EMMAUS SCHOOL OF FORMATION AND SPIRITUAL DIRECTION

ADVANCED CERTIFICATE IN SPIRITUAL DIRECTION

2 YEAR PROGRAM

There's so much more you can learn with other people than when you're just reading scripture by yourself. The Spiritual Direction program has expanded my thinking about God, spirituality and how very different we all relate to Him. I highly recommend this program.

TAMMY PIERCE, EMMAUS GRADUATE

The course has developed a new hunger in me for scripture. I also appreciate the time of group spiritual direction as we process together between classes.

LYNNE BALL, EMMAUS STUDENT

The first course – Introduction to Spiritual Formation – gave us high quality instruction that incorporated visuals, art, music, spiritual direction exercises as well as teaching that reflected a scholarly breadth of understanding and insight into both historical and current Christianity. I’d recommend this course, alone, for anyone interested in gaining a solid introduction into ancient-contemporary Christianity, and grasping something of how our orthopraxy and orthodoxy can fit even better together! Emmaus is a long-waited for gift, to believers and churches in the GTA and surrounding areas.

NAOMI JOHNSON, EMMAUS STUDENT

Persons who have completed the Emmaus Spiritual Direction Certificate or its equivalent may apply to take an Advanced Certificate in Spiritual Direction. The purpose of this program is to provide and encourage continuing education for spiritual directors. The certificate is an evidence that this has been undertaken at a substantial level.

HOW TO GET STARTED

PURPOSE

Persons who have completed the Emmaus Spiritual Direction Certificate or its equivalent may apply to take an Advanced Certificate in Spiritual Direction. The purpose of this program is to provide and encourage continuing education for spiritual directors. The certificate is an evidence that this has been undertaken at a substantial level.

TRAINING QUALIFICATIONS

Graduation from a spiritual directing training program that is equivalent to 2-years part-time including courses (200-240 on-task hours total), personal spiritual direction (at least 24 hours) and supervised spiritual directing (at least 24 hours). (See requirements below)

REQUIREMENTS

Starting in 2025, this two-year, self-paced certificate helps you blend learning and personal growth on your journey as a spiritual director. You'll pick a topic in spiritual direction to explore thoroughly through readings, learning sessions, and hands-on practice. To finish, you'll write a capstone paper and give a presentation with support from the Director of Education.

Application and admission to the Advanced Certificate in Spiritual Direction (up to 10 hours of prior continuing education can count toward the certificate). This requires graduation from a 2-year spiritual direction training program.
A one-on-one meeting with the Educational Director to discuss learning goals before starting the certificate.
Full participation in 40 hours of Emmaus Continuing Education sessions. Up to 10 hours may be completed at professional/ministerial events directly related to spiritual direction. Keep receipts for all qualifying events; Emmaus Formation Centre will maintain attendance records.
Write a satisfactory 15-page (3500-4000 word) report and reflection on what you've learned through continuing education. This will be assessed by the Director of Education or their delegate. Each participant will meet individually with the Educational Director to discuss their paper and insights.
Create a presentation on your learnings to share with the Emmaus Community.
Engage in regular supervision (individual or peer group) throughout enrollment in the Advanced Certificate program. Annually, provide a confirmation letter from your supervisor or peer group member.
Submit a report detailing 30 hours of Spiritual Direction conducted each year of the certificate program.
Submit an annual report on ongoing supervision as a spiritual director while enrolled in the program.
Maintain membership in the Emmaus Society of Spiritual Directors during enrollment in the Advanced Certificate program.
The cost is $500 per term that you are enrolled in the Advanced Certificate program.

CONTINUING EDUCATION SESSIONS

Education sessions are offered on an occasional basis, but Emmaus will offer at least 8 hours of continuing education per year, usually in the fall and winter or spring. Sessions may be workshops, seminars, lectures or other educational events. Members of the Emmaus Society of Spiritual Directors receive a discount on Emmaus Continuing Education Events.

REGISTRATION

The cost is $500 per term that you are enrolled in the Advanced Certificate program.

ADMINISTRATION FEE

Upon completion, you will need to submit a $500 fee towards administrative expenses.

GRADUATION

Certificates will be given at the Emmaus Graduation Ceremony. Students who qualify for graduation may represent themselves as having completed the certificate.

CONTINUED EDUCATION

Most ethical guidelines for spiritual directors include the expectation that practicing directors commit to continuing education in fields and topics relevant to their practice. Emmaus Formation Centre provides 2-4 workshops, seminars, or lectures per year that will be relevant, timely, and practical. Most continuing education sessions will be stand alone, 3-5 hour, one-day events, though in some cases the sessions may be part of a series. Registration for these sessions are generally open and may be of interest to people in related ministries such as pastoral care, small group ministry, counselling, campus ministries, etc. Graduates of Emmaus Spiritual Direction Certificate program or those with equivalent training may apply these courses towards completion of an Advanced Certificate in Spiritual Direction

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