WEBVTT 00:00:06.320 --> 00:00:07.460 Let's get started. 00:00:08.320 --> 00:00:13.380 So just to introduce myself, and I recognize a few names here, but my name is Greg Shapiro. 00:00:13.760 --> 00:00:21.175 I am the admissions adviser here at Divine Mercy University for the spiritual direction certificate program. 00:00:21.955 --> 00:00:29.530 I've been with the university for a couple of years now, but only this year started enrolling for SDC. 00:00:30.230 --> 00:00:36.470 Previously, I was enrolling for the psychology program, but I I've really enjoyed it. 00:00:36.470 --> 00:00:50.355 I've I've loved working with, students that have a passion for spiritual direction, and just communicating with them and understanding what is driving them to this ministry and helping them along the way. 00:00:50.895 --> 00:00:56.735 So with that, I want to introduce, my co guest host. 00:00:56.735 --> 00:01:00.610 However, we're gonna give that title to you, father Simon. 00:01:00.610 --> 00:01:03.990 So father Simon, if you could introduce yourself, that would be great. 00:01:04.530 --> 00:01:04.850 Yeah. 00:01:04.850 --> 00:01:05.350 Sure. 00:01:05.570 --> 00:01:06.690 Well, thank you, Greg. 00:01:06.690 --> 00:01:09.670 It's a blessing to be here this morning. 00:01:09.730 --> 00:01:15.585 It's, just after 08:00 Pacific time, and I'm coming from Northern California. 00:01:15.585 --> 00:01:21.365 I live in San Jose, California or Silicon Valley as some people refer it. 00:01:21.745 --> 00:01:24.005 And my name is father Simon Devereux. 00:01:24.560 --> 00:01:28.160 I'm a professed member of the legionaries of Christ. 00:01:28.160 --> 00:01:29.380 I'm a Catholic priest. 00:01:30.080 --> 00:01:37.300 And, delighted to be here with you this morning to to talk about the spiritual direction certificate. 00:01:38.505 --> 00:01:38.905 Great. 00:01:38.905 --> 00:01:40.605 Well, I appreciate you being here. 00:01:41.225 --> 00:01:54.330 It's always a blessing just having active students just sharing how their experience has been and, giving a little bit more clarity to those that are looking into this sort of program for them. 00:01:55.190 --> 00:02:07.405 So with that said, again, I'm gonna just highlight to the new, guests that if any questions come up as we're covering information, go ahead and drop that into the chat or the q and a section. 00:02:07.545 --> 00:02:11.885 I promise you we'll get to that, and, we'll just go from there. 00:02:12.425 --> 00:02:17.085 So father Simon, I'd love to start by asking you a few questions. 00:02:17.145 --> 00:02:21.030 You're now coming toward the end of the whole program. 00:02:21.970 --> 00:02:29.430 So, overall, what has been your experience in the how's the experience been for you for the SDC program? 00:02:30.850 --> 00:02:31.170 Yeah. 00:02:31.170 --> 00:02:32.790 Thank you, Greg, for that question. 00:02:34.185 --> 00:02:37.405 I mean, it's been incredible. 00:02:37.785 --> 00:02:40.605 It's been such a blessing, so many blessings. 00:02:40.905 --> 00:02:45.385 And I really I think it'd be nice let's maybe frame this in prayer. 00:02:45.385 --> 00:02:45.545 Yeah? 00:02:45.545 --> 00:02:49.980 What do you think before we kinda do a deep dive Just just to work with the holy spirit. 00:02:52.360 --> 00:02:52.600 Yeah. 00:02:52.600 --> 00:02:53.080 Let's do that. 00:02:53.080 --> 00:02:55.740 In the name of the father and the son of the holy spirit, amen. 00:02:56.520 --> 00:02:57.740 Come, holy spirit. 00:02:58.280 --> 00:02:59.180 You are welcome. 00:03:00.135 --> 00:03:38.615 Thank you for this renewal of the church, which you are breathing into the members of your body throughout the whole world, and we praise you for this this flame of love and light, which you have given to Divine Mercy University and in particular for this army of spiritual directors, lay and religious, consecrated priests who are responding to your your call to be the listening ear for your people to help people become saints. 00:03:39.635 --> 00:03:51.910 So we praise you, and we thank you for this opportunity to remember the blessings and to share the great news of what's going on in Divine Mercy University. 00:03:52.370 --> 00:03:54.550 We ask this through the intercession of Saint Dymphna. 00:03:55.735 --> 00:03:56.235 Amen. 00:03:56.375 --> 00:03:58.875 In the name of the father and the son and the holy spirit. 00:03:59.015 --> 00:03:59.515 Amen. 00:03:59.655 --> 00:04:00.155 Amen. 00:04:00.455 --> 00:04:06.795 Greg, I think probably the the blessings of the the program is to really be more and more rooted in prayer. 00:04:07.415 --> 00:04:11.890 And, so but, yeah, to answer your question, so many blessings. 00:04:13.150 --> 00:04:14.030 Goodness me. 00:04:14.030 --> 00:04:15.170 I mean, where to begin? 00:04:17.150 --> 00:04:21.250 I think I got into the program kind of haphazardly. 00:04:22.665 --> 00:04:23.165 Yeah. 00:04:23.865 --> 00:04:27.565 I think it was a fruit of the pandemic, actually. 00:04:28.025 --> 00:04:28.265 Mhmm. 00:04:28.265 --> 00:04:28.925 You know? 00:04:29.225 --> 00:04:35.325 Back in, what, March 2020, we were all kind of grounded. 00:04:35.705 --> 00:04:36.105 Yeah. 00:04:36.105 --> 00:04:40.360 We couldn't couldn't go out, shelter in place and all of that. 00:04:40.360 --> 00:04:53.420 And, so I live with seven other priests, seven other legionary priests, in in our home here in in San Jose. 00:04:54.255 --> 00:05:03.075 And, you know, we started, to do, livestream masses. 