HOLY GROUND
Ecumenical Spiritual Direction Training
An online evening course with 3 in-person days, September to May

COURSE PURPOSE
Holy Ground is an ecumenical spiritual direction training course for Christians who find themselves accompanying others on their spiritual journey. This may be in a formal capacity as a minister, pastoral assistant or mentor, or perhaps you have noticed that others turn to you as a listening ear.
​This foundation course is ideal for all those who would like to train in the ministry of spiritual direction whether ordained or lay.
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The course aims to:
  • Explore the relationship of spiritual direction in the light of our own life experience and of the experience of being alongside others
  • Develop skills, understanding and resources for accompanying and encouraging personal growth and fulfillment
  • Nurture a growing competence and awareness of our own sense of vocation in relation to the Christian tradition of spiritual direction
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DATES & TIMES
​The course will run over three terms, consisting of 25 sessions: 22 online evening sessions (Thursdays 6.30pm to 9.30pm), and 3 in person days (Saturdays 10am to 4pm) which will take place at a venue in the Oxford area.
It is a requirement of the course for students to attend all in person days, unless in exceptional circumstances.

​Term 1 (2025): TBC

Term 2 (2026): TBC

​Term 3 (2026): ​TBC
COURSE CONTENT
The course content will include:
  • Experiences of different forms of prayer
  • Experiential sessions in which an aspect of the practice of spiritual direction will be explored, including reflecting on our own experience, the use of role-play, and directing and being directed in small working groups
  • Theoretical sessions in which the background to spiritual direction will be explored, which will involve:
    • Biblical and theological perspectives
    • Themes within Christian spirituality and spiritual direction
    • Issues concerned with human personality and growth
  • Appraisals, which will take place twice within the year
A dedicated Zoom link for the teaching sessions, and a secure online Student Portal for course resources and materials will also be provided.
STUDENT COMMITMENT
​Participants are required to:
  • Be receiving regular ongoing spiritual direction
  • Complete assignments and recommended reading to assist reflection and learning
  • Be open and willing to work with their own experience within the group context, and in one-to-one spiritual direction practice sessions
  • Participate in self, peer and course evaluation to assist constructive development of self and others
A Certificate of Completion will be presented at the end of the year to all students who the tutors consider to be suited to the ministry and vocation of spiritual direction, and have attended at least 80% of the course, completed all assignments, and paid all fees.
In some instances a Completion Certificate may be awarded after the course has ended, once a period of further assessment has taken place.
COURSE TUTORS
The course is led by experienced spiritual directors and teachers both lay and ordained, and occasional guest tutors with specific expertise.

Nick Gallant
Nick is a spiritual director, tutor and supervisor, and was co- founder and Communications Director of Pelagos Spirituality & Retreat Centre from 2009-2019. He studied at the London Centre for Spirituality where he learned to give the Ignatian Exercises, and is currently writing a series of books on Ignatian spirituality. Nick has a passion for helping others deepen their faith and realise their true potential in God. As a former professional trombonist and singer, Nick still loves to minister through music.

Beryl Maw
Beryl is an Oblate with an Anglican Contemplative Community. As a spiritual director she draws on a breadth of traditions, and notably the Ignatian tradition. She has a background in teaching, art and spiritual formation including offering retreat days and spiritual direction training. She enjoys walking, pilgrimage, painting and nature and often draws on these interests in her direction practice.
COURSE FEES
The course fees will be £1,100, payable in full at the beginning of the course, or in three termly instalments. A non-returnable deposit of £100 is required on acceptance on the course which will form part of the full fees.
Some bursaries may be available from the SpiDir Network, and there are other sources of funding to explore. Please see the section on Available Grants.
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​Available Grants
Some bursaries may be available by application to the SpiDir Network by emailing: [email protected]. There are also a number of other sources of funding to explore, for example:
  • Anglican clergy and LLMs may be eligible for CME grants or their equivalent from their own diocese, to cover some of the costs
  • Grants from the Society of Retreat Conductors are available to assist those undergoing training in Ignatian spirituality (which is a fundamental aspect of the course).
    Apply at least 1 month prior to beginning the course.
    For further details and an application form visit: www.thesrc.org.uk, or email: [email protected]
  • The Women's Continuing Ministerial Education Trust (WCMET) exists to support the ministerial development of women in the Church of England and the Scottish Episcopal Church. They administer the provision of grants to female clergy, female accredited lay workers, and religious sisters for their continuing training. Attention is focussed on courses or projects that clearly relate to professional development.
    Applications are considered quarterly in February, May, July and October.
    An online application form can be found on the Church of England website: www.churchofengland.org/resources, or email: [email protected]
  • The Retreat Association can be contacted to enquire about bursaries for spiritual direction training at: www.retreats.org.uk/contact
COURSE PROGRAMME
An example of the topics covered by the course:
  • Course Introduction and Overview
  • What is Spiritual Direction?
  • Who am I?
  • Who is God for me?
  • Listening Skills 1 and 2
  • Numinous Experiences of God
  • Connecting with Creation
  • Ignatian Spirituality
  • Spiritual Discernment and Making Better Choices
  • My Journey
  • Desire, Life Choices and Personal Vocation
  • Psychology and Spirituality​
  • Brokenness and Resistance
  • Wholeness and Healing
  • ​Diversity and Inclusion
  • Encountering the Depths
  • Working with Dreams
  • Safeguarding, Spiritual Abuse and Boundaries
  • The Body and Prayer
  • Scripture and Spiritual Direction
  • Dark Night of the Soul and Depression
  • Direction Styles
  • Supervision
  • Where do we go from here?
Applications for 2025 NOW CLOSED
APPLICATION DETAILS

Closing date
TBC
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Interviews
TBC

Please note:
​We regret we are unable to respond to individual queries. All the information you need about the course is contained in the brochure and on this website.
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How to apply
​​Please download an application and reference form below
Please email your completed application and reference to: [email protected]
All applications received and supported by a reference will be acknowledged as soon as conveniently possible. After the closing date for applications, applicants may then be invited for an informal online interview.
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