What we offer...
SpiDir Network provides high quality training, such as:
- Foundational spiritual direction training (see below) for those wishing to train as spiritual directors
- Foundational spiritual direction training (see below) for those wishing to train as spiritual directors
- Ongoing training (Watering The Garden) to further equip spiritual directors in their ministry
- Supervision training for experienced spiritual directors who wish to offer supervision to others
Spiritual Direction Training
HOLY GROUND Ecumenical Spiritual Direction Training
2023 APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED - JOIN THE 2024 WAITING LIST HERE
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An Online Evening Course September 2023 to May 2024
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. The course aims to:
DATES & TIMES
The course will run over three terms, consisting of 22 online evening sessions (Thursdays 6.30-9.30pm), and 3 in-person day sessions (Saturdays 10am-4pm). In-person days will take place at St Francis Church, Amersham Road, High Wycombe HP13 5AB, which has plenty of parking and is accessible by public transport. Under certain circumstances these days may be accessed online. A dedicated Zoom link, and a secure online Student Portal for course resources and materials will also be provided. Term 1 (2023): Sep 28; Oct 5, 12, 19; Nov 9, 16, 23, 25, 30 Term 2 (2024): Jan 13, 18, 25; Feb 1, 8, 22, 29; Mar 7, 14, 16, 21 Term 3 (2024): Apr 18, 25; May 2, 9, 16 |
HOW TO APPLY
Download and complete the application and reference forms below, and return by email to info@spidirnetwork.org.uk The closing date for applications is 31st July 2023. All applications, supported by a reference, will be considered by the tutors as they are received, and responded to as soon as conveniently possible; applicants will then be invited for an informal interview either online or in-person. |
COURSE CONTENT
The course will run over three terms, consisting of 22 online evening sessions (Thursdays 6.30-9.30pm), and 3 in-person day sessions (Saturdays 10am-4pm). In-person days will take place at St Francis Church, Amersham Road, High Wycombe HP13 5AB, which has plenty of parking and is accessible by public transport. Under certain circumstances these days may be accessed online. A dedicated Zoom link, and a secure online Student Portal for course resources and materials will also be provided.
- Theoretical sessions, in which the background and practice of spiritual direction will be explored, including:
- Biblical and theological perspectives
- Themes within Christian spirituality and spiritual direction
- Issues concerned with human personality, psychology, and growth
- Experiences of different forms of spirituality and prayer relating to the spiritual journey
- Experiential sessions, in which an aspect of spiritual direction will be explored, including:
- Reflecting on our own experience
- The use of role-play
- Directing and being directed in small working groups
- Regular written and reflective assignments and tutor feedback
- Monitoring of progress and student appraisals
STUDENT COMMITMENT
Participants are required to:
Those students for whom the tutors have discerned a vocation to the ministry of spiritual direction, will receive a recommendation to this ministry at the completion of the course.
- Be receiving regular ongoing spiritual direction. If you do not have a spiritual director at this time, please contact the SpiDir Network for a list of spiritual directors in your area: www.spidirnetwork.org.uk
- 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
Those students for whom the tutors have discerned a vocation to the ministry of spiritual direction, will receive a recommendation to this ministry at the completion of the course.
COURSE TUTORS
The course is led by experienced spiritual directors and teachers both lay and ordained
Joanna Gallant
Joanna is Vicar of St Francis of Assisi, Terriers, and was founder and Executive Director of Pelagos Spirituality & Retreat Centre from 2009-2019. She also ministers in a broader context of Christian spirituality as a teacher, external tutor for Ripon College Cuddesdon, spiritual director, supervisor, retreat leader and guide for the Ignatian Exercises. Joanna has an MA in Christian Spirituality from Heythrop College, and loves walking with her husband and their black Labrador by the coast.
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 under God. As a former professional trombonist and singer, Nick 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.
Joanna Gallant
Joanna is Vicar of St Francis of Assisi, Terriers, and was founder and Executive Director of Pelagos Spirituality & Retreat Centre from 2009-2019. She also ministers in a broader context of Christian spirituality as a teacher, external tutor for Ripon College Cuddesdon, spiritual director, supervisor, retreat leader and guide for the Ignatian Exercises. Joanna has an MA in Christian Spirituality from Heythrop College, and loves walking with her husband and their black Labrador by the coast.
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 under God. As a former professional trombonist and singer, Nick 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.
FEES & GRANTS
Course fees will be between £620 and £770 depending on numbers, and can be paid in full at the beginning of the course, or in three termly installments. A non-returnable deposit of £100 will be required on acceptance on the course, which will form part of the full fees.
Available Grants
Some bursaries may be available by application to the SpiDir Network by emailing: info@spidirnetwork.org.uk. There are also a number of other sources of funding to explore, for example:
Available Grants
Some bursaries may be available by application to the SpiDir Network by emailing: info@spidirnetwork.org.uk. 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: redingtonkathy@hotmail.com - 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: wcmet@churchofengland.org - The Retreat Association can be contacted to enquire about bursaries for spiritual direction training at: www.retreats.org.uk/contact