00:05:03.695 --> 00:05:04.195 Yeah? 00:05:04.415 --> 00:05:06.195 You know, we we couldn't go out. 00:05:08.280 --> 00:05:17.260 And so people we started doing, yeah, masses, and then we even started giving, like, conferences once a week, just like two or three of us. 00:05:18.360 --> 00:05:20.125 And and so that was fun. 00:05:20.125 --> 00:05:28.845 I've kinda opened my eyes to the world of this, you know, of of Zoom and and the virtual world and how you just couldn't contain the holy spirit. 00:05:28.845 --> 00:05:29.165 Right? 00:05:29.165 --> 00:05:32.305 I mean, he was coming up with all kinds of initiatives. 00:05:34.940 --> 00:05:36.380 But I think one thing led to another. 00:05:36.380 --> 00:05:43.020 I think on a personal level, the pandemic was was a blessing because it was kind of a reset. 00:05:43.020 --> 00:05:53.395 I don't know how it was for you, Greg, but I, started to eat better, So I started to, you know, get into shape, do more exercise. 00:05:54.655 --> 00:06:00.495 And then and then and then I thought, well, you know, I'm feeling a bit flabby intellectually, to be honest. 00:06:00.495 --> 00:06:05.090 After ten years since my ordination, I was really feeling like, wow. 00:06:05.090 --> 00:06:07.270 It'd be good to get back into some studies. 00:06:08.610 --> 00:06:15.510 And so that was kind of the beginning of eventually landing in the spiritual direction certificate. 00:06:16.905 --> 00:06:19.625 So Well There you go. 00:06:19.625 --> 00:06:20.125 Yeah. 00:06:20.985 --> 00:06:21.485 Yeah. 00:06:21.705 --> 00:06:31.885 I think for a lot of people, that sort of experience a couple years ago, caused for them to sort of reassess sort of where they were at their lives. 00:06:32.820 --> 00:06:37.480 For me, I I I got married right at the peak of the pandemic. 00:06:37.620 --> 00:06:52.375 So so it was brand new, but it it was, I mean, it was something that we my wife and I just sort of experienced together and, yeah, but that that makes sense that you something like that kind of made you rethink. 00:06:52.375 --> 00:07:09.110 How do I what should I do at this point to, like you said, you were feeling intellectually flabby, and so this program was sort of a source for you to rebuild that strength and and add more so to your vocation. 00:07:09.970 --> 00:07:10.210 Yeah. 00:07:10.210 --> 00:07:10.710 Exactly. 00:07:10.770 --> 00:07:25.245 I, you know, I had heard about it through a a confrere, father Peter Hopkins who had studied the MSP, the masters of science in psychology at Divine Mercy University, and he was raving about it. 00:07:25.245 --> 00:07:28.385 They were this was pre pandemic, 2018. 00:07:28.560 --> 00:07:31.940 He I was living in New York at the time, and and he passed through. 00:07:32.720 --> 00:07:38.960 And so I kind of put that back in the back of my head saying, yeah, one day, I really wanna I'd like to do that. 00:07:38.960 --> 00:07:45.675 And, October 2018, I was transferred from the East Coast to the West Coast. 00:07:46.535 --> 00:07:51.195 And, and then, like I said, I was here for a year, and then the pandemic hit. 00:07:51.735 --> 00:08:01.350 So I looked into the the MSP, program, but it seemed for me just to be a little bit more than I was looking for at that particular time. 00:08:02.690 --> 00:08:17.555 And then I'm not don't remember exactly how I heard about the spiritual direction certificate, but when I learned about it, it sounded like a much better fit for me in terms of the time commitment. 00:08:18.415 --> 00:08:25.970 And, also, I the work I do, I work with young adults here in the valley. 00:08:26.670 --> 00:08:31.570 And, and so I was starting to do a little bit of spiritual direction. 00:08:32.430 --> 00:08:36.690 And I thought, oh, that's that's a that's a good that sounds like a good fit. 00:08:36.875 --> 00:08:37.375 Yeah. 00:08:39.995 --> 00:08:44.635 I actually, I I'd done a course in YouTube in, around that time as well. 00:08:44.635 --> 00:08:52.095 I thought maybe God was calling me to do that because some people had said, oh, you you know, you do well on on on the camera. 00:08:52.880 --> 00:08:58.720 And so I went through, an online program and decided that that wasn't for me. 00:08:58.720 --> 00:09:01.460 Although I did learn some some interesting things. 00:09:02.400 --> 00:09:07.620 It was kind of ironic now how God actually led me in the the kind of the opposite direction. 00:09:08.045 --> 00:09:14.145 Of, you know, YouTube is, like, you're kind of so out there, and your whole life becomes, you know, transparent to everybody. 00:09:15.005 --> 00:09:22.545 Whereas now I'm doing more and more spiritual direction, which is which is really so hidden and and confidential and private and sacred. 00:09:23.060 --> 00:09:27.160 So it's kind of gone from one end of the spectrum to the other. 00:09:27.540 --> 00:09:31.160 That's funny how God works in those ways. 00:09:31.380 --> 00:09:31.880 Yeah. 00:09:32.100 --> 00:09:32.600 Yeah. 00:09:33.140 --> 00:09:33.640 Excellent. 00:09:33.700 --> 00:09:34.520 That's great. 00:09:35.140 --> 00:09:44.425 So, what what have you found to be the most helpful for you, about this program within your ministry as a priest? 