Heart of Christ Spiritual Direction Program is collaborating with Avila Institute for Spiritual Formation to offer training in Spiritual Direction. The program is grounded in Ignatian and Carmelite spirituality, with a Catholic worldview and an emphasis on the vital role of genuine prayer and growth in holiness and virtue.
The program aims at developing in each student the gifts that God intends to impart. Docility and humility are essential. Carefully read and follow all directions.
The program consists of two phases: Phase one with Avila Institute and Phase two with Heart of Christ. An approved, traditional version of the full Ignatian Spiritual Exercises must be completed before Phase two. Note: the Exercises require explicit written approval from the Directors of Heart of Christ before you begin them and must be completed before the first June session.
Avila Institute courses and Heart of Christ weekly meetings are held online. The Heart of Christ program includes two one-week June sessions located in Ann Arbor, MI.
A separate application is required for the Heart of Christ portion (Phase Two). This application can be submitted when at least 2 of the required Avila Institute classes have been completed (though all 4 must be completed by the end of April, as described below).
All of the Avila Institute classes must be completed by April 30 of the year of the first June session in Ann Arbor. The Spiritual Exercises must also be completed by May 31, before beginning the first June session.
1
Avila Institute
Visit the Avila Institute website to apply for this portion of the program.
Phase 1: Includes four Avila courses and the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius:
- Intro to Spiritual Direction
- Foundations in Prayer
- Discernment of Spirits
- Breaking the Chains that Bind: Intro to Moral Theology
The four courses can be taken in any order, but must be completed by April 30 of the year of the first June session in Ann Arbor. Application to the Heart of Christ may be made after completion of two of the courses.
2
Spiritual Exercises
A full, approved version of the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises must be completed before beginning with the Heart of Christ Program. Please contact the Directors to obtain information regarding the specific requirements for the Exercises as soon as you are accepted into the Avila Institute.
Do not begin the Exercises prior to receiving approval from the Directors of Heart of Christ. Request an approval form through the email below.
Note: Exercises must be completed by May 31 to attend the June session.
Email: info@heartofchristspiritualdirection.com
3
Heart of Christ
Phase 2: Includes onsite classes in June (Friday through Friday) in Ann Arbor, Michigan, weekly online meetings on Thursday evenings via Zoom from September through early May, and onsite classes the following June (Monday through Friday).
First June Session:
June training at Heart of Christ in Ann Arbor, Michigan (Friday-Friday).
- Course on Virtues or Advanced prayer*
- Listening skill presentations and practice
- Reflecting techniques
- Role playing
- Other related topics
Weekly meetings:
After the first June session, participate in weekly online meetings on Thursdays (Sept-May) focusing on:
- Spiritual direction principles and techniques
- Listening skills and role play
- Training in verbatims
- Daily prayer with assigned scripture
- Practicum from January through April: candidates direct one person for 16 weeks through a series of Ignatian prayer themes. Supervision occurs throughout the practicum. Weekly classes on Thursdays continue during the practicum.
- Note: You will need either a desktop or laptop computer with working camera and microphone for these classes. Students are expected to be present, on camera and able to fully interact during these classes.
Second June Session:
Return for the following June training at Heart of Christ in Ann Arbor, Michigan (Monday-Friday):
- Course on Virtues or Advanced prayer*
- Listening skill presentations and practice
- Reflecting techniques
- Role playing
- Other related topics
June segment for 2026:
1st year students: June 5-12
2nd year students: June 8-12
June segment for 2027:
1st year students: June 4-11
2nd year students: June 7-11
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*June Segments: Topics for the week long sessions alternate yearly between Prayer and Growth in Holiness and a course in the Theological and Cardinal Virtues.
$
Program Fees
- Cost for the first year through Avila Institute is $275 per class, and subject to change.
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- Cost of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius varies depending on the Director.
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- Cost for first June session with Heart of Christ is $500.
- Cost for the second year (Sept thru early May) with Heart of Christ is $400.
- Cost for second June session with Heart of Christ is $400.
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Note: June tuition does not include housing or transportation costs. Some meals are included but special food needs are not provided for.
All costs are subject to change.