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 tradition. While practices vary across programs and traditions (e.g., Benedictine, Carmelite, Dominican, Ignatian, Passionists, Redemptorists ), there are essential elements of formation. 

​

Below is based on reviewing content offered on the websites of 40+ programs in the USA

 

Average prerequisites for a Certificate in Spiritual Direction ​​( check with the schools)

  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.  A BS or MS degree 

  4. A Masters in a related subject, such as theology, religious studies, pastoral care, etc., or 

All require #1;  most require #2;  all #3; and most, though not all,  university-based programs provide or required #4

​

​​

Opportunities to fulfill the Spiritual Exercises Prerequisite #2​

 

 

Examples of Opportunities to fulfill Prerequisites in Foundations of Theology #4

​

3 Types of Certificates / Levels of Training

  See downloadable list on programs - check with schools for updates

 

1. Graduate Credit Certificate (University, Seminary):

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

o   Full-time program with 12-18 graduate credits post master's.

     

2. Graduate non-Credit Certificate (University, Seminary)

o   Prerequisites:​​ A graduate or undergraduate degree (any subject)

o   Part-time program (18 months - 3 years) all in person, or all on-line,  or with one week on-site and virtual meeting once a month.

 

3.  Non-Credit Certificate (Diocesan, Retreat houses, Institutes)

o   Prerequisites:​​ May or may not require a graduate or undergraduate degree or equivalent in theological foundations.

o   Part-time program (18 months - 3 years) all in person, or all on-line,  or with one week on-site and virtual meeting once a month.​

​​​​​​​​​​​​

Locations

  • On-Site / Virtual Program /Combination

  • Offered in the Catholic Tradition through:

    • Universities

    • Seminaries

    • Diocesan

    • Retreat Centers

    • Religious Institutions 

    • Independent Organizations

​​

​Disclaimer: These lists are a combination summary from different programs' websites to offer as an overview for each program differs somewhat while some do not list their courses' content or instructors.

 

The USCCB Commission on Certification and Accreditation has approved guidance for chaplains and campus minsters organizations.

​​​​​​​​​​​​

bottom of page