00:09:48.325 --> 00:09:51.660 Well, I mean, I think I found my ministry. 00:09:51.960 --> 00:10:03.580 I mean, I was sent out here by my congregation to do vocational promotion and and and be a point of reference for anyone in the area who wanted to discern with the legion. 00:10:05.605 --> 00:10:07.785 And and I still continue to do that. 00:10:08.965 --> 00:10:25.620 But when I started the spiritual direction certificate, particularly when I went to the residency, so for our listeners who are not familiar, you know, it's mostly, an online course, which you can do at your own pace, pretty much. 00:10:25.620 --> 00:10:31.400 I mean, you have, like, these two months semesters, and then you have a two months break, and then two months on. 00:10:33.925 --> 00:10:40.585 But when the third, the third semester, you do this what they call a residency. 00:10:40.645 --> 00:10:42.565 It's, oh, you've got it here, Greg. 00:10:42.565 --> 00:10:43.305 That's great. 00:10:43.685 --> 00:10:50.430 At, you know, four day on-site there at Divine Mercy University in in Northern Virginia. 00:10:52.010 --> 00:10:52.330 Great. 00:10:52.330 --> 00:10:57.390 When I went there, I I said, I've come home. 00:10:57.690 --> 00:10:58.830 This is my home. 00:10:59.050 --> 00:11:00.110 These are my people. 00:11:01.015 --> 00:11:09.895 And as we started doing a lot of role playing, which we can get into later if you want, I realized, gosh. 00:11:09.895 --> 00:11:11.115 This is what I love. 00:11:11.335 --> 00:11:15.915 This is I really felt like God, in a sense, made me for this. 00:11:16.860 --> 00:11:30.695 And so I was just so moved and so grateful that, you know, at 42 years of age, in a sense discovering my vocation within, you know, my priestly vocation. 00:11:31.315 --> 00:11:34.055 So that's been a source of great, great joy. 00:11:34.275 --> 00:11:51.120 And it's god is you know, he's so wonderful that as I've now been learning these skills, God's been sending people for me to help without even me doing anything. 00:11:51.120 --> 00:11:53.380 They just seem to arrive. 00:11:54.160 --> 00:11:56.340 And so how has helped my ministry? 00:11:56.880 --> 00:11:59.855 As I said, I think it's become become my ministry. 00:12:00.475 --> 00:12:00.975 Yeah. 00:12:01.275 --> 00:12:02.095 That's great. 00:12:02.875 --> 00:12:03.195 Yeah. 00:12:03.195 --> 00:12:17.250 And then with the vocation, piece as well, I mean, vocation, counseling is is is a bit different from spiritual direction, but there there's a lot of overlap, obviously. 00:12:18.190 --> 00:12:30.935 So all the listening skills that we're taught, that's been incredibly helpful, not only for my ministry, but for my community life too, being and my prayer life too, Greg. 00:12:31.875 --> 00:12:40.090 Learning how to listen, learning how to to share with God, you know, every every morning, having an hour. 00:12:40.090 --> 00:12:47.870 You know, we have an hour of of personal prayer time, and that has just I feel like I'm flourishing. 00:12:49.690 --> 00:12:50.190 Yeah. 00:12:50.570 --> 00:12:51.770 That's that's excellent. 00:12:51.770 --> 00:13:06.795 And, you know, it's interesting because every time I have conversations with current students or former students that have graduated, I typically ask them how what surprised you about the program? 00:13:06.855 --> 00:13:16.710 What did you get out of it that you weren't expecting but turned out to be a, real fruits in your life and within your activity in this ministry? 00:13:18.210 --> 00:13:24.325 Some answers I've gotten, and it it's something I didn't think about, but it makes a lot of sense. 00:13:25.665 --> 00:13:47.480 For some of them, they've said, my, my my, relationship with my own spiritual director has really flourished more, just because they've now gotten a better sense of what the spiritual director that they're working with has been asking them or what they're putting on the table to help guide them closer to God. 00:13:47.565 --> 00:13:57.105 And so they're now getting an even deeper sense of how do we actually go about spiritual direction, but even from the perspective of the directee. 00:13:57.885 --> 00:14:12.210 So I thought that was just excellent hearing this from the students, and and it's one of those unforeseen fruits that happens for a lot of them, but turns out to be a great benefit. 00:14:12.915 --> 00:14:13.155 Yeah. 00:14:13.155 --> 00:14:14.115 Absolutely, Greg. 00:14:14.115 --> 00:14:45.805 And in my own case, I had to I had I I felt called to look for a new director because I realized that although I had been blessed with, with very holy spiritual directors, legionaries, and I got a lot of good advice, I started to realize they weren't trained, really. 00:14:45.805 --> 00:14:59.130 Well, it's particularly not trained in in the, evocative contemplative method that's, used really by, Divine Mercy University and the spiritual direction certificate. 00:15:00.230 --> 00:15:16.235 And I found that as we started to do these role plays beginning in the third semester, I was getting so much out of those role plays where, yeah, you I mean, you kinda make things up. 00:15:16.235 --> 00:15:16.395 Right? 00:15:16.395 --> 00:15:20.495 But at the end, you're really talking about experiences that you've had or things that you're living. 