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, Discernment of Spirits II, and two 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.
Four 6-week online courses through the Avila Institute for Spiritual Formation:
In addition, students must complete the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius, either:
*A version completed within the last 5 years is acceptable.
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):
Two online meetings per month (1st and 3rd Thursdays) 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