This page is for the OVERNIGHT option for Cohort 7
(*recommended* for the most complete experience).
Please click the following links if you prefer the
COMMUTER option or the VIRTUAL option.
Lodging room check-in for overnight guests will begin at 4pm, and the program will start after dinner.
Intensive Training Program for Those Interested in Spiritual Direction
Course Description and Goals:
This will be the 7th cohort of students within our Bon Secours Spiritual Direction Institute. The first week-long session is an introduction to and overview of spiritual direction in the Christian tradition. It is intended to enhance the student’s understanding of the spiritual life, with attention given to developing the basic skills necessary for this ministry. Classes will involve presentations, discussions, and interactive experiences.
It is strongly recommended that you be in spiritual direction yourself while taking this program. It will be another part of your learning. Bon Secours can provide references if you need them, including people who do spiritual direction online.
Course Learning Objectives:
At the end of the course, a student will be able to:
-Have a basic understanding of the spiritual life — its breadth, depth, and language — in order to understand the context of spiritual direction ministry.
-Examine and understand the core principles of effective spiritual direction, noting the implications for both the director and the directee.
-Develop and practice the basic interpersonal skills necessary for the exercise of this ministry, such as active listening and appropriate response.
Required Texts:
Henri Nouwen. Spiritual Direction: Wisdom for the Long Walk of Faith. San Francisco: Harper Collins, 2006.
Margaret Guenther, Holy Listening: The Art of Spiritual Direction (Cowley Publications, 1992)
Recommended Reading:
Teresa of Avila, The Interior Castle (any edition)
Required Paper: A 6 to 8 page review of and reflection on the student’s choice of one of the following books will be due after this first intensive week. The student will have a few months to complete it.
- Cynthia Bourgeault, Mystical Hope: Trusting in the Mercy of God (Cowley Publications, 2001) ISBN: 1-56101-193-2; ISBN13: 978-1-56101-193-3
- Martin Laird, Into the Silent Land: A Guide to the Christian Practice of Contemplation (Oxford, 2006) ISBN-13: 978-0-19-530760-3
- Nancy L. Bieber, Decision Making & Spiritual Discernment: The Sacred Art of Finding Your Way (Skylight Paths, 2012). ISBN: 978-1-59473-289-9
Dates for Week 2 and 3: The second week-long course in the program is scheduled for April 19-24, 2026, and the final week-long session is scheduled for September 27-October 2, 2026, which will complete the course of study. Registration for these two sessions will be available soon. A certificate of completion will be awarded upon completion of the entire program, which includes these three week-long sessions and the required course work.
After You Register:
- Complete an intake form, to be provided by a program coordinator upon registration.
- Provide consent for Bon Secours to initiate a background check.
The intake form and background check will have a deadline prior to the Session 1 start date. A program coordinator will be in touch regarding this deadline after you’ve registered. The information on your intake form will help the directors know a little about you and will ensure that your experience aligns with the requirements of our program, providing the best possible training for your future ministry.
Questions: If you have questions, please contact Sr. Bernie Claps at Bernadette.Claps@CBSParis.org.
Guided By: Kathy Brown and Sr. Bernie Claps, CBS.
Kathleen Hope Brown, D.Min. teaches spiritual direction and other courses in spirituality at the Virginia Theological Union. Her doctorate in Adult Spiritual Formation is from Catholic University.
Sister Bernadette Claps, a Sister of Bon Secours, provides spiritual direction and spiritual companionship at the Retreat and Conference Center at Bon Secours. She holds graduate certificates in Spiritual Direction, Spirituality and Aging. She has done graduate studies in theology and received a Master of Social Work from New York University.