Welcome to PCS 1006 – Spiritual Direction: Spiritual Companions on a Journey

This course provides an introduction to the ancient practice of spiritual companionship or spiritual friendship in the Christian tradition. It gives helpful input about what to look for in searching for a spiritual director, how to prepare to be one, and how to help those who are called to this distinctive ministry.

The primary text for this course is Spiritual Direction, Spiritual Companion, Guide to Tending the Soul, Tilden Edwards, and/or Holy Listening: The Art of Spiritual Direction by Margaret Guenther

In addition to the core text, a variety of resources will be introduced during the course to supplement a particular topic.

This course uses a blog format(Blogger)to foster an interactive learning community. Students post their assignments and are encouraged to comment on each other’s posts.

Participants reflect on the sacred tradition of “spiritual friend” from the desert mothers and fathers, the anam cara in the Celtic tradition, and the Christian mystics, and write an integrative paper on one of the following:

1. Spiritual friendship in Scripture and Tradition and its present use in opening up ancient and new sacred practices for individuals and communities

2. Guenther uses the images of the spiritual director as host, teacher, and midwife to describe the ministry of spiritual direction today. Describe how these images could foster “holy listening” today. Share practices that foster “holy listening.”

3. Examine different models of spiritual direction. Compare and contrast their gifts and limitations. priests and spiritual leaders have spiritual directors/companions and friends? Do you recommend a specific model? Why? Why not? Should priests, ministers, spiritual leaders, everyone have a spiritual director/friend? Why? Why not?

Registration is ongoing.

Dr. Bridget Mary Meehan and Dr. Mary Theresa Streck are the course facilitators for this on-line course. They are available to you throughout the course through email at peoplescatholicseminary@gmail.com

For more information, visit our Faculty page.

Interested in taking this course, please fill out the “Contact Us” form below and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Course Cost: $100

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