Become a Spiritual Director

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For more information contact:
Kathleen McCauley, Program Director
215-934-6206 or kmccauley@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

Program Timeline (For 2019 Cohort)

Information Session
February 16, 2019, 1:30 p.m.

Two Residential Weekends
October 10-12, 2019; November 14-16, 2019

Two Residential Weekends
February 13-15, 2020; March 12-14, 2020

Week-Long Intensive
June 5-12, 2020

Two Residential Weekends
October 8-10, 2020; November 12-14, 2020

Two Residential Weekends
February 11-13, 2021; March 11-13, 2021

Week-Long Intensive
June 4-11, 2021

Final Meeting Day
October 16, 2021

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 Faculty and Spiritual Director
Kathleen McAlpin, RSM, Member of  the Coordinating Council of Spiritual Directors International
Suzanne Neisser, RSM, Jesuit Center, Wernersville and Neumann University
Mary Trainer, RSM, Founder of Cranaleith

Sisters of Mercy Critical Concerns