00:15:21.360 --> 00:15:24.740 And I was getting so much out of those role plays, Greg. 00:15:24.880 --> 00:15:25.080 Mhmm. 00:15:25.080 --> 00:15:28.160 I started to think, wow. 00:15:28.160 --> 00:15:35.620 And I started to realize my my spiritual director, holy man, and I got a lot of God work through him without a doubt. 00:15:35.865 --> 00:15:50.605 But I was really feeling called to someone who could help me go deeper and and someone who had been trained in the listening, to really help me, understand what God was doing in my life. 00:15:51.180 --> 00:16:07.135 And so I I prayed about it, and I ended up, with a a lay woman, someone who's, been doing spiritual direction for decades, kind of a grandmother figure. 00:16:07.835 --> 00:16:15.535 But the first time we spoke, I said, I've never met anyone who listened so well. 00:16:16.475 --> 00:16:29.280 It was like like a I felt like a thirsty man in a desert and coming upon an oasis and just being plunged into that cool, refreshing water. 00:16:29.820 --> 00:16:30.220 Mhmm. 00:16:30.220 --> 00:16:31.760 I said, I want more of that. 00:16:33.285 --> 00:16:35.545 So I asked if he would be my spiritual director. 00:16:36.165 --> 00:16:40.185 And since January of this year, I've been blessed. 00:16:40.325 --> 00:16:43.205 And, yeah, god god has a timing for everything. 00:16:43.205 --> 00:16:43.445 Right? 00:16:43.445 --> 00:16:45.925 And so I guess I was ready for that. 00:16:45.925 --> 00:16:57.020 But, yeah, that's been another wonderful surprise, Greg, and a blessing from the the this course at Divine Mercy University. 00:16:57.800 --> 00:16:58.460 That's wonderful. 00:16:58.840 --> 00:17:11.415 You know, and I I wanna get back to the residencies in a moment, but since you had mentioned your, just the fact that going through this, you had a little bit more clarity of where you needed to go as a directee. 00:17:12.440 --> 00:17:18.860 I would love to speak a little bit more about that because you had mentioned how your spiritual director is a laywoman. 00:17:19.320 --> 00:17:29.915 And I think for many, many folks that are looking into this, but primarily speaking about the laypeople, that are being called to this. 00:17:30.055 --> 00:17:36.455 Now and then they'll express a little bit of hesitancy because they might think, should I be doing this? 00:17:36.455 --> 00:17:38.340 I'm not a consecrated person. 00:17:38.340 --> 00:17:39.400 I'm not a priest. 00:17:40.100 --> 00:17:41.160 I'm not a religious. 00:17:41.780 --> 00:17:46.440 Is this actually could I be interfering with God's will for me? 00:17:47.620 --> 00:17:53.875 And I always remind them how this is a ministry that God could call anyone to. 00:17:54.175 --> 00:18:00.175 This isn't reserved strictly for one type of vocation, but he does call all sorts of people. 00:18:00.175 --> 00:18:11.280 And it and part of that's because they can speak from their own experience as being a single layperson or being a married layperson or whatever it may be. 00:18:11.740 --> 00:18:14.620 But I'd love to hear a little bit from you. 00:18:14.620 --> 00:18:19.655 What what you would maybe perhaps say to those people that are concerned. 00:18:20.035 --> 00:18:29.415 Could this be by when they ask themselves, is this something that I could be, pursuing wrongfully or or whatever it may be? 00:18:30.835 --> 00:18:31.075 Yeah. 00:18:31.075 --> 00:18:32.375 Thank you for that, Greg. 00:18:32.675 --> 00:18:44.820 I when I began my religious life, I was under the impression that all priests were spiritual directors or should be spiritual directors. 00:18:46.335 --> 00:18:58.995 But I came to realize relatively recently, a friend of mine, we were all, we joined together, and we were walking he came to visit, and we were walking on the coast. 00:18:59.215 --> 00:19:02.170 And he said, you know what? 00:19:02.170 --> 00:19:03.630 I really love teaching. 00:19:04.250 --> 00:19:06.430 I love tea I and I love writing books. 00:19:06.490 --> 00:19:07.470 That's my thing. 00:19:07.690 --> 00:19:13.550 When someone comes to me and wants to have a long term relationship, I'm like, it's really not my cup of tea. 00:19:13.715 --> 00:19:14.035 Right? 00:19:14.115 --> 00:19:14.275 Yeah. 00:19:14.275 --> 00:19:15.155 I can do the one off. 00:19:15.155 --> 00:19:15.315 You know? 00:19:15.315 --> 00:19:18.935 If you've got a specific problem, I can I can help you with that? 00:19:19.795 --> 00:19:22.515 And and I was like, oh, okay. 00:19:22.515 --> 00:19:32.550 So may it started to make me think that not all priests are given that that charism of, spiritual being a spiritual director. 00:19:34.290 --> 00:19:40.290 And then when I I met this lay woman who's now my spiritual director, it was so clear. 00:19:40.290 --> 00:19:41.990 I was like, well, she has that charism. 00:19:42.050 --> 00:19:42.930 She has that gift. 00:19:42.930 --> 00:19:44.070 She has that calling. 00:19:45.465 --> 00:19:51.485 And that was confirmed in in spades when I went to the residency. 00:19:52.025 --> 00:20:05.500 And, you know, I think 90% of the folks there were laypeople, mostly women, though I think many men are called to it as well. 00:20:05.500 --> 00:20:23.315 And and I saw well, even before I went to the residency doing the these triads, you know, these mock, sessions, Many of these people, my classmates, I could it was so clear they had the gift of spiritual direction. 