Fairfield
University
and
The
Jesuit
Collaborative
 A
Certificate
Program
in
Directing
the
Spiritual
Exercises
 
 
 General
Information
and
proposed
guidelines
for
participation:
 
 An overview of the program: The aim of this offering is to form people not only to direct The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius Loyola but to help form others once the participants have completed the program. Toward this aim, the program will be an intensive offering, offered over two summers with some work in the intervening fall, winter, and spring. It will include the following dimensions: • • •

• • •

an intensive reading of the test of The Spiritual Exercises; an understanding of the historical, theological and biblical elements which underpin the dynamics of the Exercises; intensive work on the practical dimensions of directing a retreat, including attention to interpersonal dynamics, listening skills, developing a facility with the art of discernment, increasing familiarity with the role of supervision in ministry; group work; personal reflection and discernment of one’s call to this ministry; reflection on experience directing under supervision during the period between the two summers, with this being done in one’s own home area.

The program will take place in four modules: • covering an initial reading list before the first summer module; • a four-week intensive program, July, 2011. • a distance education supervised ministry program between September, 2011 and May, 2012, with two visits to the Fairfield campus, one in the fall of 2011, one in the spring of 2012 – this will also include regular contact by phone or in-person meetings with a member of the program staff; • a three-week intensive program, July, 2012, with an emphasis on the dynamics of direction and reflection on one’s own call to ministry.

Diploma in Spiritual Direction Program Admissions Application Process checklist Step One _____ Complete the Fairfield University-Jesuit Collaborative Application Form. _____ Include Your Spiritual Autobiography (no more that 5 pages). Step Two _____ Arrange to have the most recent official transcripts for all your post-secondary studies sent directly to The Jesuit Collaborative, Loyola House, 300 Newbury Street, Boston, MA, 02115-2801. _____ Ask two referees to complete the enclosed Reference Forms. Appropriate referees should know you in an academic, church, volunteer service or professional setting. At least one should be able to comment on your personal and ministerial abilities or potential. Referees should send the references directly to the office of the Jesuit Collaborative, Loyola House (see address above). Step Three _____ Once your file is complete, a representative of Fairfield University or the Jesuit Collaborative will be in contact with you.

Admission decisions are made once your admission file is complete and your admission interview has taken place.

CERTIFICATE PROGRAM IN DIRECTING THE SPIRITAUL EXERSICES Program Application Form FULL LEGAL NAME

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 Sr

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GIVEN NAMES (IN FULL)

 Bro  FEMALE

 SING.  MAR.  WD.  SEPERATED  OTHER PRESENT MAILING ADDRESS:

PERMANENT MAILING ADDRESS:

Date of Birth MONTH

DAY

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 DIV. STREET

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ACADEMIC BACKGROUND

ACADEMIC BACKGROUND (POST B.A.) Experience of the Spiritual Exercise / Format?

CANDIDATE'S SIGNATURE

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DATE:

Diploma in Spiritual Direction Program Admission Application Candidate Information Statement Name: ________________________________________________________________________

Please state your reasons for wishing to enroll in the Diploma in Spiritual Direction Program. Response should be typewritten. Thank you. Please share your spiritual autobiography and how it leads you to seek this ministry of The Spiritual Exercises. It should be done on a word processor, no more than five typewritten pages and will remain confidential. The following questions should be addressed. 1. Student directors are expected to participate personally in their own spiritual direction for at least two years before being accepted into the DSD program. Please comment on your experience of receiving spiritual direction. For how long have you been in direction? What has been most helpful to you in this relationship? 2. Have you ever made the complete Spiritual Exercise? If you have, where, when and what was your experience of the retreat? 3. Have you been informally accompanying others in their faith journey or been sought out as a listener to others? How has this encouraged you to seek out this program? 4. Have you received training/formation as a spiritual director within another context? If yes, where and when? How would you evaluate the training you have received? Are you presently serving as a spiritual director/companion to others and how does this affirm your desire to seek further formation? 5. What do you consider to be most helpful to you as you pursue you own personal growth and spiritual development? i.e. forms of prayer, meditation groups, community participation and service? 6. As you consider the ministry of spiritual direction are there particular contexts, or groups of people you would see yourself serving in the future? 7. What gifts do you bring to the ministry of spiritual direction and in what areas do you feel you need to grow? 8. Have you been under professional, psychological, or special medical care within recent years? If so please give details.

Diploma in Spiritual Direction Program Referee Evaluation Form Note to Referees: The candidate is applying to a certificate program in Directing the Spiritual Exercises under the joint direction of Fairfield University and the Jesuit Collaborative. The program is designed for those discerning a potential involvement in this ministry as well as experienced spiritual directors who seek ongoing professional development. The program combines an intense study of The Spiritual Exercises, units in theological studies along with basic and advanced topics in spiritual direction. Candidates are expected to have considerate life experience, a high level of maturity and a capacity for genuine self-awareness for the reflective process of supervision. Please place the completed reference form into an envelope, seal and sign at the back, and address it to: The Jesuit Collaborative, Loyola House, 300 Newbury Street, Boston, MA 02115-2801. Name of Candidate: ____________________________________________________________ Name of Person Completing Reference: _____________________________________________ Address: _____________________________________________________________________ Email: _______________________________________________________________________ In what capacity do you know the candidate? _________________________________________ How long have you known the candidate? ___________________________________________ Phone number where you may be contacted for further information (____) _________________ Please describe the candidate with respect to the following skills, characteristics, aptitudes and capacities. In circling responses, please note that 5 = an area of established strength, 4 = proven ability, 3 = some ability, 2 = show aptitude, 1 = would need to overcome obstacles to develop in this area, 0 = unable to judge. Communication, Learning academic ability offers constructive feedback writing skills speaks well in public able to solve problems listening skills able to revise a position

5 5 5 5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1 1 1 1

0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Faith faith is a part of daily life prayerful appreciates the gifts of others concerned about injustice accepts limitations of others

5 5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1 1

0 0 0 0 0

5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5

4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Social, Pastoral takes initiative empathetic to others relates well to other cultures able to receive criticism adapts well to change works well in team setting has a sense of humour sets realistic goals manages conflict well able to keep a confidence responsible seeks the advice of others

Please respond to the following questions as you are able, with short comments. Attach a separate sheet if you wish to comment further. 1. What is your personal appraisal of the applicant’s gifts, calling and actual practice as a person in ministry (in particular, the ministry of spiritual direction), and service in church and society?

2. What is your appraisal of the applicant’s personal spiritual maturity and practice?

3. What is your opinion of the applicant’s psychological maturity and ability for spiritual direction ministry?

4. In your experience is this person able to share in small groups? Are they able to share their values, and inner experiences?

5. Please mention at least one relevant area of the applicant’s life or work which you feel is in need of growth?

6. Do you recommend the candidate for admission into a ministry and leadership preparation program? Please check only one of the following and comment as necessary. Attach a separate sheet if you wish to comment further.   Yes, with no reservations.   Yes, with the following reservation(s).   Yes, but on the following condition(s).   No. Defer until the following is addressed.   No.

Signature: ____________________________________________ Date: _____________________