Code
DD8202W
Level
Postgraduate
Discipline
Spiritual Direction (DD)
Field
Theology: Mission and Ministry (D)
Prerequisites
Applicants should have some experience in receiving personal spiritual companioning and it is preferred that they have completed the Art of Contemplative Practice 1 (DS9201W) or equivalent.
Each candidate will be required to undergo an interview prior to acceptance into the unit - refer to WellSpring Centre website for details.
Each candidate will be required to undergo an interview prior to acceptance into the unit - refer to WellSpring Centre website for details.
Online
Yes
Location
Hosted by WellSpring Centre, Ashburton view location >
Faculty
Peter Bentley & the WellSpring Centre team view profile >
Class Time
Extended Intensive: March through October, 2022 (refer timetable for details)
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Learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of this unit, it is expected that students will be able to:
- Articulate the distinctive parameters of the practice of spiritual companioning.
- Critically define similarities and differences between spiritual companioning and other helping professions.
- Demonstrate a capacity to critically self-evaluate spiritual companioning practice particularly listening skills related to awareness of self, others and the world.
- Identify and analyse key elements of discernment in the practice of spiritual companioning.
- Demonstrate a personal and practical awareness of the diversity and nature of human experiences, in particular that which relates to Spirituality, identity and engagement with life circumstances.
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Assessment
- One essay (5,000 words) (40%)
- One book review (3,000 words) (15%)
- One reflection journal (3,000 words) (15%)
- Ten verbatim reports – 500 words each (5,000 words) (30%)
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Recommended reading
Set texts recommended for purchase are highlighted in blue
- Barry, W. & W. Connolly. The Practice of Spiritual Direction. 2nd Edition Revised, New York: Harper Collins Publishers, 2009.
- Buckley, S. M. Sacred Is the Call: Formation and Transformation in Spiritual Direction Programs. New York: Crossroad Pub., 2005.
- Dyckman, K.M. & L.P. Carroll. Inviting the Mystic, Supporting the Prophet. Mahwah, NJ: Paulist Press, 1981.
- Edwards, D. Human Experience of God. New York: Paulist Press, 1983.
- Green, T.H. Weeds Among the Wheat: Discernment: Where Prayer and Action Meet. Notre Dame, IN: Ave Maria Press, 1990.
- Guenther, M. Holy Listening: The Art of Spiritual Direction. London: Darton, Longman and Todd, 1992.
- Kidd, S. M. When the Heart Waits: Spiritual Direction for Life’s Sacred Questions. San Francisco: Harper San Francisco, 2006.
- May, G. Care of Mind, Care of Spirit: A Psychiatrist Explores Spiritual Direction. San Francisco: Harper San Francisco, 1992.