Forming Guides on Journey to Know God

The School of Spiritual Direction is a three-year, bilingual program that certifies those who complete it as spiritual directors to serve in the Diocese of Little Rock. Participants may be priests, religious and laity. Spiritual directors aim to guide individuals who seek to follow God's will for their lives and deepen their relationship with him. | Contact Us | Calendar | En Español

The program began in 2013 through the Office of Faith Formation. In June 2016, 24 spiritual directors were certified in the first class of spiritual direction. After a seven-year absence, the program was reactivated in 2023. Students from parishes across Arkansas take classes at St. John Catholic Center in Little Rock in English and Spanish. These weekend classes are offered monthly from September to May.

Each year new students are accepted and attend classes with existing students. The 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.

Students are formed using the contemplative method from the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola. Once completed, spiritual directors renew their certifications through continuing education. For more information, email Ines Mahfouz, office assistant, or call her at (501) 664-0340, ext. 338.