Spiritual Direction
Spiritual Direction is an opportunity to explore a relationship with God in the midst of one’s life. It offers a time set aside to be attentive to the Divine. A Spiritual Director companions rather than “directs” individuals. Through conversation, storytelling and reflecting on life experience a director forms a supportive relationship with a directee to help foster openness and and responsiveness to God’s (or higher power) presence in our lives.
Spiritual Direction is for people of all faith traditions as well as for those who may not claim a particular religious tradition yet seek to explore the deeper meaning of spirituality in their lives. Spiritual Direction takes place in a confidential one-on one or group setting. Typically meetings are once a month, however this may vary according to individual needs.
Spiritual Direction is for people:
- Seeking to find deeper meaning in their life
- Seeking growth in their relationship with God or Higher power
- Seeking to integrate spirituality as part of their everyday life
- Seeking to deepen their contemplative prayer life.
If you have questions about Spiritual Direction please Contact Us.
Group Spiritual Direction
In a sacred circle of trust each person is reverenced as she or he experiences one’s relationship with God in the companionship of others and a trained spiritual director. The openness and sharing of wisdom that can happen within such a group setting provides many with the support and environment needed to continue one’s spiritual journey within the context of life’s experiences.
Spiritual Direction Internship
The Internship
The Spiritual Direction Internship is designed for persons who feel called to accompany others on their life journey. The focus is how to be with directees as they reflect on life and their relationship with God.
The internship is experiential in nature. Its content unfolds in the context of group process and reflection, not lecture. The Internship experience includes one-to-one supervision, peer group supervision, assigned readings, and practice in the art of Spiritual Direction. It is limited to approximately eight persons.
The internship begins with a three-day intensive in mid -September and meets one day a week through May.
Qualifications
- An on-going experience of personal spiritual direction
- A commitment to engage in experiential learning
- An ability to be companion others in a one-to-one relationship
- Background in Theology and Spirituality
- A minimum of five years in ministry
Requirements
- Each intern will see at least two directees provided by Claret Center
- Interns are encouraged to attend two workshops recommended by the Claret Center Staff
- Interns must be present for the three day intensive experience
Application Process
Those seeking admission to the internship in Spiritual Direction please submit the following:
- An autobiography that includes your spiritual journey (4-5 pages)
- Three letters of recommendations from persons who know you well. Include a referral from at least one person who has some experience of you in ministry
- Personal statement of what you expect from the internship and why you desire it at this time
- All application materials, including the application fee by May 1
- After receipt of the above materials, a personal interview will be arranged with the internship staff
COSTS
- Tuition is $3500.00
- $25.00 non-refundable application fee
- Workshop fees
- Payable in two installments: September and January
Registration
To register for the Spiritual Direction Internship, please download the pdf registration form (below), fill it out, and return it with your $25.00 deposit to:
Claret Center
5536 S. Everett Ave.
Chicago, IL 60637
[ Download Registration Form ]
