New students join spiritual direction class

Published: October 8, 2024

Bishop Anthony B. Taylor celebrated a bilingual Mass to welcome new students to the School of Spiritual Direction Sept. 6 at St. John Catholic Center in Little Rock. Classes to begin the second year of the program followed the Mass led by director Father Daniel Velasco, pastor of Our Lady of the Holy Souls Church in Little Rock.

Weekend-long classes are held monthly from September to May as part of the three-year formation program sponsored by the Diocese of Little Rock. The new class adds 12 students, including three Spanish speakers, bringing total enrollment to 24, which includes 17 English speakers and seven Spanish speakers. Read Arkansas Catholic to learn more.

The new class includes:

• Conway: Christy Trantina, Diane Coney and Dionisia Vasquez, St. Joseph Church
• Little Rock: Sarah Ngundue and Stephanie Hartnedy, Christ the King Church; Deacon Juan Mares, St. Theresa Church; Helen Evans, Our Lady of Good Counsel Church
• Morrilton: Deacon Steve Mallett, Sacred Heart Church
• North Little Rock: Deacon Tim Costello, Immaculate Heart of Mary Church (Marche)
• Tontitown: Susan Kent, St. Joseph Church
• Rogers: Juan Torres, St. Vincent de Paul Church
• Yellville: Deacon George Gussy, St. Andrew Church

The School of Spiritual Direction resumed last year after a seven-year absence. This year is cycle B of the academics. This program is divided into three academic cycles: A, B and C. At the end of cycle C, the coursework returns to cycle A so all students will have attended the same classes by the time they graduate, regardless of when they entered the program. Each cycle consists of both academic courses and prayer themes. 

Father Velasco said the purpose of this program is to help people “grow their relationship with God so that they can be companions for people who want to deepen their life of prayer.” Upon graduation, students receive a certificate of completion to work in their communities to provide spiritual direction. For more information, email the School of Spiritual Direction staff or call (501) 664-0340.