Program Overview

Souljourners is a rich and comprehensive program through which you can expect to learn not only the practical skills needed to be a spiritual director, but you will also gain a deeper understanding of how an individual’s collective lived experiences shape and form them (and that the same is true for you!) You can expect to leave the program with an increased sense of spiritual understanding, the skill of deep listening, and the ability to better meet each person where they are, so you can accompany them as they continue their journey.

Time commitment

The Souljourners program requires a three year commitment to complete. All classes are held at Sophia Spirituality Center, located on the campus of the Benedictine Sisters of Mount St. Scholastica monastery (please note that we do not have an online option). Regarding schedule, students are expected to commit to:

• Once-a-month weekend classes during years 1 and 2. New classes begin in September and meet once, monthly, through April (with the exception of December). Sessions begin on Friday afternoons and finish on Saturday afternoons.
• A one-week intensive in June for year 1 and 2 students.
• Assigned readings, reflection papers, and book reflections
• Completion of 2 residency weeks, which are held each June. These can either be completed after both year 1 and year 2, or a new student may begin Souljourners with a residency week in June, and then move into 1st year classes in September.
• Completion of a Practicum Year (year 3) which begins in July with a one-week retreat and orientation. Additionally, there are three weekend classes in the months of October, February, and April. Also required are monthly meetings with a supervisor, as well as 2 spiritual direction practice sessions each month, September-April.

What the program looks like

The recommended progression through the Souljourners program is: Residency 1, Year 1, Residency 2, Year 2, Year 3 (Practicum). However, students may be permitted to begin the program in September with the monthly weekend sessions. Note that the curriculum rotates, so depending upon when a student begins, the order of subject focus may be different.

Year 1: Understanding Our Spirtual Heritage: The Christian Tradition of Spirituality Through the Centuries

During the first year we focus on the “spiritual” aspect of spiritual direction by looking at a wide range of faith traditions (i.e. Scripture, Celtic, world religions.) Through our monthly sessions, you will be able to better recognize and identify more fully the sacred within your own life, and come to a better understanding of the perspectives held by others. You will have a different lens through which you can look at your own experiences in a richer and more meaningful way. During the first year time will also be spent in developing the practical skills needed for spiritual direction.

Residency 1: Introduction to Spiritual Direction and the Christian Tradition of Theology/ Spirituality

During the first residency we focus on the spiritual direction process in the context of the Christian tradition. Sessions will focus on defining spiritual direction and the role of the director. The holistic approach of this residency week includes prayer, small group work, community-building activities, spiritual direction role-play, sacred silence, and faith sharing, surrounded by a supportive Benedictine community.

Year 2: Practical Means to Graced Human Development and Skills for Spiritual Direction

The second year focuses on methods, practices and skills for growing in self-knowledge during spiritual direction. Students engage in their own spiritual direction regularly, and will begin to meet with two people with whom to practice their spiritual direction skills. Students will be introduced to the verbatim process, which is a recounting of a spiritual direction session to be shared with their supervisor, to discuss points that left an impression or raised questions to further discuss. They will be guided by a Souljourners staff member in their own personal discernment of their gifts and their call to the ministry of spiritual direction.

Residency 2: Knowledge & Skills for Spiritual Direction

During the second residency, the focus is on developing theological and psychological understanding of graced human development and its relationship to the spiritual direction process. You will become acquainted with an understanding of the human persona according to the concepts of Christian anthropology, the stages of human development and the contributions of modern psychology. You will work toward greater self-awareness and psychological maturity, growth in prayer and increased skill and sensitivity in guiding others in their spiritual growth.

Year 3 (Practicum): The Practice of Spiritual Direction with Supervision

In Practicum, your third and final year, the focus will be on yourself as an instrument of spiritual direction. During this nine-month period of time, under the supervision of a trained spiritual director, you will serve as a spiritual director to at least two directees (those receiving spiritual direction). You will meet regularly with your supervisor to share verbatims. In these meetings with your supervisor, together you will explore the responses given to your directees, as well as your own reactions to the sessions. Your supervisor will help you become aware of both your gifts and areas for growth as a spiritual director.

Graduation

After completion of the program, we have an official ceremony during which graduates receive their certification degree. Family and friends are welcome to come and celebrate your accomplishment.