INTRODUCTION

Established in 1988, SGM’s two year part-time programme offers comprehensive formation and training in both the theory and practice of spiritual direction.

From 2009 the programme entered an exciting new phase. We are making some changes to ensure that we continue to offer significant opportunities for personal spiritual growth alongside a comprehensive exploration of both the theory and practice of spiritual direction and  spiritual companionship.  

Our programme is open to mature people and aims to produce informed and competent spiritual directors and spiritual companions who may minister formally or informally  in  settings such as  parishes, schools, chaplaincies, retreat centres, prisons, workplaces, small groups and community centres.

Practical work includes the  regular giving of spiritual direction under supervision, and is supported by  reading and written assignments and attendance at regular workshops. These events deepen participants’ understanding of spiritual direction and spiritual companionship and offer plenty of opportunities to practice a wide range of relevant skills in a safe and supportive environment.

Closing weekend for 2010-2011 group

CONDITIONS FOR ADMISSION TO THE  PROGRAMME

Participants are normally mature people with a grasp of the spiritual life, Scripture and theology, who will have:

• experience of receiving spiritual direction and making directed retreats

• a degree of wisdom based on life and faith experience

• some understanding of human developmental psychology

• some experience of being approached by others for help with their spiritual journey

Pre- or co-requisites for participation in the programme may include:

• undertaking a counselling or skilled listening course

• gaining familiarity with personality type theory e.g. through Myers-Briggs and Enneagram workshops

• taking a workshop in Christian Dreamwork

• attending a five-day silent, directed retreat

 For some people a FOUNDATION YEAR will be suggested to enable adequate preparation before entry into the Formation Programme itself.

CONTENT OF THE PROGRAMME

The Programme's division  into two independent parts - the theory and practice of spiritual direction -  is intended to promote the growth of the participant both as a person and as a spiritual director.

Theory:
This consists of eight modules with reading, study and reflection guides and written assignments (2 essays of approx. 1000 words per module):

• An introduction to spiritual direction

• The relationship between director and directee

• Discernment

• Prayer

• Spiritual growth and its stages

• Psychological aspects of spiritual direction

• Reading and reviewing exercise

• A special interest project (of up to 3000 - 3500 words)

Practical Work:

• Receiving spiritual direction from a trained spiritual director

• The giving of spiritual direction throughout the formation programme

• 20 individual supervision sessions spread over the two years, including the presentation of verbatim and case studies

• Attendance at all 10 workshops - PLEASE NOTE: trainees travel to the nearest of 3 locations - normally Auckland, Palmerston North and a South Island venue decided by the trainees' locations

• Attendance at the week long residential programme, usually held in late July in Year 1

• Attendance at the residential weekend, usually held in November/December of Year 2

COSTS (2011 intake)

Application Fee: $NZ50.00

Programme Fee: YEAR 1  =  $NZ1608.70 + $241.30 GST* = $1850.00 (includes Course Workbook)

                             YEAR 2  =  $NZ1608.70 + $241.30 GST* = $1850.00

* GST = Goods and Services Tax, 15% at time of printing.

Options for payment include paying by monthly automatic payments or in 3 installments.

Supervision Fee: $60.00 approx. per session, according to supervisor's fee.

Please note that Year 2 fees are an estimate only. SGM reserves the right to increase them before Year 2 begins.

Additional costs include books, travel, residential workshops, personal spiritual direction and a five day retreat.