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Certificate in Spiritual Direction
Certificate in Spiritual Direction
The Certificate in Spiritual Direction is an intensive program of study and formation for those interested in practicing the art of spiritual direction. People come to Saint John’s School of Theology and Seminary to deepen a Benedictine disposition for the ministry of listening. Some use what they have learned to meet one-on-one in spiritual direction sessions. Others take the skills they develop into retreat settings, group work, social justice contexts, and other forms of leadership in community.
At a Glance
Formats
Online
In-Person
Hybrid
Length
22 Credits
Application Deadline
Rolling
Audience
Religious Women & Men
Ordained Clergy
Lay Ecclesial Ministers
Certificate in Spiritual Direction
When I was looking for a program in Spiritual Direction, I was seeking formation that was at once deeply rooted in the Christian tradition while hospitable to diverse expressions of contemplative life. I found that in the Certificate in Spiritual Direction at Saint John’s.
Certificate in Spiritual Direction Overview
The Certificate in Spiritual Direction requires the completion of 22 credits. CSpD includes Discernment in Prayer, 12 Credits in Core Theology, and 9 Credits of practicum. This certificate integrates the strengths of graduate theological study with the rigors of hands-on practice and supported by deeply experienced supervisors. The Benedictine monastic tradition remains integral to this process.
Certificate Breakdown
Core Theology
- Spirituality: 6 credits
- Pastoral Ministry: 3 credits
- Scripture: 3 credits
Discernment in Prayer
- 1 Credit course
Practicum Series
- Foundations of Spiritual Direction
(Summer Intensive Course): 3 credits - Practicum in Spiritual Direction
(August through April): 3 credits - Integration Seminar in Spiritual Direction
(Summer Intensive Course): 3 credits
Benedictine Integration
Students may pursue three 1-credit courses in Benedictine Spirituality to substitute for a 3-credit course in Spirituality.
Degree + Certificate
Interested in earning the Graduate Certificate in Spiritual Direction and a master’s degree at the same time? Contact our admissions department at [email protected] for more information.
A Benedictine Approach To Spiritual Direction
Specific practices guide our Benedictine way of living here at Saint John’s, four of which are integrated into the spiritual direction courses for the certificate:
- Lectio on Life: Practicing traditional lectio divina (prayerful reading of scripture) prepares us to approach our lived experience just as prayerfully.
- Hospitality: Welcoming Christ in others encourages us to receive God in unexpected ways.
- Stability: Learning to attend more fully to the present moment helps ground us in a sense of God’s presence and leading.
- Conversatio Morum (a transforming way of life) Cultivating healthy habits and relationships reflects the Spirit’s invitation to the lifelong discipleship.
Application Process
Saint John’s uses a robust application software, Slate, for the application process. Prospective students will create a username and password, and then upload/request pertinent information directly into Slate. After beginning an application, students can log back into the application portal and check their progress.
If you have any questions/concerns about Slate and the admission process, please reach out to the Admission Office: [email protected]
Letters of Intent
Applicants are required to upload a typed narrative as a part of the application. This letter of intent should be about 350-500 words and explain the applicants interest in this Certificate, how they plan to use this training, and why Saint John’s is an ideal fit for them.
Resume/CV
Applicants are required to submit an updated résumé outlining personal, educational and professional backgrounds. This can be uploaded directly into the application portal, Slate.
Letters of Recommendation
Certificate in Spiritual Direction applications are required to request two letters of recommendation.
Recommenders should be able to speak to the candidates call to Spiritual Direction, readiness to learn, and/or past experience in theological education.
Letters of recommendation must be requested through the Slate Portal and cannot be sent directly from the applicant to the admission office.
Transcripts
Official transcripts of post-secondary coursework must be sent from the Registrar’s Office to the Admissions Office
Contact Information for Sending Transcripts:
Admissions at Saint John’s School of Theology and Seminary
P.O. Box 7288
Collegeville, MN 56321
Next Steps
Our Office of Admission is available to walk with you in your discernment. Whether you’re questioning which degree is the best for your personal, vocational, and professional goals or if you feel ready to start your application today, our team is prepared to accompany you through the process.