“ … having the eyes of your heart enlightened, that you may know what is the hope of his calling, and what are the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints.” - Ephesians 1:18
Spiritual direction
Spiritual direction differs from therapy, discipling, counseling or mentoring; rather, it is a three-way conversation between the “directee,” the “director,” and the Holy Spirit. The director seeks to provide a safe and prayerful space in which director and directee can look together for the presence of God in the events of the directee’s daily life. The director encourages and supports the directee in order that he or she may respond meaningfully to God’s invitations.
Does spiritual direction sound like something you would like to receive? To find a spiritual director near you, please email Canon Susan Skillen or view a list of New England-based Spiritual Directors here. You can also learn more about it here: Spiritual Direction FAQ
HOLY CONVERSATIONS: A Course in Spiritual Direction in the Anglican Tradition
Led by Canon Susan J. Skillen, Canon for Spiritual Formation
If you are a mature committed Christian, who has received or is currently receiving spiritual direction, and believe God might be calling you to spiritual direction ministry, we invite you to consider this course.
Our purpose is to equip mature and skilled spiritual directors grounded in Anglican sacramental theology and the Catholic contemplative tradition.
The program includes four residency retreats over a two-year period. Each 3-day retreat begins late afternoon on a Thursday and ends after lunch on the following Sunday. The course fees cover the cost of the retreats. There are also monthly 2-hour zoom meetings for group spiritual direction during the first year, and group peer supervision during the second year
The two-year certificate training program promotes:
Spiritual development through:
• Developing a rule of life
• Deepening prayer practice
• Group spiritual direction
• Reflection and mentoring
Ongoing assessment through:
• Peer group supervision
• Mentoring
• Evaluation
• Reading and reflection papers
Skill development through:
• Seminars
• Reading
• Practicum
• Supervision
Long-term connections for:
• Community building
• Mutual support
• Accountability
• Holistic Spiritual Development
“It is hard to do justice to the amount of personal growth and insight this course has provided for me. It has been completely transformational and life changing on so many levels. Perhaps the single most important thing is the increasing freedom in my understanding and experience of God, myself and others.”
“When I started I had only the slightest feel of a call to spiritual direction. Through the course that call has been both confirmed and solidified. It opened an awareness in me and built a solid foundation on which to stand while building a more substantial structure through practice.”
“This course has powerfully impacted my prayer life and relationship to God. I feel that there has been a solidity, as well as a deeper and richer experience in my relationship to God through my prayer life. It has allowed me to enter more fully into the mystery of God and opened up new places of prayer within.”
YEAR ONE
Includes monthly group spiritual direction meetings, in person or by zoom call
Retreat Residency One
September 26-29, 2024
Spiritual Direction in Church Tradition
• Monastic tradition
• Rule of Life
• Spiritual Direction and Community
Contemplative Prayer Tradition
• Teresa of Avila
• Centering Prayer
Entering one-to-one direction
Group spiritual direction
Retreat Residency Two
March 2025
Ignatian Spirituality
• Prayer of Examen
• Discernment
Anglican Spiritual Formation
• Anglican Theology of Formation
• Prayer Book Spirituality
• Three streams—Anglo-Catholic, Evangelical, Charismatic
• Holistic Spiritual Development
YEAR TWO
Retreat Residency Three
September 2025
Spiritual growth and psychological issues
Dark Night of the Soul
Confession and Spiritual Direction
Evaluating direction relationships
Ethical Conduct Guidelines
Spiritual Direction Practicum
• At least two directees
• Monthly peer group supervision
in person or by zoom call
• Assigned reading and reflection papers
• Spiritual assessment papers
Retreat Residency Four
May 2026
Developing a spiritual direction practice
Deepening listening through silence and stillness
Arts and imagination in spiritual direction
Program Closure
Course Requirements
• Attendance at all course sessions
• Completion of all reading and writing assignments
• Five reflection papers and five spiritual assessment papers
Seminary training is not required.
Applicants will need to provide along with the application form:
• spiritual autobiography (two- pages, single-spaced)
• letter of support from parish priest
• letter of support from ministry associate
• brief description of a time when you provided spiritual support or guidance to someone
COST
$4300 for two-year program to be paid in three installments:
$1900 due June 1, 2024
$1200 due January 1, 2025
$1200 due July 1, 2025
Applications for 2024-2026 are due May 1, 2024