The Spiritual Directors’ Workshop (SDW) is an intensive 12-day training program in spiritual direction. It includes material and experience which we consider foundational to everyone engaged in spiritual direction.
This year, the Loyola House Team is taking the SDW “on the road” as this in-person workshop will be held at the beautiful Villa Saint Martin, outside of Montreal. (More on this below)
The SDW offers participants the chance to gain confidence in their own skills and to appropriate new skills.
This is achieved through high quality presentations, case studies, small group work, study, prayer, and team work. We use the principles of adult learning during the SDW. All of Loyola House’s training programs are rooted in the experience of the participants. Likewise, all of the presentations are grounded in the experience of the Loyola House team.
The SDW includes a practicum for participants to do spiritual direction under supervision, as they pray through the 2nd Week of the Spiritual Exercises together. Maximum of 14 participants.
Who Should Apply
The SDW is suitable for those –
- with experience in spiritual direction who want to hone their skills
- who have started to move into this ministry and want to gain confidence
- who already have some knowledge of the Spiritual Exercises and are interested in acquiring a greater practical understanding of them and their application in the world
Each time we offer the SDW we welcome women, men, laity, religious, clergy, and people from various faith traditions.
Requirements
The SDW is open to persons who have completed the full Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius under personal direction, either in the month-long retreat format or in daily life. We presume that the applicants have already had some experience of discernment and decision-making according to the dynamics of the Exercises.
The workshop is presented in English. Competency speaking and reading English is required. Program application may be submitted in English or French.