e.g., Ignatian, Carmelite, Benedictine etc ), there is broad consensus on the essential elements of formation - pastoral and theological - which is the Church’s responsibility is to ensure sound programs. 

​

Below is based upon reviewing the websites of the 30+ programs' prerequisites and curriculum 

 

 here is the Average Minimum Prerequisites for a Certificate in Spiritual Direction​

  1. Be under spiritual direction for at least one year.

  2. Complete before entering or during the first year of training The Spiritual Exercise of St. Ignatius (19th Annotation or 30 day)*.

  3. University programs: A Masters in a related subject such a theology, religious studies, pastoral care, etc.

  4. Other programs: Require #1 and #2 and may offer foundational courses in the 4 Pillars of Formation. 

 

Not all of the programs we found have these requirements yet we suggest you consider fulfilling at least  1 and 2 at before your training. 

​

 

*Opportunities to full fill the Spiritual Exercises Prerequisites of 1 and 2. 

​

Overview​

  • There is currently no universal accrediting body in the Catholic Church for spiritual direction yet since it falls under pastoral care, programs should be following  the Four Pillar Model (or they need to insure their graduates obtain pre or post formation).

 

Locations

  • On-Site / Virtual Program /Combination

  • Offered in the Catholic Tradition at:

    • Universities

    • Seminaries

    • Dioscean

    • Parishes

    • Retreat Centers

    • Religious  Institutions 

    • Independent Organizations

 

Types & Levels of Training

Graduate Certificate / non-academic credit Certificate or Diplomas

​

two levels of certificate training programs

  • Graduate Level (University):

    • Prerequisites: Master's degree (30-36 credits +) in a related subject.

    • Full-time program with 18 graduate credits past master's.

  • Non Credit Certificate (can be offered through  a university)

    • Requirements:​​

      • May or may not offer core  and / or  supplementary materials related to the 4 Pillars of Formation ( 24 credits minimun)

    • Part-time program (usually 2 years) with one week on-site and meeting once a month.

    • May or may not require a graduate or undergraduate degree.

​​​​​

A Certificate Curriculum Considerations (or has as prerequisites)

. If you find a program that has something more than listed here we welcome you to  CONTACT US

​

Disclaimer: This list is a combination from different programs' websites. Check the specific program's offerings, as some do not list their courses, content, instructor qualifications, or formators. The USCCB Commission on Certification and Accreditation has provided guidance for ministry formation programs for chaplains and campus minsters organization. None yet for Catholic spiritual directors until we become an 'association of the faithful'. Register now to start the process.

​​​​

The 4 Pillars of Formation 

  • Human 

  • Spiritual

  • Intellectual 

  • Pastoral

​​

Types of Courses 

Church History -Spirituality 

  • History of Spiritual Direction, Church Fathers and Mothers, Spiritual and Mystical Traditions

​​

Theology in The Catholic Tradition

  • Biblical Theology

  • Sacramental Theology

  • Moral Theology/Practical Theology

​

The Human Person​

  • Human Development

  • Christian Anthropology

  • Theology of the Body

  • Psychology at the Intersection of the Spiritual Life

 

The Spiritual Life

  • Spiritual Development

  • Discernment 

  • Sacramental 

 

Christian Tradition of Prayer

  •  Foundations and Practices

  • Types and Stages of Prayer

  • What Happens in Prayer

​​

Nature and Purpose of Spiritual Direction

  • Pastoral Practice

  • What is it, what is it not

  • Art of Accompaniment

  • Themes: life of virtue and service, grace, shame, resilience, resistance, sacramental imagination etc.

 

Practicum

  • Interpersonal Skills

  • Introduction to Counseling

  • Assessments/Goals/Applications

  • Supervision

    • Role Playing- Case Studies

  • Integration and Reflection

  • Ethical Guidelines - see CSD Ethical Guidelines 

  • Ministry Basics 

​

These are summary of key components of a well-rounded spiritual direction curriculum, emphasizing the importance of the Four Pillars of Formation.

​

​This information is offer as a resource for anyone seeking to understand the landscape of spiritual direction training programs so as to make informed decisions about their own formation.

Article on the Four Pillars of Formation 

​

Example:  Diocese of Charleston

​

Example:  Archdiocese of New Orleans ​

Prerequisites to have an adequate theological background in:

  • The Creed

  • Christology

  • Catholic understanding of Scripture

  • Sacraments and Worship

  • Personal Morality

  • Social Morality (Catholic Social Teaching) 

  • Ecclesiology and Mission of the Church

  • Introduction to Church History 

​They provide the courses to fulfill the prerequisites or one needs to have 24 credits in these either undergraduate or graduate from a Catholic university.

 

Other Prerequisites 

  • A Life of Prayer

  • Member in Good Standing

  • Gift of Discernment

  • 2 years of Personal Experience of Ongoing Spiritual Direction

  • Completed the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius 

​

Two year Program Curriculum

  1. The Theology of the Spiritual Exercises

  2. Practicum

Topics: study, reflection, case studies, role playing, specific topics, ethical issues, others. 

​

​​

bottom of page