DESCRIPTION:

The seminar on the Art of Spiritual Direction (SP 502) meets in conjunction with the first quarter of the advanced practicum in spiritual direction (SP584). The seminar and practicum combine the theory and practice of spiritual direction with an introduction to supervision and an exploration of issues and opportunities related to the ministry of spiritual guidance in the contemporary context.

This course provides an opportunity for those called to spiritual direction as a role in ministry to integrate theory and practice, to explore their experiences of spiritual direction and spiritual life with others, and to share in fostering the ongoing personal development of oneself and others in the ministry of spiritual guidance. Emphasis will be placed on the development of a personal framework of understanding and a reservoir of experience to guide practice and to provide direction for further training and development relative to the possible contexts and expressions of spiritual guidance, especially pastoral ministry.

Lecture, discussion, and guided reflection, shared learning, and mutual support in a supervisory setting. The seminar/practicum will meet Monday afternoons for three hours for lecture, discussion, presentation, and group process.

Dyckman, Katherine Marie, S.N.J.M. and L. Patrick Carroll, S.J. Inviting the Mystic, Supporting the Prophet: An Introduction to Spiritual Direction. Paulist Press, 1981.

Nemeck, Francis Kelly, O.M.I. and Marie Theresa Coombs. The Way of Spiritual Direction. The Liturgical Press, 1985.

Birmingham, Madeline, r.c. and William J. Connolly, S.J. Witnessing to the Fire: Spiritual Direction and the Development of Directors, One Center's Experience. Sheed and Ward, 1994.

Ashley, Benedict M., O.P. Spiritual Direction in the Dominican Tradition. Paulist Press, 1995.

Barry, William A., S.J. Spiritual Direction and the Encounter With God. Paulist Press, 1992.

Dittes, James E. Driven By Hope: Men and Meaning. Westminster/John Knox, 1996.

Fischer, K. Women at the Well: Feminist Perspectives on Spiritual Direction. Paulist Press, 1988.

Kelsey, Morton T. Companions on the Inner Way: The Art of Spiritual Guidance. Crossroad, 1995.

May, Gerald, M.D. Care of Mind, Care of Spirit: A Psychiatrist Explores Spiritual Direction. Harper and Row, 1992.

Nelson, James B. The Intimate Connection: Male Sexuality, Masculine Spirituality. Westminster Press, 1988.

Rakoczy, Susan, ed. Common Journey, Different Paths: Spiritual Direction in Cross- Cultural Perspective. Orbis Books, 1992. Out of Print. On reserve in the library.

Grades will be based on seminar attendance and participation, weekly reflection papers (1-2 pp), a brief verbal review on a book of choice from the recommended reading list or approved by the instructor, and a short (8-10 pp) paper due Friday of finals week.

Students must be accepted into the Spirituality/Spiritual Direction concentration and have completed the first year of that concentration (SP501, SP581/582/583). Reflective integration of the required reading from the first year courses will form an explicit component for further development of understanding and practice.

Meets concentration requirement for Spirituality/Spiritual Direction concentration of M.A. in Theology and M.Div.