Forming guides to accompany others in their journey with Christ

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What is Spiritual Direction?

Spiritual direction is a ministry of listening and discernment. A spiritual director accompanies another person in paying greater attention to God's personal communication and helps them freely respond to God's invitation in daily life. Through prayerful conversation, the spiritual director helps the directee deepen his or her relationship with Christ and, as a result, become more like Jesus Christ.

Spiritual direction is not counseling, therapy or giving advice. Rather, it is a sacred conversation centered on God's work in a person's life, helping individuals notice where God is inviting them to greater faith, hope and love. If you are interested in looking for a spiritual director, talk to your pastor.

About the School

The School of Spiritual Direction of the Diocese of Little Rock forms and certifies men and women who are called to accompany others on their spiritual journey. Rooted in the rich tradition of the Catholic Church and the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola, the three-year program prepares students to listen deeply, discern God's action and serve as spiritual directors. | Contact Us | Calendar

Spiritual direction in this program is always oriented toward fidelity to the Church’s teaching and the moral and sacramental life she proposes. Participants include deacons, religious and laity. Each year six to 12 students are accepted into the formation program.

The program began in 2013 through the Office of Faith Formation. After 24 spiritual directors were certified in the first graduating class in 2016 the program was reactivated in 2023 and has continued annually. Students from parishes across Arkansas attend monthly, weekend classes from September through May at St. John Catholic Center in Little Rock. The program is offered in both English and Spanish.

Formation includes theological study, human and spiritual formation, supervised practicum, group sharing sessions and a final retreat. Throughout the program, students cultivate the knowledge, skills and spiritual maturity needed to accompany others with compassion and fidelity to the Catholic faith.

In addition to its initial formation program, the School of Spiritual Direction offers opportunities for continuing education to help certified spiritual directors maintain and renew their certification.

Who Should Consider This Program?

This program may be for you if you:

• Feel called to accompany others in their relationship with God.
• Have a mature and growing life of prayer.
• Enjoy listening with compassion and discernment.
• Desire to serve the Church through the ministry of spiritual direction.
• Are open to ongoing personal and spiritual formation.

Spiritual directors participate in this ministry by offering a listening heart, prayerful presence and careful discernment, always trusting that the Holy Spirit is the true guide.

Are You Called to Become a Spiritual Director?

If you sense God may be inviting you to this ministry, we encourage you to prayerfully discern this call. To learn more about the School of Spiritual Direction or the next formation cohort, please contact Amparo Patterson, administrative assistant, by email or call (501) 664-0340, ext. 387.