00:20:23.695 --> 00:20:28.595 And so it also ties in it may be some people are wondering what is my charism. 00:20:29.780 --> 00:20:39.220 And I I heard this explained quite well that there's three indications for what might be the charism that you have. 00:20:39.220 --> 00:20:39.720 Right? 00:20:41.060 --> 00:20:42.440 You know, we're all called to holiness. 00:20:42.500 --> 00:20:42.660 Right? 00:20:42.660 --> 00:20:45.125 That's the first gift, the first vocation. 00:20:45.185 --> 00:20:47.985 And then the second, this particular state in life. 00:20:47.985 --> 00:20:50.325 You know, you you got married during the pandemic. 00:20:50.385 --> 00:20:50.885 Okay. 00:20:51.105 --> 00:20:53.125 But then what's your personal vocation? 00:20:53.585 --> 00:20:54.565 What's your charism? 00:20:55.425 --> 00:21:00.380 And so there's three kind of three indicators that, of a carousel. 00:21:00.440 --> 00:21:02.380 One is other people mention it. 00:21:02.840 --> 00:21:07.340 Other people say, oh, you're really good at that or, you know, have you ever considered doing this? 00:21:08.920 --> 00:21:12.300 Secondly, it's something that comes very easily to you. 00:21:12.495 --> 00:21:14.675 Like, you don't even think about it really. 00:21:15.695 --> 00:21:19.315 You know, some people I have a friend, a priest friend who's just a natural administrator. 00:21:20.495 --> 00:21:35.870 The way he's able to juggle fundraising and expenses and employees, and it's like, I couldn't do that in a million years, but for him, it's like water of a duck's back or it's just the air he breathes. 00:21:36.130 --> 00:21:36.630 Yeah. 00:21:37.650 --> 00:21:47.015 And then thirdly, the the fruits are supernatural because it's not yours they're not your skills. 00:21:48.275 --> 00:21:51.635 Skills can help, but but, essentially, it's a charism. 00:21:51.635 --> 00:21:54.615 It's a you become a channel of God's grace. 00:21:55.460 --> 00:21:55.960 Yeah. 00:21:56.100 --> 00:21:58.440 So the fruits are supernatural. 00:21:58.580 --> 00:22:02.360 They don't really correspond to the human instrument. 00:22:02.580 --> 00:22:03.060 Yeah. 00:22:03.060 --> 00:22:03.560 Mhmm. 00:22:06.420 --> 00:22:15.475 So, you know, you were you were pointing out that, some laypeople, you know, I think the the priests are the natural go tos. 00:22:15.475 --> 00:22:15.975 Right? 00:22:16.115 --> 00:22:16.935 You know? 00:22:17.075 --> 00:22:23.335 People open up to us, very readily. 00:22:23.555 --> 00:22:24.055 Yeah? 00:22:26.170 --> 00:22:30.990 But I think we we're realizing there's there's so few priests. 00:22:31.850 --> 00:22:32.330 Yeah? 00:22:32.330 --> 00:22:37.150 And priests have many obligations and duties, particularly parish priests. 00:22:37.945 --> 00:22:42.845 I think, you know, historically, religious priests have been more go tos for spiritual direction. 00:22:43.705 --> 00:22:47.565 But not all priests have that charism, and many laypeople do. 00:22:48.185 --> 00:22:49.245 I have a friend. 00:22:49.705 --> 00:22:51.485 I was giving him spiritual direction. 00:22:52.390 --> 00:22:54.570 And but then we became very close. 00:22:54.870 --> 00:22:58.150 And and we both realized, and he asked me first. 00:22:58.150 --> 00:22:59.030 He said, you know what? 00:22:59.030 --> 00:23:03.670 I think I really wanna foster this friendship, and so I need a new spiritual director. 00:23:03.670 --> 00:23:04.650 Can you help me? 00:23:05.045 --> 00:23:08.965 And and he said, I I would like a woman to be my spiritual director. 00:23:08.965 --> 00:23:16.025 He's married, happily married, and he said, I really feel like an older woman would be, at this point in my life, something good. 00:23:16.405 --> 00:23:20.505 So I was able to connect him with, with a classmate. 00:23:22.060 --> 00:23:33.280 And so I think this is it's very, exciting for the church, you know, because now there's a lot more possibilities for people to find, spiritual directors. 00:23:33.660 --> 00:23:34.880 Because it's a big commitment. 00:23:34.940 --> 00:23:41.195 Meeting with someone once a month for an hour, you know, for could be for years and years. 00:23:41.735 --> 00:23:41.895 Yeah. 00:23:41.895 --> 00:23:42.875 It's a big commitment. 00:23:43.175 --> 00:23:43.655 Yeah. 00:23:43.655 --> 00:23:43.895 Yeah. 00:23:43.895 --> 00:23:48.155 And multiple attend, directees as well, I would imagine. 00:23:48.910 --> 00:23:49.150 Yeah. 00:23:49.150 --> 00:23:49.230 Exactly. 00:23:49.230 --> 00:23:49.730 Yeah. 00:23:50.590 --> 00:23:51.090 Right. 00:23:51.710 --> 00:23:54.510 So I think it's, it's very hopeful. 00:23:54.510 --> 00:24:03.490 When I went to the residency and I I started meeting these wonderful people from all over the country, I got so excited because, Greg, I was thinking, they're gonna be forming saints. 00:24:04.435 --> 00:24:04.675 Yeah. 00:24:04.675 --> 00:24:11.895 They're gonna be churning out saint you know, trees of Avalon, Joan Joan of Arc, and Carlos Acutis. 00:24:12.195 --> 00:24:17.015 I mean, this is gonna be so wonderful for the church. 00:24:17.280 --> 00:24:17.600 Yeah. 00:24:17.600 --> 00:24:18.080 Yeah. 00:24:18.080 --> 00:24:22.560 And and even fostering their own, holiness as they're doing this. 00:24:22.560 --> 00:24:27.840 They're getting a better sense of God's mission for them and growing even deeper into it. 00:24:27.840 --> 00:24:30.740 So that's one of the other benefits to this sort of ministry. 