Our Program
Our program is divided into three courses that provide a comprehensive spiritual formation experience. You'll explore the Ignatian Exercises, learn about Christian tradition, and develop the skills necessary to be an effective spiritual director.
Our Program: Take a Closer Look
We offer a unique two-year, part-time spiritual direction training program that blends in-person residencies with online modules, following adult learning styles of experience, reflection, and integration.
With a cohort model, you'll be part of a supportive group that stays together throughout the program. One of the program's distinctive features is the 12-14 days of silent retreat time, where you'll engage in specific themes for prayer and meet each day with a spiritual director.
This immersion in silence and guided prayer is at the heart of our training and your spiritual growth. At the end of the spiritual training program, upon completing the three courses, Knowing God and Self, Knowing the Tradition, and Knowing the Practice, graduates will earn a certificate of completion in spiritual direction from The King's University, Edmonton, Alberta.
During The Two Years Participants Will:
- Receive spiritual direction (30 hrs);
- Complete a practicum offering spiritual direction (50 hrs);
- Receive supervision during their practicum work;
- Write, share, and discuss 8 theological reflection papers;
- Write and present brief reviews on a number of spiritual classics;
- Attend and participate in sessionals led by professional instructors;
- Engage in several silent retreats following the themes of The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius;
- Stay on-site through the live-in experience (see current session dates here); and
- Keep and maintain a journal for reflections on prayer, personal experience, and spiritual formation.
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Cohort 4 dates
The two-year program is divided into eight modules, some of which are split into two separate sessions.
Apart from the on-line components (indicated below), all modules are live-in residencies held at Star of the North Retreat Centre in St. Albert, AB. We start at 7:00 PM on Sundays and end at 4:30 PM on Tuesdays or noon on Fridays.
2023:
Sunday, January 8 - Friday, January 13
Sunday, March 5 - Tuesday, March 7
Sunday, April 16 - Tuesday, April 18 (on-line)
Sunday, June 4 - Friday, June 9
Sunday, September 24 - Tuesday, September 26 (on-line)
Sunday, November 12 - Tuesday, November 14
2024:
Sunday, January 7 - Friday, January 12
Sunday, February 11 - Tuesday, February 13 (on-line)
Sunday, March 17 - Tuesday, March 19
Sunday, May 5 - Tuesday, May 7 (on-line)
Sunday, June 9- Tuesday, June 11
Sunday, October 6 - Friday, October 11
- Personalized Support and Supervision
