Our program consists of three courses providing a comprehensive spiritual formation experience. You'll experience the Ignatian Exercises, engage in Christian contemplative practices, participate in many different topical learning sessionals, and get instruction in the skills necessary to be an effective spiritual director.
We offer a unique two-year, part-time spiritual direction training program that blends in-person residencies with online modules, following adult learning styles of experience, reflection, and integration.
With a cohort model, you'll be part of a supportive group that stays together throughout the program. One of the program's distinctive features is the 12-14 days of silent retreat time, where you'll engage in specific themes for prayer and meet each day with a spiritual director.
This immersion in silence and guided prayer is at the heart of our training and your spiritual growth. At the end of the spiritual training program, upon completing the three courses, Knowing God and Self, Knowing the Tradition, and Knowing the Practice, graduates will earn a certificate of completion in spiritual direction.
2023:
Sunday, January 8 - Friday, January 13
Sunday, March 5 - Tuesday, March 7
Sunday, April 16 - Tuesday, April 18 (on-line)
Sunday, June 4 - Friday, June 9
Sunday, September 24 - Tuesday, September 26 (on-line)
Sunday, November 12 - Tuesday, November 14
2024:
Sunday, January 7 - Friday, January 12
Sunday, February 11 - Tuesday, February 13 (on-line)
Sunday, March 17 - Tuesday, March 19
Sunday, May 5 - Tuesday, May 7 (on-line)
Sunday, June 9- Tuesday, June 11
Sunday, October 6 - Friday, October 11
The two-year program is divided into eight modules, some of which are split into two separate sessions.
Apart from the on-line components (indicated below), all modules are live-in residencies held at Star of the North Retreat Centre in St. Albert, AB. We start at 7:00 PM on Sundays and end at 4:30 PM on Tuesdays or noon on Fridays.
2023:
Sunday, January 8 - Friday, January 13
Sunday, March 5 - Tuesday, March 7
Sunday, April 16 - Tuesday, April 18 (on-line)
Sunday, June 4 - Friday, June 9
Sunday, September 24 - Tuesday, September 26 (on-line)
Sunday, November 12 - Tuesday, November 14
2024:
Sunday, January 7 - Friday, January 12
Sunday, February 11 - Tuesday, February 13 (on-line)
Sunday, March 17 - Tuesday, March 19
Sunday, May 5 - Tuesday, May 7 (on-line)
Sunday, June 9- Tuesday, June 11
Sunday, October 6 - Friday, October 11
Sunday, October 20 to Friday, October 25, 2024 (In-person)
Sunday, November 24 to Tuesday, November 26, 2024. (In-person)
Sunday, January 26 to Tuesday, January 28, 2025. ONLINE
Sunday, March 2 to Friday, March 7, 2025. (In-person)
Sunday, April 6 to Tuesday, April 8, 2025. ONLINE
Sunday, May 4 to Tuesday, May 6, 2025. (In-person)
Sunday, June 8 to Friday, June 13, 2025. (In-person)
Sunday, October 5 to Tuesday, October 7, 2025. ONLINE
Sunday, November 16 to Tuesday, November 18, 2025. (In-person)
Sunday, January 11 to Tuesday, January 13, 2026. ONLINE
Sunday, March 22 to Tuesday, March 24, 2026. (In-person)
Sunday, May 3 to Friday, May 8, 2026. (In-person)
We believe that one-to-one support is essential to your training as a spiritual director. That's why we provide personalized supervision to all our students. You'll have the opportunity to work with experienced supervisors who will meet with you throughout your practicum and provide encouragement and feedback and guidance.
We offer a unique two-year, part-time spiritual direction training program that blends in-person residencies with online modules, following adult learning styles of experience, reflection, and integration. With a cohort model, you'll be part of a supportive group that stays together throughout the program. One of the program's distinctive features is the 12-14 days of silent retreat time, where you'll engage in specific themes for prayer and meet each day with a spiritual director. This immersion in silence and guided prayer is at the heart of our training and your spiritual growth. At the end of the spiritual training program, upon completing the three courses, Knowing God and Self, Knowing the Tradition, and Knowing the Practice, graduates will earn a certificate of completion in spiritual direction from The King's University, Edmonton, Alberta.
Personalized Mentorship and Supervision
We believe that one-to-one direction is essential to your growth as a spiritual director. That's why we provide personalized mentorship and supervision to all our students. You'll have the opportunity to work with experienced spiritual directors who will guide you through your practicum and provide feedback on your skills and practice sessions.
A Comprehensive Curriculum for Spiritual Growth
Our program is divided into three courses that provide a comprehensive spiritual formation experience. You'll explore the Ignatian Exercises, learn about Christian tradition, and develop the skills necessary to be an effective spiritual director.
Before entering The Studion I had no experience or understanding of the work of spiritual direction. But as I immersed myself in this whole new world, not only did I learn to develop a love and life of contemplation, but I was awakened to the wonderful gifts of deep-listening, curious questioning, prayerful presence, and silence. In opening myself to this kind of journey, and in learning to trust the process of this way of life, my inner world was led toward a path of freedom and transformation...
— Cindy G., Cohort Three