00:24:31.735 --> 00:24:32.235 Great. 00:24:32.455 --> 00:24:36.075 I I mean, giving spiritual direction is so humbling. 00:24:36.215 --> 00:24:37.435 It's so beautiful. 00:24:39.095 --> 00:24:40.955 It's so sacred. 00:24:41.255 --> 00:24:57.555 And to see how people, were hearing God and responding to God and discovering God in the midst of really difficult situations is just it's awe inspiring. 00:24:57.935 --> 00:24:58.815 It really is. 00:24:58.815 --> 00:24:59.955 It's such a gift. 00:25:02.415 --> 00:25:02.915 Yeah. 00:25:03.535 --> 00:25:03.935 Yeah. 00:25:03.935 --> 00:25:04.755 That's great. 00:25:06.015 --> 00:25:25.745 So, you know, I'd like to talk a little bit more about the residencies too because it sounds like this has been almost the, I don't wanna say that the whole climax of the the program, but perhaps it was for you because this really is a point where students, they they come together. 00:25:25.745 --> 00:25:39.810 They get to know each other virtually through the online format, using Canvas, but then they actually get to see each other face to face for the first time, and they get to say, oh, it you know, here you are in front of me. 00:25:39.810 --> 00:25:41.830 We've been communicating this whole time. 00:25:41.970 --> 00:25:42.370 Yeah. 00:25:42.530 --> 00:25:45.110 And then now we get to actually do this together. 00:25:46.370 --> 00:26:20.060 But what's so great about this is that and it sounds like this is what you were alluding to, how everything that you've been learning, all of the content in the courses and all the reading material has been sort of leading up to this moment where, physically, you get to now, you know, in person, you get to now put into practice these skills and, everything that you've been really diving into in these mock spiritual direction sessions through role playing and getting to hear the lectures on campus. 00:26:22.485 --> 00:26:40.560 So, I mean, overall, it sounds like I I think you already said it pretty well, but just generally speaking, how have the residency's been, for you as a student, and how has this really allowed you to continue on through the program after you've completed the residencies? 00:26:41.740 --> 00:26:42.140 Yeah. 00:26:42.140 --> 00:26:46.640 I think the takeaway is that you you can't do this alone. 00:26:48.215 --> 00:26:58.155 You don't you can't be a spiritual director alone that we, you know, we all join this program, and then we got to know each other virtually. 00:26:58.455 --> 00:27:08.710 As you said, we arrived to campus, and there was an immediate bond because we were really stepping outside of the comfort zone big time. 00:27:09.090 --> 00:27:30.385 It's it was challenging when you sit down and and you pretend you're a directee and you have, you know, a professor there and and a couple of other classmates and you're sharing even though, you know, it's meant to be, like, you know, kind of made up in a sense. 00:27:31.170 --> 00:27:33.570 But there were tears because things come up. 00:27:33.570 --> 00:27:34.850 You just can't help it. 00:27:35.090 --> 00:27:46.310 And and the method that Divine Mercy University uses of this contemplative, evocative is is so powerful that it really puts you in contact with God. 00:27:46.555 --> 00:27:51.775 So we really bonded very quickly, and, that's continued. 00:27:52.875 --> 00:28:00.335 And and now post kinda as I get to the end of the certificate, I have one semester to go. 00:28:01.410 --> 00:28:14.850 Now I'm now we continue to meet in small groups, to, to encourage each other, to bounce ideas or situations that we've experienced, in spiritual direction. 00:28:14.850 --> 00:28:18.225 Obviously, you know, maintaining all the confidentiality. 00:28:20.125 --> 00:28:22.705 But the sense that, yeah, you can't you don't wanna do this alone. 00:28:22.925 --> 00:28:25.505 And the others just they're so inspiring. 00:28:25.645 --> 00:28:30.850 They're holy holy people who are trying and and had these had this gift. 00:28:31.150 --> 00:28:32.830 And it was fun, Greg. 00:28:32.830 --> 00:28:44.050 We had a lot of laughs, some tears, but it was it really became a family, and we continue to support each other and pray for each other. 00:28:44.805 --> 00:28:47.845 And and it wasn't for everyone too. 00:28:47.845 --> 00:28:53.625 I mean, it was clear, in the residency that there were some there who had other gifts. 00:28:54.325 --> 00:28:54.825 Yeah. 00:28:55.205 --> 00:28:57.125 But they were still benefiting a lot. 00:28:57.125 --> 00:29:01.340 God wanted them there, and they were giving their best. 00:29:02.440 --> 00:29:16.005 So, you know, I would really encourage anyone who who does feel moved to do the course to do it, whether or not ultimately you end up discerning that that is your charism. 00:29:17.025 --> 00:29:18.725 You just get so much out of it. 00:29:18.785 --> 00:29:30.630 And and the the listening skills help in every relationship that we have, whether it's with God or our spouse, the people that we live and work with. 00:29:30.690 --> 00:29:34.950 So, yeah, the residency was was really beautiful. 00:29:35.570 --> 00:29:38.310 And so helpful to have the professors right there, Greg. 00:29:38.610 --> 00:29:38.930 You know? 00:29:38.930 --> 00:29:44.375 I mean, doctor Mussel White, fellow, fellow Pietro Paoli, and others. 