Sustainable Faith’s Ignatian Director training prepares experienced spiritual directors to accompany individuals and groups through the 18th and 19th Annotations of the Ignatian Exercises. The training consists of 4 modules over 9 months. Students will become familiar with the “weeks” or stages of the Exercises, learn how to discern with a directee their readiness to undertake the Exercises and to move through the various weeks, and experience group direction. They will also gain familiarity with the Ignatian prayer and discernment practices that are central to the Exercises.
Training in Ignatian Spirituality & Accompaniment
Overview
In the last several years there has been a renewed interest among students, pastors, lay leaders and others to experience the Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius. It’s our desire to train Ignatian directors to accompany these thirsty pilgrims. Consequently, SIS will once again offer this specialized training in 2024-2025. While offering direction to someone making the Ignatian Exercises is similar to offering regular direction, there are distinct differences. This training will cover the skills necessary to accompany someone through the Ignatian Exercises and look at the distinctives of Ignatian Spirituality.
Program Description
You’ll receive instruction, group direction, and individual supervision to form you as a spiritual director trained in Ignatian spirituality and equipped to accompany others through the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises.
Program Content
- How to interview a perspective directee and evaluate their readiness for the Exercises
- How to help the directee prepare for the Exercises
- How to navigate the main themes, movements, challenges of each of the ‘Weeks’
- How to evaluate a directee’s readiness to move into the next ‘Week’
- How the types of Ignatian prayer support the work of the Exercises
- How to navigate Ignatius’ Rules of Discernment when helping a directee discern and decide during the Exercises
- How to lead groups through the 19th or the 18th annotations
Program Requirements
In order to begin this training, directors must have completed Sustainable Faith’s Spiritual Direction two-year certification or a similar program, have at least 96 hours or two years of direction experience, and have undertaken the Exercises themselves with a trained director. Students must also commit to continuing to receive and offer spiritual direction as well as receiving at least four supervision sessions. They will also complete assigned reading and written reports and accompany at least two directees through the Ignatian Exercises (19th Annotation).
Student Commitments
- Participate in the 4 modules
- Continue receiving and offering spiritual direction
- Complete the required readings + a reflection report on each book
- Complete a 9-month internship: accompany at least 2 people through the Spiritual Exercises
- Complete 4 individual supervision sessions with an Ignatian trained supervisor
If you're interested in establishing a class in your area, we’re interested in talking with you! Contact us
Online Cohorts
*Hybrid cohorts meet in person for 2 of the 5 gatherings, while the other gatherings are held online