Online Spiritual Formation Program – FAQ – The Avila Institute

  We were overwhelmed and delighted with the incredible response to our new online spiritual theology program. This really is a dream for us and many have expressed the same is true for them! If you missed the announcement you can find more information HERE. We were delighted to be deluged with questions and applications. In order to help better explain what we are offering, we put together this preliminary Frequently... Read More

Top ten reading list for spiritual directors (Updated – 2013)

Q: Dan, now that you mention technical books on spiritual theology… I’m wondering what would be your top 10 list of books in that area. I’m especially interested in books that would be helpful for a priest that would like to engage more seriously in spiritual direction, or books that you would recommend to a seminarian or for a seminary course in the area of spiritual direction. I would appreciate your input. A:... Read More

Spiritual Direction On the Rise

Picture this: A person, young or old, is practicing the faith yet naturally wants to grow in his or her relationship with Jesus and become closer to God. Can the faithful — or should they — turn somewhere for guidance? They can. After all, didn’t Jesus send the disciples out two by two? Saints like Catherine of Sienna have said something in our nature necessitates external support for our development. She taught that... Read More

Spiritual Mentorship Training Opportunity

Dear Friends, The following is an announcement for a unique opportunity for spiritual mentorship training this coming year. Please read it and pass it along to anyone you know who might be called to be a spiritual mentor or spiritual director. We are particularly interested in having deacons attend. I plan to be there this year in May. I hope to see you as well. Catholic Spiritual Mentorship Program “Encounter leds... Read More

Spiritual Direction Through the Wind and Waves – Book Recommendation

Though much has been written on the topic of spiritual direction, modern wisdom is hard to come by. I was delighted to stumble upon a more recent treatment of the topic written for spiritual directors. Through Wind and Waves – On Being a Spiritual Guide by Francis Fernandez-Carvajal is only the second book to make my list of must-reads for spiritual directors. There is no doubt that Father Fernandez-Carvajal has a deep... Read More

Are there schools available that you recommend for those called to provide spiritual direction?

Q: Dear Dan, I have a two sided question that I would like to ask about schools for spiritual direction. Are there schools that I can call to see if I can find a graduate/director in my area? Secondarily, I think I might be called to provide direction to others. I do recognize the serious nature of this calling (the care of souls) and would like to pursue the necessary formation to provide sound direction. Any recommendations? A:... Read More

Archbishop Naumann on Spiritual Direction and a New School For Spiritual Direction

I recently had the opportunity to interview with his Excellency Archbishop Naumann of the archdiocese of Kansas City, Kansas for Register Radio on an important work going on in his archdiocese to train spiritual mentors. Because of the time constraints of the show we had to cut it down quite a bit. Below you will find the content of the longer interview. Archbishop Naumann has a deep commitment to the spiritual welfare of... Read More

How can I become a spiritual director?

Q: Dear Dan, how does one become a spiritual director? Are there any courses or programs or certifications required? I really believe I am supposed to help people in their faith but how can I make sure that I am really called to do something like this? A: When thinking about spiritual direction my mind is drawn to the incredible responsibility it is to have another soul placed in my care. No one in their right mind would... Read More