Certificate in Spiritual Direction

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The Certificate in Spiritual Direction is an intensive program of study and formation for those interested in practicing the art of spiritual direction. People come to Saint John’s School of Theology and Seminary to deepen a Benedictine disposition for the ministry of listening. Some use what they have learned to meet one-on-one in spiritual direction sessions. Others take the skills they develop into retreat settings, group work, social justice contexts, and other forms of leadership in community.  

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Certificate Breakdown

This 22 credit certificate integrates the strengths of graduate theological study with the rigors of hands-on practice and supported by deeply experienced supervisors. The Benedictine monastic tradition remains integral to this process.

This program can be completed fully online, but it is encouraged to come to campus for the two summer intensive courses.

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When I was looking for a program in Spiritual Direction, I was seeking formation that was at once deeply rooted in the Christian tradition while hospitable to diverse expressions of contemplative life. I found that in the Certificate in Spiritual Direction at Saint John’s.

Kyle Lambelet, Ph.D.

A Benedictine Approach To Spiritual Direction

Specific practices guide our Benedictine way of living here at Saint John’s, four of which are integrated into the spiritual direction courses for the certificate: 

Degree + Certificate

Interested in earning the Graduate Certificate in Spiritual Direction and a master’s degree at the same time? Contact our admissions department at [email protected] for more information. 

Application Process

Saint John’s uses a robust application software, Slate, for the application process. Prospective students will create a username and password, and then upload/request pertinent information directly into Slate. After beginning an application, students can log back into the application portal and check their progress.

If you have any questions/concerns about Slate and the admission process, please reach out to the Admission Office: [email protected]

Letter of Intent

Applicants are required to upload a typed narrative as a part of the application. This letter of intent should be about 350-500 words and explain the applicants interest in this Certificate, how they plan to use this training, and why Saint John’s is an ideal fit for them.

Letters of Recommendation

Certificate in Spiritual Direction applications are required to request two letters of recommendation.

Recommenders should be able to speak to the candidates call to Spiritual Direction, readiness to learn, and/or past experience in theological education.

Letters of recommendation must be requested through the Slate Portal and cannot be sent directly from the applicant to the admission office.

Transcripts

Official transcripts of post-secondary coursework must be sent from the Registrar’s Office to the Admissions Office  

Contact Information for Sending Transcripts: 

Admissions at Saint John’s School of Theology and Seminary 

P.O. Box 7288  

Collegeville, MN 56321 

Resume / CV

Applicants are required to submit an updated résumé outlining personal, educational and professional backgrounds. This can be uploaded directly into the application portal, Slate.

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