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2027-2030 Spiritual Direction Training Program

The Spiritual Direction Training Program is a three-year (nine week) program offered to foster a diocesan priest’s intimate encounter with the Trinity so as to deepen his identity as one in relationship with God as well as to introduce and train the priest in the dynamics of contemplative spiritual direction so that he might exercise a discerning awareness in pastoral ministry in general but in spiritual direction in particular. Please note that, starting with this new cohort in 2027, the program will be meeting at Grand Coteau, Louisiana and NOT Mundelein, Illinois (Chicago area). 

Each year, there will be two teaching weeks (one each spring and winter) and a silent directed retreat centered on prayer with Scripture (each fall). The teaching weeks include:

  • Seminar style presentations
  • Reading
  • Small group practicum sessions
  • Daily Mass, Liturgy of the Hours, Eucharistic Adoration
  • Time for personal prayer
  • Individual spiritual direction
  • Fraternal sharing

The five key areas of teaching content are: 

  • The identity of the priest
  • The dynamics of prayer and conversion
  • The dynamics of inner healing
  • Contemplative listening and spiritual direction
  • The Rules for the Discernment of Spirits

Application Process:

The application process for the 2027-2030 cohort of the spiritual direction training program is now open! 

Priests who are interested in applying may do so here. Questions about the program can be directed to Dcn. Omar Gutiérrez, Director of Programs, or call him at 531-272-8490.

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