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Prerequisites & Curriculum Considerations
The preparation and formation guidelines for Catholic spiritual direction programs—whether for clergy, religious, or laypersons—draw from longstanding principles in the Church’s tradition. While practices vary across programs and traditions (e.g., Benedictine, Carmelite, Dominican, Ignatian, Passionists, Redemptorists ), there is broad consensus on the essential elements of formation.
Below is based on reviewing content offered on the websites of 40+ programs
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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A degree in any field
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A Masters in a related subject, such as theology, religious studies, pastoral care, etc., or
All require #1; most require #2; all #3; and most, though not all, university-based programs provide or required #4
Opportunities to fulfill the Spiritual Exercises Prerequisite #3
Opportunities to fulfill prerequisites in Foundations of Theology #4
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McGrath Institute - Notre Dame - Individual Introductory Courses - online
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Avila Institute - School of Formation - 6 Pre-Course focused for Spiritual Directors - online
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Catholic Universities and Seminaries in your area that offer BA or MA for the theological formational foundations
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Check with your Diocese for their requirements
3 Types of Certificates / Levels of Training
See downloadable list on current programs
1. Graduate Credit Certificate (University, Seminary):
o Prerequisites: Master's degree (30-36 credits +) in a related subject.
o Full-time program with 18 graduate credits post master's.
2. Graduate non-Credit Certificate (University, Seminary)
o Prerequisites: A graduate or undergraduate degree (any subject)
o Part-time program (18 months - 3 years) all in person, or all on-line, or with one week on-site and virtual meeting once a month.
3. Non-Credit Certificate (Diocesan, Retreat houses, Institutes)
o Prerequisites: May or may not require a graduate or undergraduate degree or equivalent in theological foundations.
o Part-time program (18 months - 3 years) all in person, or all on-line, or with one week on-site and virtual meeting once a month.
Locations
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On-Site / Virtual Program /Combination
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Offered in the Catholic Tradition through:
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Universities
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Seminaries
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Diocesan
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Retreat Centers
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Religious Institutions
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Independent Organizations
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Disclaimer: These lists are a combination summary from different programs' websites to offer as an overview for each program differs somewhat while some do not list their courses' content or instructors.
The USCCB Commission on Certification and Accreditation has approved guidance for chaplains and campus minsters organizations.
Draft: Proposed Track for a Spiritual Director's Formation Program
This draft of proposed four-track structure summarizes and organizes the most common and essential courses identified during an online review of the program curricula available on the websites of the 44 Catholic spiritual direction programs as found to date.
The list reflects the recurring topics and competencies across the surveyed programs, arranged into a sequential framework that mirrors the Four Pillars of Formation: theological foundations, ministerial skills, supervised practice, and advanced specialization.
1. Track I: Theology/Foundations for Formation - Master's or Equivalent Prerequisite
o Christology
o Sacred Scripture
o Moral Theology
o Sacramental Theology
o Spiritual & Mystical Theology
o Christian Anthropology
o Human & Spiritual Development
2. Track II: The Ministry of Spiritual Accompaniment
o History and Theology of Spiritual Direction
o Theology of Spiritual Development
o Human and Spiritual Formation
o Interpersonal and Intrapersonal Skills
o Pastoral Counseling Skills
o The Art of Accompaniment - Contemplative Listening & Evocative Questioning
o Foundations - Ways of Prayer, Prayer & Scripture
o Discernment in the Christian Tradition & Spiritual Growth
o Discernment of Spirits: Theology and Practice
3. Track III: Supervised Practicum & Integration
o Advanced Prayer and Situations (Obstacles, Distractions)
o Discernment of Spirits II: Theology and Practice
o Pastoral Issues: Psychological & Pastoral Dimensions
o Case Studies, Role Playing
o Assessments/Goals/Applications
o Ethics & Guidelines
o Ministry Basic & Best Practices
o Ministry Integration
4. Track IV: Advanced Certificates /Training
o Discernment
o Asceticism and Mysticism
o Ignatian Spirituality/Carmelite Spirituality
o Giving the Spiritual Exercises
o Designing and Leading Retreats
o Supervision
o Formator
o Vocational
o Trauma - Psycho-Spiritual or Moral Injury
o Scrupulosity, Life Transitions
o Care of the Sick
These are summaries of key components found in the curricula of various spiritual direction training programs. This information is offered as a resource for those seeking general insight into the landscape of spiritual direction formation, in order to make an informed decision about which program may best suit one's needs.
Differences in Diocesan Requirements, Formation Training, Programs, and Offerings
Example: Diocese of Charleston
Offers an Office of Spiritual Directors with guidelines and listings
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Must graduate from an accredited institution that offers a graduate level certificate in spiritual direction (university)
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Prerequisite of at least 30 hours (credit or non-credit equivalents) in theology, scripture etc. from 3 pre selected universities.
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If not, they offer study program to fulfill such prerequisites.
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Example: Archdiocese of New Orleans
Offers a Certificate in Spiritual Direction - 2 year program
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Prerequisites of at least 24 credits (undergraduate or graduate) from a Catholic university in theology or equivalent studies:
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if not, they provide the courses to fulfill the prerequisites
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Offers Certificate programs in Spiritual Accompaniment - a two tier formation model 18 months to 24 months
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Spiritual Direction Certification - to have an adequate theological background in a BA or equivalent i.e. diaconate studies
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Spiritual Companion Certification - be at least 18 years of age