00:29:46.435 --> 00:30:02.720 It was great just to to listen to them and to have them, you know, in real time, give you feedback as you were directing in these sessions, and then to hang out with them during the meals and and after class and pray with them, that was very helpful. 00:30:04.540 --> 00:30:05.040 Yeah. 00:30:05.500 --> 00:30:05.980 Great. 00:30:05.980 --> 00:30:07.120 That's very good. 00:30:07.445 --> 00:30:21.205 And, I I also appreciate how you had mentioned that there are some people that go through the program and they get more clarity on maybe where they should be going, in in what God's calling them to. 00:30:21.205 --> 00:30:31.020 And and sometimes they go into the program and they think that this is actually what God is calling them to and, which is fine. 00:30:31.020 --> 00:30:35.680 Sometimes it takes a little bit of trial and error to figure out what God is saying to us. 00:30:35.980 --> 00:30:36.140 Mhmm. 00:30:36.620 --> 00:30:42.155 And many times they'll, they'll get a little bit more clarity. 00:30:42.155 --> 00:30:44.235 Oh, this isn't really what I'm meant to be doing. 00:30:44.235 --> 00:30:46.235 I should actually be doing this. 00:30:46.235 --> 00:30:49.455 Maybe I should be teaching rather than being a spiritual director. 00:30:50.580 --> 00:30:52.820 So, you know, I even wanna highlight very quickly. 00:30:52.820 --> 00:30:57.160 Let me scroll up because these are the courses that students take. 00:30:58.900 --> 00:31:13.995 But, you know, the first three courses are mostly designed I mean, there's a lot of great content in here and get a sense of human development, your second course, and how it's going to relate within the context of spiritual direction. 00:31:15.175 --> 00:31:25.330 But the first three courses are also designed to help those who are still in their discernment process of what their ministry should be. 00:31:26.110 --> 00:31:43.675 And so I always encourage people that if they really believe that spiritual direction is the the, the ministry that they're called to, but they're still trying to be sure of that, the the the first three courses can really help in providing that clarity. 00:31:44.695 --> 00:31:49.270 But not only that, it's not like they're taking it, and it's all for naught. 00:31:49.810 --> 00:31:58.870 These are, these are skills and and this is education that will apply into different, different sorts of ministries. 00:31:59.170 --> 00:32:16.015 So whether you come to realize that you're actually meant to be a catechist or maybe working within parish counseling, outside of spiritual direction or whatever it may be, what you're learning really will overlap into these other sorts of directions. 00:32:16.635 --> 00:32:30.955 So something I like to highlight to people, many times they just need a little bit more clarity on, is this going to benefit them only in spiritual direction or can it carry over? 00:32:30.955 --> 00:32:34.335 And, the first three courses are especially designed for that. 00:32:35.755 --> 00:32:36.075 Yeah. 00:32:36.075 --> 00:32:37.455 Nothing's wasted, Greg. 00:32:37.515 --> 00:32:42.495 I mean, like I told you at the beginning, I I did a it was a two months. 00:32:42.980 --> 00:32:43.300 Oh, no. 00:32:43.300 --> 00:32:46.360 I think one month course in YouTubing. 00:32:47.300 --> 00:32:54.020 And, you know, at the end of it, it was very clear this was not for me, but I got a lot out of it. 00:32:54.020 --> 00:32:54.340 Yeah. 00:32:54.340 --> 00:33:00.005 And it actually helped me discern or take another step in that discernment. 00:33:01.265 --> 00:33:12.780 So, yeah, I would, you know, I think many many priests have been encouraged to take this course, and and I would say, absolutely, do it. 00:33:13.100 --> 00:33:24.400 Ultimately, it may not be your charism, but you will get so much out of it for your own spiritual life and and these listening skills and the discernment. 00:33:26.385 --> 00:33:26.885 Yeah. 00:33:27.505 --> 00:33:27.985 Great. 00:33:27.985 --> 00:33:28.725 Very good. 00:33:29.185 --> 00:33:31.345 And I like how you put that. 00:33:31.345 --> 00:33:32.245 Nothing's wasted. 00:33:33.985 --> 00:33:37.765 Just very, very simply put, but very accurate to that. 00:33:38.460 --> 00:33:39.360 So good. 00:33:40.060 --> 00:34:02.355 You know, just looking at the time, what I'd like to do is just share a little bit more about what to expect in the program, you know, all of the little details of the time commitment and the you had mentioned that there are these breaks between the courses, and I wanna go a little bit more into that, especially because I think for many people, that can be a deciding factor. 00:34:02.415 --> 00:34:04.195 Can they commit the time? 00:34:05.150 --> 00:34:08.670 So I'm just gonna take a moment to share a little bit more about this. 00:34:08.670 --> 00:34:19.090 And, father Simon, again, if if you have any thoughts or anything that you'd like to contribute as in doing this, please, I I'd love to hear, just from your own experience as a student. 00:34:20.745 --> 00:34:36.240 So, for all of the students that are considering this, the first thing I'll mention, as we showed below, there are six courses that every student takes, and they take courses one at a time. 00:34:36.240 --> 00:34:38.820 So you're not taking multiples at a time. 00:34:39.520 --> 00:34:43.840 It's really paced in a sort of in a breathable way. 00:34:44.160 --> 00:34:47.620 There's a lot of breathing room between the courses that you're taking. 