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What is the Training of a Spiritual Director?
- Jun 5
- 2 min read
Updated: Jun 6
This is a series of Posts for the FAQ of those seeking Spiritual Direction. We will be adding to this series along with links to other sites that may help provide more answers.
*What one will find today seem to be basically are two levels of programs offered: one at the university with graduate level requirements for directors, and these other programs that have less requirements or those fitting the different models of accompaniment.
Those called to this ministry should have a foundational core in the Four Pillars of Formation, as do all ministers who co-labor in the vineyard of the Church. In addition, they are to have specific formation related to the spiritual life. Whether affiliated directly as employees within an institution or organization, or working independently.
Many directors today have formal education (a Master's or Doctorate) with advanced post-graduate credits (certificates) in spiritual direction from universities, while more and more today have other college degrees or had have short-term or long-term study within an organization or a parish.
Spiritual directors can be lay, religious, or ordained and work in retreat houses, monasteries, or within parishes as part of their regular duties or in private practice. Many spiritual directors work part-time in this ministry and have degrees and training in other disciplines which may or may not be related to ministry, counseling, or religious formation. Many now are full-time.
In contrast, some may have no formal theological or pastoral formation and are gifted by the Holy Spirit. One may find those who do not have formal undergraduate or graduate formation in theology, ministry, pastoral care, or history of spirituality, who are called with the charism of counsel and the gift of accompaniment, use the term spiritual director, under the gift of Holy Spirit offer spiritual support.
All Catholic spiritual directors are ethically bound to practice the faith, have a director, and be accountable to a supervisor.
