Prerequisites & Curriculum Considerations
Below is based upon reviewing the websites of the 30 program' prerequisites and curriculum
here is the Average Minimum Prerequisites for a Certificate in Spiritual Direction​
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Be under spiritual direction for at least one year.
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Complete before entering or during the first year of training The Spiritual Exercise of St. Ignatius (19th Annotation or 30 day)*.
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University programs: At least an undergraduate degree or a Masters in a related subject such a theology, religious studies, pastoral care, etc.
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.
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*Opportunities to full fill the Spiritual Exercises Prerequisites of 1 and 2.
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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
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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.
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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 Considerations (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 list is combination from the different programs' websites' offering data, you need to check what is offered; for some do not list their courses, content or names or qualifications of their instructors.
Nature and Purpose of Spiritual Direction
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Art of Accompaniment
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The Practice
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Themes: life of virtue and service, grace, shame, resilience, resistance, sacramental imagination etc.
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Catholic Spirituality - History
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Traditions – Carmelite, Benedictine, Franciscan, Augustian, and or Ignatian
Christian Tradition of Prayer
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Foundations and Practices
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Types and Stages of Prayer
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What Happens in Prayer
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Spiritual and Mystical Traditions
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The Human Person
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Christian Anthropology
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Theology of the Body
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Human Development
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Psychology at the Intersection of Spiritual Direction
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Introduction to Counseling
The Spiritual Life
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Spiritual Development
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Discernment of Spirits
The Catholic Tradition
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Biblical Theology
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Sacramental Theology
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Moral Theology/Practical Theology
Practicum
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Interpersonal Communication Skills
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Supervision
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Role Playing- Case Studies
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Ethical Guidelines - see CSD Ethical Guidelines
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Ministry Basics
This list of prerequisites is from the Archdiocese of New Orleans ​
Prerequisites to have an adequate theological background
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The Creed
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Christology
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Catholic understanding of Scripture
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Sacraments and Worship
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Personal Morality
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Social Morality (Catholic Social Teaching)
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Ecclesiology and Mission of the Church
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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
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A Life of Prayer
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Member in Good standing
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Gift of Discernment
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2 years of Personal Experience of Ongoing Spiritual Direction
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Completed the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius
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Two year Program Curriculum
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The Theology of the Spiritual Exercises
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Practicum
Topics: study, reflection, case studies, role playing, specific topics, ethical issues, others.
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