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.
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. A separate application is required to enter Phase II with the Heart of Christ. This application can be found on Heart of Christ’s website (link) and may be submitted when at least two of the required Avila courses are completed and the spiritual exercises are approved.
Four 6-week online courses through the Avila Institute for Spiritual Formation:
In addition, students must complete the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius, either:
It is essential that a complete, supervised experience of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius is completed. For the 19th annotated, this includes weekly accompaniment of the individual retreatant by a director.
All applicants should consult with the Directors of Heart of Christ before embarking on the Exercises for approval of the version selected. It is recommended that this take place a year prior to when you plan to begin with Heart of Christ. For example, if you plan to attend Heart of Christ in June, you should embark on the Exercises no later than the previous October
If you have completed the exercises within the last five years, contact the Directors to confirm whether the version you used will satisfy the requirement.
For more information or to contact Heart of Christ, please click the link below:
Includes onsite classes in June (Friday through Friday) in Ann Arbor, Michigan, twice monthly meetings online from September through May, and onsite classes the following June (Monday through Friday)
June training at Heart of Christ in Ann Arbor, Michigan (Friday-Friday):
Weekly online meetings on Thursdays(Sept-May) focusing on:
The following June training at Heart of Christ in Ann Arbor, Michigan (Monday-Friday):
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
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
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