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Prerequisites & Curriculum Considerations 

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 The Spiritual Exercise of St. Ignatius (19th Annotation or 30 day)*.

  3. At least an undergraduate degree or a Masters in a related subject such a theology, religious studies, pastoral care, etc.

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*Opportunities to full fill the Spiritual Exercises Prerequisites

  1. www.IgnatianRetreats.org

  2. Spiritual Director Registry

  3. Jesuit Centers and Others​​

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Program Locations

On-Site and/or Virtual Programs - In the Catholic Traditions at a University,  Parish,  Retreat Center,  Religious or an Independent Organization
 

Types & Levels of Training

Graduate Certificate / non-academic credit Certificate / Diplomas

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two levels of certificate training programs

  1.  Graduate level  at a university with  prerequisites of a Masters (30-36c + ) in a related subject to the foundations of  those classical studies related to spiritual theology offered full time with 18 graduate credits past masters.

  2. Non university: Requirements to be a practicing Catholic, have been under spiritual direction or will go under during studies, possible requiring the Spiritual Exercises completed before or during, and where the program offers introductory and supplementary materials, usually in a 2 year part time  with one week on site.  May or may not need a graduate or undergraduate degree.

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A Certificate Curriculum Consideration (or has as prerequisites)

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

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This collection of potential courses is based upon my research of the different programs's websites or material I received to date, you need to check each program in detail of what is offered

 

Nature and Purpose of Spiritual Direction

  • Art of Accompaniment

  • The Practice

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

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Catholic Spirituality - History

  • Traditions – Carmelite, Benedictine, Franciscan, Augustian,  and or Ignatian

 

Christian Tradition of Prayer

  •  Foundations and Practices

  • Types and Stages of Prayer

  • What Happens in Prayer

  • Spiritual and Mystical Traditions

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The Human Person

  • Christian Anthropology

  • Theology of the Body

  • Human Development

  • Psychology at the Intersection of Spiritual Direction

  • Introduction to Counseling

 

The Spiritual Life

  • Spiritual Development

  • Discernment of Spirits

 

The Catholic Tradition

  • Biblical Theology

  • Sacramental Theology

  • Moral Theology/Practical Theology

 

Practicum

  • Interpersonal Communication Skills

  • Supervision

  • Role Playing- Case Studies

  • Ethical Guidelines - see CSD Ethical Guidelines 

  • Ministry Basics 

This list of prerequisites is from the Archdiocese of New Orleans â€‹

Prerequisites to have an adequate theological background

  • 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 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

  • 2years of Personal Experience of Ongoing Spiritual Direction

  • Completed the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius 

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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. 

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