At Franciscan University, spiritual direction is more than just a program—it’s a formation rooted in the Church’s rich tradition of prayer and discernment. Our approach combines theological depth, practical training, and personal transformation to prepare you for the sacred work of accompanying others in their faith journey.
School of Spiritual Direction
The Need
Why Franciscan
The Program
FAQ's
Do You Feel Called to Become a Spiritual Director?
In our increasingly impersonal, technology-driven society, people long for authentic connection—with one another and with Christ. While spiritual direction has traditionally been offered to the ordained and consecrated religious, many lay faithful now seek it to deepen their relationship with God, heal from spiritual wounds, and navigate life’s challenges.
Spiritual direction provides a sacred space where individuals can open their hearts and receive accompaniment on their journey toward intimacy with God. Like Jesus’ encounters with the woman at the well, the blind man Bartimaeus, and the prodigal son returning to the father, spiritual direction fosters transformation and ongoing conversion.
If you feel called to accompany others on their spiritual journey, becoming a certified spiritual director is a meaningful way to help them grow closer to Christ.
Why Choose Franciscan University’s Spiritual Direction Program?
Our program is:
- Faithfully Catholic – Rooted in the magisterium and taught by trusted Catholic theologians, psychologists, and spiritual directors.
- Community-Oriented – Connect in person with like-minded Catholics who share a mission to restore all things in Christ.
- Practical and Transformational – Gain real-world experience through practicum training, the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises, and deep personal formation.
- Flexible for Your Schedule – Choose a part-time academic-year program or an intensive summer, fall, or winter session on campus or at an offsite location.
- Designed for Catholics From All Walks of Life – Ideal for mature Catholics, including priests, religious, deacons, formators, catechists, and lay faithful from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
The courses listed below are to give you an overview of each year and do not include every class topic covered.
Year One: Foundations of Spiritual Direction
- Theology of Spiritual Direction
- Listening & Interpersonal Dynamics
- Discernment of Spirits (Ignatian First Week)
- Psychology & Spiritual Direction
Goal: Provide students with a solid foundation for beginning their spiritual direction ministry.
Year Two: Special Topics & Ignatian Spiritual Exercises
- Coping with Temptations
- Obstacles in Prayer (Dryness, Distractions, Disquiet)
- Grief, Loss, and Trauma in Spiritual Direction
- Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius (Preparation & Implementation)
Goal: Deepen students’ understanding of specialized topics and prepare them to lead a directee through the 19th Annotation of the Spiritual Exercises.
Year Three: Advanced Spiritual Direction & Review
- Three Stages of the Spiritual Life
- Integrating Ignatian & Carmelite Spirituality
- Advanced Discernment of Spirits (Second Week)
- Review & Practicum of the Spiritual Exercises
Goal: Equip students to accompany advanced directees on their spiritual journey.
Spiritual
Growth
Deepen your own relationship with Christ and prayer life as you learn to help others.
Listening and
Discernment Skills
Learn contemplative and communication methods to guide others effectively.
Trusted
Certification
Receive official recognition from Franciscan University to offer spiritual direction in a parish, retreat center, or ministry.
A Support
Network
Surround yourself with mentors and peers who will support you throughout and after the course.
Program Formats: Choose the Path That Fits Your Life
We understand that many of our students balance work, family, and ministry. That’s why we offer two flexible learning options.
24-Week Academic Year Program
(On-Campus, Steubenville, OH)
- Meets in-person one evening per week (October-May) for three years.
- Small cohorts of 20 students max for personalized learning.
- Ideal for those who prefer a steady, year-round pace.
- Tuition: $1,800 per year (for three years)*
- Not Included: Books, supervision, and your own spiritual direction (additional costs may vary)
Summer Intensive Program
(On-Campus, Steubenville, OH)
- Attend in-person classes for two weeks each summer over three years.
- Covers the same curriculum in a condensed format.
- Perfect for those who prefer immersive learning with fewer time commitments during the year.
- Tuition: $3,000 per year (for three years)*
- Includes: Lodging and meals during the two-week intensive
- Not Included: Books, supervision, and your own spiritual direction (additional costs may vary)
Important Dates
Academic Year Cohort
Tuesday evenings, October-May
Academic year application deadline is September 1 every year.
Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, until we reach capacity. Space is limited so apply soon.
Summer Intensive Program
These dates are for our incoming year-one cohorts each year.
May 18-31, 2025
Summer intensive application deadline is April 15 every year.
Financial Assistance
*Limited financial aid is available based on need. Some students receive sponsorships from their parish, diocese, or ministry—consider reaching out to your faith community for support.
What Graduates Are Saying
Question About the Program
You must be in spiritual direction for at least one year before applying. It is preferred that you have already gone through the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius in either the 19th Annotation or 30-day format, but we will still consider your application if you have not completed the Exercises yet.
We do not have any discounts offered to any particular group. Limited financial assistance is available based on need. If we are unable to provide financial assistance, it may be a good idea to reach out to your local church community. Some of our students have had their tuition covered by their diocese, parish, and/or a retreat center at which they are planning to serve after completion of their formation. Some pastors and bishops welcome the opportunity to support the lay faithful in this way.
No. Forms regarding tuition for tax purposes apply to accredited educational institutions, and do not apply to our certification program. We are unable to fill out any tax forms for your tuition fees.
Questions About the Summer Intensive
The general daily schedule runs from around 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Wednesdays are days off each week. On the weekend between weeks one and two, there is a silent retreat that is a mandatory part of the program. Daily Mass and Adoration are built into our daily schedule.
Before each summer, students will be required to read a selection of assigned reading texts. This is typically about two to three books per year, in addition to listening to a podcast series.
After the first year of classes, students are expected to begin accompanying at least two directees in spiritual direction. Students will be writing verbatims and meeting monthly with their supervisor. If they have not yet completed the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius, they will need to complete them prior to attending the second-year classes.
After the second year of classes, students are expected to accompany a directee through the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius in the Daily Life, also called the 19th Annotation. They will need to continue writing verbatims and meeting monthly with their supervisor.
It is the student’s responsibility to find directees and a supervisor.
We work with our caterer to provide a healthy variety of food and snacks. We can provide gluten-free and dairy-free options, but if you have severe dietary restrictions, please discuss these with us prior to applying.
No. We are using a campus residence hall for housing, and the set arrival time is arranged with other departments who help us with cleaning and ensuring your rooms are ready. We do not have the flexibility to offer an early arrival. Late arrivals are not permitted since orientation begins on Sunday evening and cannot be missed.
No. We still have a full day of classes and practicum on Friday and end the evening with a mandatory final sharing. Departures are only permitted on Saturday morning.
Yes, the residence hall where housing is located has a public guest wi-fi network. No password is required.
Ready for the Next Step?
If you think God is calling you to spiritual direction, now is the time to act. Applications are open for the next cohort.