The Spiritual Direction Internship Initiative, SDII, began in 2003. This extensive training program is held every Tuesday 9:15 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. beginning on the first Tuesday after Labor Day and continuing through mid-April. Participants receive a wonderful, extensive, initial training.
Registrations are now being accepted for SDII 2023-2024 training!
SDII 2023-2024 will be held virtually except for its 2 weekend retreats in Ipswich, MA. We have adapted our program in a technological manner that honors and retains SDII’s high quality standards for your professional training. Using Zoom enables participants from far away to participate.
Participants
The Spiritual Direction Internship Initiative is open to women and men, religious, clergy
and lay people of all denominations experiencing a call to spiritual direction. Learning the focus, skills
and tools of spiritual direction can also be helpful for chaplains and all forms of pastoral ministers.
We welcome as applicants all whose experience includes: on-going personal prayer; two years of regular
(monthly), one-on-one spiritual direction; a felt call to spiritual companionship; continued updating in
theology; some experience of pastoral ministry and evidence of personal maturity.
Goals
The Internship in Spiritual Direction provides for:
- Personal growth and development as ministers
- An understanding of the theological and psychological bases for spiritual direction
- Improved communication skills within the context of the helping relationship
- Individual supervision as you meet with 2-4 directees from late September through April
- Discernment of one’s call as a spiritual director
Content
The Internship Program follows the guidelines of Spiritual Directors International by including
the elements of:
- Theological Foundations
- Psychological Foundations
- Integration with Justice
- Discernment, Practicum and Supervision
Learning modalities
- Case Studies in Spiritual Direction
- Individual and Peer Supervision
- Skilled Dialogue
- Real Plays and Role Plays
- Experience in Ministering as a Director
- Theological Reflection
- Reading Colloquia
- Lectures
- Individual Prayer and Sharing of Prayer
- YouTube videos
Input
- Prayer
- Contemplative Listening
- Discernment
- Religious Experience
- Spirituality
- Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius
- Issues in Spiritual Direction
- Liberation Theology
- Cosmology
- Mystics
- Images of God
- 12-Step Spirituality
- Sexuality
Those who fulfill the requirements of the course will earn a Certificate of Completion of SDII
Location
We meet together virtually every Tuesday from 9:15 ET- 4:00 PM ET and in Ipswich, MA for two directed prayer weekends.
A Reflection on Experience
What was the most significant grace of the SDII program for you?
“It is hard to pinpoint the most significant Grace because the Internship was so full of Graces. I think the most important Grace was more confirmation and consolation that my soul knew where it belonged.”
Belinda Morse, 2016-2017
“The Internship program plants deep roots within your heart that continue to feed a participant long after the program’s completion. The skills that I learned through the internship program helped me immensely during the fifteen years I worked in the hospice ministry. It taught me to listen to others and their experiences even amidst the chaos. God is present in the daily aspect of not just my life, but everyone I meet. I continue to look and be surprised by God’s goodness!”
Judith Chaloux, 2004-2005
“Of the many graces I received, the most significant for me was a deepening, more intimate, almost felt awareness of God’s presence and love in me and in everyone and everything overflowing into gratitude.”
Fran Cavey, SUSC, SDII 2019-2020
“I learned so much from both of You! I especially learned how to be a gentle listening presence allowing the Holy Spirit to Guide us!”
Kathy Simisky, 2009-2010
What would you say to someone inquiring about the program?
“Commit — do it. You won’t believe what the Holy Spirit has in store.”
Mary Beth Emerson, 2019-2020
“It is a gift beckoning to be opened.”
Jackie Ro, 2010-2011
“I would say… don’t miss the chance to be awakened and offered the grace and privilege of journeying with other seekers as a spiritual companion!”
Mary Ann Connolly, SC, 2011-2012
“Do not hesitate to accept what will bring grace-upon-grace into your life.”
Jane Tyler, 2005-2006
Application requirements
Application Deadline: Applications will be accepted up to August 31, 2023 depending on availability of space. The minimum number of participants is 5 and the maximum number is 12.
Individual interviews are already taking place via Zoom All application materials must be in place prior to interviews.
Tuition
The cost of the internship is $5500. This includes:
- 24 days of input and peer supervision from 9:15 A.M. – 4:00 P.M.
- 14 sessions of Individual Supervision
- 2 Integration Days, 1 Mid-term Session
- 1 Orientation Session, 1 Closing Session
- 2 Directed Prayer Weekends (Thursday-Sunday)
- 1 Day Program on Boundaries and Ethical Guidelines
This fee does not include the $100 non-refundable application fee & interview. Following acceptance a
$300 non-refundable, non-transferable deposit will secure your place. The remaining tuition is due in
September.