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​Certificate Programs

After conducting an online search for Catholic-based spiritual direction formation programs, we identified 40+ programs. I reviewed each program’s publicly available website content, summarizing information on prerequisites, curriculum, costs, format, tradition, and other key details. These summaries are compiled in the attached spreadsheet. With the assistance of Gregory Vigliotta—who gathered contact information for each program—I assembled these details as part of an informal review. A formal, professionally conducted survey will still be necessary for comprehensive and verified data. Please verify this content with each organization. Thank you. Karen Shields Wright. 

 

Click Here to review the Prerequisites Page

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  1. Aquinas Institute of Theology

  2. Archdiocese of Atlanta

  3. Archdiocese of New Orleans 

  4. Boston College

  5. Cenacle of Our Lady of Divine Providence 

  6. Creighton University

  7. Diocese of Burlington

  8. Diocese of Charleston

  9. Diocese of Oklahoma City

  10. Diocese of Tulsa

  11. Divine Mercy University

  12. Fairfield University

  13. Fordham University

  14. Franciscan Spiritual Center

  15. Franciscan University of Steubenville

  16. Heart of Christ (Avila Institute)

  17. Holy Apostles College and Seminary

  18. Holy Name Retreat Center

  19. Holy Trinity Catholic Church 

  20. Ignatian Spirituality Institute 

  21. Ignatius House Jesuit Retreat Center

  22. Immaculate Conception Center

  23. Institute for Priestly Formation

  24. Jesuit School of Theology at Santa Clara 

  25. John Carroll University

  26. Lanteri Center for Ignatian Spirituality

  27. Loyola Jesuit Center

  28. Loyola Marymount University

  29. Loyola University Chicago

  30. Marian Servants of the Incarnate Wisdom

  31. Manresa Jesuit Retreat House

  32. McQuaid Jesuit Institute

  33. Mercy Center – Burlingame, CA

  34. Merrimack College

  35. Montserrat Jesuit Retreat House

  36. Mount St. Mary's U

  37. Oblate School of Theology

  38. Regis University 

  39. Saint John's School of Theology and Seminary

  40. Saint Vincent Seminary

  41. Spring Hill College

  42. St. Catherine University

  43. St. Meinrad School of Theology

  44. St. Peter upon the Water

  45. University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary 

  46. University of Mary​​​, Bismark ND

This list is a Work in Progress.  See Details on the programs in the downloadable Excel Spreadsheet----->

Download the Report  

(excel Spreadsheet)

40+ Programs as of July 2025 Listed by

  • Institution Name

  • Type of Organization

  • Location

  • Tradition 

  • Format 

  • Estimated Cost

  • Pre- Requirements 

  • Curriculum  Length

  • Website address

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