Formation Program.
The formation of Spiritual Directors / Companions has been the ministry of the House of Prayer for over 40 years. The formation process is faithful to the Formation Guidelines for Spiritual Directors in Australia.
A Certificate of Recognition from The Australian Ecumenical Council for Spiritual Direction was granted to the House of Prayer in 2009, and renewed in 2019.
A Certificate of Recognition from The Australian Ecumenical Council for Spiritual Direction was granted to the House of Prayer in 2009, and renewed in 2019.
The Ministry of Spiritual Direction.
Spiritual Direction/Companioning is a gift and call of God. It is uniquely concerned with facilitating a person’s growth in relationship with the mystery of God, and living out the grace of this in right relationship with self, others and all of creation. This ministry has a long and respected history in the Christian tradition and is a means through which Christ continues to minister through God’s Holy Spirit. It has been practiced by lay, religious and ordained ministers and is a sacred entrustment calling for the highest standards of formation, practice and accountability.
Spiritual Direction/Companioning is a gift and call of God. It is uniquely concerned with facilitating a person’s growth in relationship with the mystery of God, and living out the grace of this in right relationship with self, others and all of creation. This ministry has a long and respected history in the Christian tradition and is a means through which Christ continues to minister through God’s Holy Spirit. It has been practiced by lay, religious and ordained ministers and is a sacred entrustment calling for the highest standards of formation, practice and accountability.
This Course Offers participants the opportunity, within a contemplative learning community, to depth their own spiritual life, discern their call to this sacred ministry and develop skills and knowledge in preparation for practice. It draws on the wisdom of the Catholic Christian tradition as well as the lived experience of participants. Participants of all faiths and traditions are welcome.
From Bishop Tim Harris - Catholic Diocese of Townsville.
"I am happy to recommend this program to all who feel called to explore contemplative spiritual formation as a means of depthing their relationship with Christ, participating in Christian Community and engaging in mission through this listening ministry."
Course Structure.
This three year part-time process comprises 200 hours of outcomes-based contemplative learning across 3 intensives each year. A 50 hour practical component involving group and individual supervision is required for those who discern a call. A personal formation stream is also offered for those who wish to enhance their reflective listening skills.
This three year part-time process comprises 200 hours of outcomes-based contemplative learning across 3 intensives each year. A 50 hour practical component involving group and individual supervision is required for those who discern a call. A personal formation stream is also offered for those who wish to enhance their reflective listening skills.
Elements of the course.
- The Contemplative Attitude, a way to live.
- Contemplative Prayer: the approach to prayer different forms of prayer
- Companioning: the place of gentleness, compassion in the heart of the Companion
- Scripture and Theological Reflection
- Images of God
- Centrality of the Religious Experience
- Evaluating the Religious Experience
- The “Empathetic” response
- The Affective Response
- Ignatius’ Discernment of Spirits
- Ignatius’ Discernment of God’s will
- Touching the Mystery: art/music/poetry
- Christian Mystics
- Movement towards insight
- Ethics
- Supervision
- Set text: “The Practice of Spiritual Direction” Barry and Connolly
The House of Prayer partners with Tabor Institute of Higher Education to grant Tending the Holy Spiritual Directors Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for up to 50% in a Graduate Diploma in Spiritual Direction for those interested in tertiary qualifications.
Is this for you?
This process opens the door to transformative experiences of life, creates space to encounter God, and supports the contemplation and honouring of the presence of the sacred in everyday life.
We are seeking applicants who:
This process opens the door to transformative experiences of life, creates space to encounter God, and supports the contemplation and honouring of the presence of the sacred in everyday life.
We are seeking applicants who:
- Express a call to the ministry of soul companioning
- Demonstrate a capacity to listen
- Show an openness to learning from their own and others lived experience
- Have enough life experience to enable them to respond with wisdom to people of diverse backgrounds and experiences
- Evidence a mature spirituality and openness to other worldviews
- Have a commitment to prayer and reflection and engage in Spiritual direction themselves
- Are willing to discern the charism for this ministry
How to Apply.
In the first instance expressions of interest are welcome.
The formal application procedure requires: A detailed written application which includes a reflection on your spiritual journey so far.
Two letters of recommendation
A discernment interview with two members of the formation team.
In the first instance expressions of interest are welcome.
The formal application procedure requires: A detailed written application which includes a reflection on your spiritual journey so far.
Two letters of recommendation
A discernment interview with two members of the formation team.
For further information or to express interest please contact the Coordinator of Spiritual Direction at the House of Prayer & Spirituality
Brianne Falconieri
07 47289861
[email protected]
Brianne Falconieri
07 47289861
[email protected]
Click here to download the brochure to learn more.
Click here to download the application information.
