24 spiritual directors certified by diocese

Published: June 28, 2016

The first class of the School of Spiritual Direction was recognized for completing the three-year program during a special Mass June 11 at St. John Catholic Center in Little Rock. Msgr. Scott Friend, VG, concelebrated the Mass along with Father Rubén Quinteros and retired Father Robert Dienert.

During the Mass, 24 new spiritual directors were certified to minister in the Diocese of Little Rock, allowing them to guide individuals who seek to follow God's will for their lives and deepen their relationship with him. 

A total of 31 people, which included Father Dienert, deacons and lay women and men, took part in the bilingual program that is sponsored by the Office of Faith Formation. To see a complete list of participants statewide, visit Arkansas Catholic.

Though there are several methods used in spiritual direction, these students were taught the evocative contemplative method from the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola. Students met one weekend a month from September to June. The first two years focused on academic formation and learning spiritual exercises, which included silent retreats and supervised spiritual direction. Their final year was a practicum.

Those who received certification must receive continuing education and remain under supervision to maintain their spiritual director status. A new class previously scheduled to begin in the fall has been put on hold. For more information about the School of Spiritual Direction, contact Father Erik Pohlmeier in the Faith Formation Office at (501) 664-0340, ext. 359.