Certificate in Spiritual Direction
A two-year program forming spiritual directors in the tradition of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius Loyola.
About the Program
The Certificate in Spiritual Direction prepares men and women for the ministry of spiritual companionship. First-year students learn about the life of Ignatius, the Spiritual Exercises, and the history of Christian spirituality. In the second year, practical skills of spiritual direction are developed through a supervised practicum.
At the conclusion of the two years, students receive a Certificate in Spiritual Direction from John Carroll University.
Who Should Apply
The program welcomes those who serve in parishes, retreat ministries, campus ministry, and other Church-related works. Men and women of diverse faith and professional backgrounds are welcome.
The certificate is ideal for:
- Those called to the ministry of spiritual direction
- People involved in retreat work or seeking to lead retreats
- Professionals in parish ministry or campus ministry
- Anyone seeking to deepen their faith for service at home, work, or in their community
What is Spiritual Direction?
A spiritual director is one who accompanies another in their life of faith and their relationship with God. The core of this relationship concerns spiritual experience and discernment.
Curriculum
Based on the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius Loyola, courses include classroom sessions, retreats, small group work, and a supervised practicum during the second year.
Areas of Study
- The writings of St. Ignatius Loyola: Autobiography, Spiritual Exercises, Letters, Diary, and contemporary commentary
- Spirituality: Ignatius and the Christian Mystical Tradition, Christology, discernment
- Spiritual direction: art and practice
Schedule
Classes meet twice monthly on weekday evenings and follow the JCU academic calendar.
Admission
Requirements
- Completed application form
- Written faith/life autobiography (3–5 pages)
- Written statement of your vision for the ministry of spiritual direction (1 page)
- Official transcripts from institutions of higher learning
- Two letters of recommendation
- Interview with the Director
Deadline
Application deadline: June 1
Applications may be accepted after this date if space remains. Early application is strongly advised.
Tuition
$3,000 per year (or $1,500 per semester)
Scholarships are available.
Our Faculty
Our faculty bring decades of experience in Ignatian spirituality, retreat ministry, and spiritual direction.
Ordained to the Society of Jesus in 1992, Fr. Fitzgibbons currently serves as Director of the Ignatian Spirituality Institute at John Carroll University. He is also the superior of the Jesuit Community at John Carroll. He has two degrees in theology from the Jesuit School of Theology in Berkeley, California.
Liz Woconish has ministered in spiritual direction, retreats, education and parish work for more than 25 years. She holds a Master of Arts in Christian Spirituality and Certification as a Spiritual Director from Creighton University. In addition to her ISI role, Liz serves as Director of Religious Education at St. Dominic Parish in Shaker Heights.
Apply
Ready to begin your journey in spiritual direction?
Questions?
Contact Maggie Hohlefelder
mhohlefelder@jcu.edu
216.397.XXXX
Apply
Ready to begin your journey in spiritual direction?
Questions?
Contact Maggie Hohlefelder
mhohlefelder@jcu.edu
216.397.XXXX
