Emmaus Society of Spiritual Directors (ESSD)

• Graduates of Emmaus Certificate in Spiritual Direction
• Emmaus Spiritual Directors
• Affiliates (qualified applicants)
• Emmaus Certificate Program students (registered in at least one course in the Certificate Programs)

• Cost: $30 for Emmaus Graduates and Spiritual Directors;
• $20 for Emmaus students; $40 for all others
• Emmaus Graduates receive the first year free

• Periodic fellowship/learning/devotional meetings
• Discount for Emmaus educational events
• Opportunity to participate in facilitated group supervision
• Advocacy for Spiritual Direction
• Information on insurance
• Opportunity to contribute to the Emmaus Blog
• Periodic newsletter
• Resources (incl. notice of other associations, workshops and conferences)

Currently there is no sanctioned organization to regulate/supervise spiritual directors in Canada. Because spiritual directors are self-regulating and responsible for their own soul care as well as attending to that of their directees it is ethically incumbent upon spiritual directors that we be in regular supervision individually and/or facilitated group supervision. We are human agents of God’s grace, love, peace, discernment, movements, invitations, and gifts the Holy Spirit brings in our relationship with God and our directees. Because we are intentionally on the giving side
of the spiritual direction relationship, we need the attention of God and trusted others to provide…

• Support in attending to our interior reactions so as to be self-reflective, self-aware, more
  present, led by the Spirit, and discerning while offering spiritual direction
• Consultation regarding best practices, resources, or appropriate spiritual guidance
• Accountability for our ethical and personal concerns (eg. boundaries, conflict of interest,
  relational impasses or conflicts, resistance, transference, etc.)
• Receiving personal soul care and encouragement as a developing spiritual director
  

Through study and practical supervised experience, both individually and in group supervision, the Emmaus Formation Centre (EFC) seeks to train students in becoming effective spiritual directors. As they become members of the Emmaus Society of Spiritual Directors (ESSD), graduates are ethically required to continue engaging in supervision as they practice the calling of spiritual direction.

If you are not currently in supervision, EFC is supporting the development of both individual and group supervisory relationships, and will be providing referrals to qualified supervisors to support ESSD members. We also currently have an ongoing supervision group that usually meets the second Wednesday each month, 12-2PM. If you do not already have individual and/or facilitated group supervision, or if you want to experience the process of such a group, we welcome
you to be a guest in this group for your first 3 months of ESSD membership. Contact Ann McCallum at ann@emmausformation.ca to get the Zoom link as we continue to meet online.

We are hoping to transition to in-person meetings as COVID regulations permit and we are
able. As the group grows, we will birth new groups with an optimum size of 6 or less
participants.

We welcome your visit to this group for a greater understanding of the process of spiritual
direction supervision.

Rick Wukasch, Spiritual Director, Spiritual Direction Supervisr

• Consists of 3 or 4 persons including Chair, Secretary-Treasurer, Editor, and Emmaus staff representative
• Elected by members or appointed by Executive Council if 2 or less running
• Meets at least 2X/yearly
• Continuing education initiatives will be coordinated with the Education Director
• Executive Director has the responsibility to ensure the ESSD operates within its mandate

(see Application Form below; Renewal form TBD)

• Completion of a spiritual direction training program of at least 40 contact hours and that includes both teaching and supervised spiritual direction OR at least 5 years of recognized spiritual direction ministry and a supportive pastoral/professional reference
• Agreement in principle with the Emmaus statement of values, statement of faith, ethical standards (applicants and members may note reservations with explanation)
• Active and in good standing in their denomination/congregation
• Participate in at least one continuing education opportunity for Spiritual Directors per year
  (retreats, seminars, etc)
• If practicing Spiritual Direction, participate in regular supervision

Members will be given support within the capacity of the society and referrals for further support where warranted. Anyone who contravenes the membership expectations will be reminded of their responsibilities and given a grace period. If there is a complaint of an ethical nature, the member will meet with the Society’s Executive Committee and their case may be referred to the Emmaus Executive Director. See “Grievance Procedures” and “Ethical Standards.”

Executive committee are volunteer positions though expenses will be paid. The ESSD will be self-supporting through membership fees and event profits. (Educational events, including costs and profits, will be coordinated with the Education Director.)