Spiritual direction is, in reality, nothing more than a way of leading us to see and obey the real Director — the Holy Spirit hidden in the depths of our soul.
Become a Spiritual Director
For more information contact:
Maria DiBello, RSM, 215-934-6206 or mdibello@cranaleith.org
What is Spiritual Direction?
Spiritual direction offers a way to attend to God’s presence in one’s life in the context of a trusted relationship.
About the Program
The Spiritual Direction Formation Program at Cranaleith is a contemplative process of learning the art and practice of spiritual accompaniment. This certificate program consists of a rich curriculum, with emphasis on exploring the intimate relationship of God with oneself, others, and those on the margins. Drawing from the wellsprings of contemplative tradition and the charism of Mercy, this distinctive program nurtures and supports those who wish to deepen their own spirituality and explore spiritual companionship with others.
Cost
Tuition for the program is $3,800. Cost includes the 24-month program tuition, room, and board. A $50 non-refundable application fee is also required.
Pre-Requisites and Requirements
Applicants must have been engaged in spiritual direction themselves for at least two years.
- Continued commitment to personal spiritual direction Complete required readings
- Submit reflection papers
- Share personal reflection of experience with peers
- Maintain involvement with those on the margins
- Become actively involved in the ministry of spiritual direction
- Engage in a year-long supervised practicum
Goals for Participants
- To deepen one’s relationship with God and faithfulness to one’s call, while discerning the ministry of spiritual direction
- To become grounded in the spirituality of mercy, especially as it relates to spiritual direction To develop and deepen the capacity for compassionate listening to God in self, others and creation
- To recognize God’s tender presence in our brokenness
- To integrate the theological, spiritual and psychological wisdom that grounds spiritual accompaniment and fosters human growth and development
- To engage in a contemplative, holistic, transformative process toward the art of spiritual direction
- To enter into the contemplative practice of ongoing supervision as an integral part of spiritual direction
- To be open to mutually transformative relationships with persons who are poor and marginalized
Curriculum Topics
- Historical development of and various approaches to spiritual direction
- Basic principles of the spiritual life
- The spirituality of Mercy as inspired by Jesus
- Traditions of prayer Discernment
- Scripture in spiritual direction Operative theological assumptions
- Human growth and development Spiritual direction and pastoral counseling
- Social Justice: Mercy Critical Concerns
- Contemplative action in a graced world
- The spiritual growth and ongoing conversion of the director
Coordinating Team
Maria DiBello, RSM, Program Coordinator and Spiritual Director
Beth Flannery, RSM, Program Faculty, Spiritual Director and Supervisor
Kathleen McAlpin, RSM, Member of the Coordinating Council of Spiritual Directors International
Suzanne Neisser, RSM, Jesuit Center, Wernersville and Neumann University
Mary Trainer, RSM, Program Faculty and Spiritual Director
The theology and practice of Mercy has helped me to think about engagement with those on the margins. Reflecting on my own spiritual journey, I can see the importance of tapping into diverse ways of thinking, knowing and praying.
Program Graduate 2017
I appreciate the accessibility of this program to my means and life circumstances. Our relationships with one another in the cohort are a rich source of wisdom and support to me.