School of Spiritual Formation

Avila Institute’s School of Spiritual Formation provides ongoing education from the depths of the Church’s mystical patrimony to anybody seeking to deepen a relationship with our Lord.

Students Meet Weekly
Students meet weekly under the tutelage of a professor and prayerfully dive into study – exploring the Christian mysteries in ways ever ancient and ever new.
Open to All
The school of Spiritual Formation is open to any adult, Catholic or not. While some level of catechism or knowledge of the faith would be helpful, it is not required. Lessons and readings are accessible and lucid to all, yet deep, intelligent, and challenging.

Certificate Achievement
As an option, students in the School of Spiritual Formation may work toward a certificate in Spiritual Formation or a Certificate in Spiritual Direction.
Tuition
Courses are six weeks long and are $150 per course (full and partial scholarships are available).

Browse Current SSF Courses

SSF101 Transformation in Christ — SSF101 – Transformation in Christ
January 8 - February 12, 2019

SSF - Foundations of Prayer and Union with God — SSF102 – Foundations of Prayer and Union with God
January 10 - February 21, 2019

SSF105 Discernment of Spirits — SSF105–Discernment of Spirits, Part One
Dates: TBD

SSF107 - Breaking the Chains that Bind Us — SSF107 – Breaking the Chains that Bind Us: An Introduction to Moral Theology
January 18 - February 22, 2019

SSF110 - Introduction to Saint Elizabeth of the Trinity — SSF110–Introduction to Saint Elizabeth of the Trinity
Dates: TBD

SSF112 Introduction to Spiritual Direction — SSF112 – Introduction to Spiritual Direction
Dates: TBD

Watch a clip from a recent School of Spiritual Formation Course

Format
All courses are live, online and interactive.
Student Interaction
Students interact live with professors and with other students

Class Time
Students meet once a week for 6 weeks. Each class session is 1 to 2 hours in duration.
Grading
Grading for all School of Spiritual Formation courses is on a Pass/Fail basis.

Certificate in Spiritual Formation

Eight Courses are necessary to earn a Certificate in Spiritual Formation from Avila Institute’s School of Spiritual Formation Program. This is typically accomplished over a period of 18 months. Courses must include: Intro to Moral Theology, Source and Summit, Foundations of Prayer, Discernment of Spirits I, and four electives.

Certificate in Spiritual Direction

Avila Institute for Spiritual Formation is collaborating with the Heart of Christ Spiritual Direction Program to offer training in Spiritual Direction for Avila Students.

The program consists of two phases: Phase one with Avila Institute, and Phase two with Heart of Christ.

Phase I:

Four 6-week online courses through the Avila Institute for Spiritual Formation:

Foundations of Prayer and Union with God
Discernment of Spirits I
Breaking the Chains that Bind Us: An Introduction to Moral Theology
Introduction to Spiritual Direction

In addition, students must complete the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius, either:

The 30-day version, OR
The 19th Annotated version*

*A version completed within the last 5 years is acceptable.

Heart of Christ Spiritual Direction Program

Phase II:

Includes an onsite visit in June (Friday to Friday), twice monthly meetings online from September through May, and an onsite visit the following June (Monday to Friday)

June training at Heart of Christ in Ann Arbor, Michigan (Friday-Friday):

Course on Virtues or Moral Theology or Advanced prayer (facilitated in-person by an Avila Institute professor)
Listening skill presentations and practice
Reflecting techniques
Role playing
Other related topics

Two online meetings per month (1^st and 3^rd Thursdays) focusing on:

Spiritual direction principles and techniques
Listening skills and role play
Training in verbatims
Daily prayer with assigned scripture
Practicum from January through April

The following June training at Heart of Christ in Ann Arbor, Michigan (Monday-Friday):

Course on Virtues or Moral Theology or Advanced prayer (facilitated in-person by an Avila Institute professor)
Listening skill presentations and practice
Reflecting techniques
Role playing
Other related topics

Spiritual Direction Certificate Costs

Courses with the Avila Institute
$600
$150 per course x 4 courses
Courses with Heart of Christ
$1,200
1^st June – $400; Thursday meetings online throughout the year – $400; 2^ndJune – $400; June prices include breakfast and lunch
TOTAL
$1,800

Find the Program that’s right for you:

Graduate Program

Academic Rigor:
Graduate Level

Education Level Required:
BA or Life Equivalent

Weekly Workload:
2 hours for every
1 hour of class time

Course Length:
9 Weeks

Lecture Length:
2.5 – 3 hours

Course Catalog:
Graduate Program

Apply Now

Spiritual Formation

Academic Rigor:
Catechetical Level

Education Level Required:
High School

Weekly Workload:
1/2 to 1 hour for every
hour of class time

Course Length:
6 Weeks

Lecture Length:
2 hours

Course Catalog:
School of Spiritual Formation

Apply Now

High Calling

Academic Rigor:
Pre-Theology Level

Education Level Required:
High School

Weekly Workload:
1/2 to 1 hour for every
hour of class time

Course Length:
3 Weeks

Lecture Length:
2 hours

Course Catalog:
High Calling Propaedeutic

Apply Now

School of Spiritual Formation

Students Meet Weekly

Open to All

Certificate Achievement

Tuition

Browse Current SSF Courses

SSF101 – Transformation in Christ

SSF102 – Foundations of Prayer and Union with God

SSF105–Discernment of Spirits, Part One

SSF107 – Breaking the Chains that Bind Us: An Introduction to Moral Theology

SSF110–Introduction to Saint Elizabeth of the Trinity

SSF112 – Introduction to Spiritual Direction

Watch a clip from a recent School of Spiritual Formation Course

Format

Student Interaction

Class Time

Grading

Certificate in Spiritual Formation

Certificate in Spiritual Direction

Phase I:

Phase II:

Spiritual Direction Certificate Costs

Find the Program that’s right for you:

Graduate Program

Spiritual Formation

High Calling

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