Spiritual direction is the accompaniment of a spiritual guide. Perhaps you are being called to accompany others in their spiritual journey. We invite you to watch our Come and See video above, including testimonials from program alumni. Find out more about the program by attending an in-person Come and See session. Upcoming sessions will take place on:

• Wednesday, August 13, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 1500 Brookdale Rd. Naperville, IL 60563
• Tuesday, October 14, 2025 at 7:30 p.m. at the Carmelite Spiritual Center, 8419 Bailey Rd, Darien, IL 60561

The Diocese of Joliet will be launching a new cohort in the Fall of 2027 for those seeking formation and training in becoming a spiritual director.  Here are answers to some common questions.

• What does the ministry of spiritual direction involve?
  The spiritual director helps another discern the movement of the Holy Spirit in the life of the one seeking spiritual guidance. The spiritual director facilitates discernment through prayerful listening.
• Do I need my own spiritual director prior to starting the program?
  Yes. The call to becoming a spiritual director needs to be discerned. This is best accomplished through the accompaniment of one’s own spiritual director.
• How do I find a spiritual director?
  Ask for the assistance of the Holy Spirit. Check at your own parish, and speak with your pastor. Contact the Diocese of Joliet School of Spiritual Direction.
• When can I apply for the School of Spiritual Direction?
  The application process is now open. It is important to apply early. Download the application, noting all of the application components. The application must be submitted in its entirety by March 1, 2027. 
• How is the program structured?
  The program will consist of 3 consecutive Fall sessions from 2027 to 2029. The sessions, called "intensives," run within a 2-week time span in mid-to-late October, beginning on a Sunday evening and ending 13 days later on the second Friday after the start date (exact program dates to be announced). The intensives include large group lectured, small group practicums, daily Mass, confession, Eucharistic adoration, periods of silence, recreation, and a group retreat. Wednesdays are set aside as personal business days. Daily meals are provided on site at the Carmelite Spiritual Center in Darien, IL. Students have the option of overnight accommodations or commuting. The months between intensives are dedicated to assigned reading, clinical practice under supervision, one's own spiritual direction, and in the first year, completion of the 19th Annotation.
• What are the attendance requirements for completing the program?
  Students are to attend all three Fall intensive sessions, 2027-2029, which run as full-day programs starting with prayer and breakfast and ending with prayer time and dinner. During the interim months (November-September), students devote time to receiving their own spiritual direction, including the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola (19th Annotation) in their first year. Students also schedule monthly spiritual direction sessions with their own directees and with a program supervisor for clinical supervision.
• What certification will I receive upon successful completion of the program?
  Students will receive a Certificate in Spiritual Direction co-signed by officials from Franciscan University of Steubenville and the Diocese of Joliet. Additional certification in the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola (19th Annotation) is also available for those who devote clinical hours to leading a directee in those exercises. Certificates are issued at a special Mass of Commissioning on the final day of the program.
• What is the cost of the program and is financial aid available?
  The program cost is $3,300 per annual intensive session for those staying overnight, or $2,900 per annual intensive session for commuters. Thanks to diocesan donors, financial assistance, when available, is granted to those who qualify.

Apply as soon as possible, allowing for sufficient time for the completion of references, background check, retrieval of baptismal certificate, committee review of the application, and interview. All materials must be submitted and application steps completed by March 1, 2027.

• School of Spiritual Direction Application (Download PDF) (Download Word Doc)
• Pastor Assessment Form (Download PDF) (Download Word Doc)
• Personal Reference Form (Download PDF) (Download Word Doc)
• Accurate Biometrics Fingerprint Form for SSD (Download PDF)
   

Deacon Anthony (Tony) Clishem, Ed.D
Office of Catechetical Formation Lead,
Department of Catechesis and Evangelization
Phone:  (815) 221-6171
[email protected]

Geralyn Kuban
Program Coordinator,
Department of Catechesis and Evangelization
Phone:  (815) 221-6171
[email protected]