00:34:48.315 --> 00:34:54.095 But students are taking them one at a time, and they're all done online, of course. 00:34:54.555 --> 00:34:57.615 But not only that, they're also done primarily asynchronously. 00:34:58.475 --> 00:35:10.880 So in other words, I think for a lot of people, they think of an online program as being a collection of students, the cohort logging into Zoom at 12:00 or 02:00 or whatever the time may be. 00:35:11.740 --> 00:35:13.260 And that's not so much that. 00:35:13.260 --> 00:35:27.485 I believe there's some, a few moments in the program where there's some group work, and so the students do communicate with each other on when to do those, but that's, a little bit more rare. 00:35:27.545 --> 00:35:40.970 The majority of it would be the students logging into discussion boards through the can the the, platform we use is Canvas, which I found to be the most user friendly of my experiences with online education. 00:35:42.470 --> 00:35:44.810 But they're logging in through discussion boards. 00:35:44.950 --> 00:35:50.345 There are the reading materials, the modules that they'll have access to. 00:35:51.045 --> 00:36:03.480 And so this makes it much more, accessible to those that maybe have a busy home life or busy work life or busy work within ministry. 00:36:03.940 --> 00:36:10.040 And so that's one of the other reasons why we offer these courses online and asynchronously. 00:36:11.860 --> 00:36:17.215 But along with that, we we talked about the few face to face components. 00:36:17.355 --> 00:36:23.755 One would be the residencies, and I'll talk a little bit more on that once I jump back to the other slide. 00:36:23.755 --> 00:36:27.055 But they happen twice in the program, and they're spaced apart. 00:36:27.115 --> 00:36:32.750 And we make sure that the students know once in advance when and, when they will take place. 00:36:33.930 --> 00:36:38.030 But the other face to face component would be the practicum hours. 00:36:38.410 --> 00:36:44.855 And the practicum is really sort of the this is what it all leads up to. 00:36:44.855 --> 00:36:52.235 This is where you as a student, as you're completing your last two courses, will begin working with directees. 00:36:52.615 --> 00:37:10.610 You'll be working as a spiritual director, whether it's within your parish or within your apostolate or, stutters within your diocese and offering that direction and and logging those hours with a, a supervisor, which will be one of your instructors. 00:37:12.275 --> 00:37:18.055 So these two parts would be done, of course, face to face while all the courses are done online. 00:37:19.635 --> 00:37:32.710 Father Simon, if I may actually ask since I had mentioned the practicum, what has been your experience now that you are you're jump you're about to jump into your last course in January. 00:37:34.690 --> 00:37:38.790 So what has been your experience once you've actually begun your practicum hours? 00:37:41.845 --> 00:37:47.765 My experience of the the practicum is well, maybe we could explain that. 00:37:47.765 --> 00:37:48.005 Right? 00:37:48.005 --> 00:38:11.485 So the practicum is where you you start to give spiritual direction, and then you, you log those hours because you can't graduate the program until you've completed, I think, sixty hours of spiritual direction. 00:38:12.425 --> 00:38:20.100 And, as part of that, we we enter, once a month into what's called a supervision. 00:38:20.960 --> 00:38:38.295 It's more like a spiritual director circle where you come in, to a Zoom meeting, and one of the group would take turns to present part of a spiritual direction that we've had, again, maintaining all the confidentiality and changing names and so forth. 00:38:39.875 --> 00:38:47.340 But that's been really helpful to just to learn to listen to others. 00:38:48.280 --> 00:38:53.880 Not so much about what the direct key says, but it's more about how you react as a spiritual director. 00:38:53.880 --> 00:39:02.445 What's going on inside of you, because, you know, we we all have feelings and thoughts, and we can be provoked. 00:39:02.445 --> 00:39:18.190 And, so it really helps it's helped me to go to learn more and more in in real time, having others reflect on on how I've handled the situation and then learning from others as they share their experiences. 00:39:18.890 --> 00:39:20.830 It's been wonderfully helpful. 00:39:21.290 --> 00:39:32.085 And in fact, I'll continue to do that, you know, post graduation because it's just a no brainer that, you know, you can't do this alone. 00:39:33.505 --> 00:39:44.190 And to have a group where you can come in and and just check-in and and bounce difficult situations off or or just share the joy as well. 00:39:44.490 --> 00:40:11.580 It's, it's not I guess, as we were explaining that there's no governing body for spiritual direct directors out there, but it seems like a a very best ethical practice that at least Divine Mercy University highly encourages that we continue these, spiritual director circles or supervision as we continue in our ministry. 00:40:11.640 --> 00:40:13.400 Just like any counselor would. 00:40:13.400 --> 00:40:20.620 I think in counseling, there is an an a requirement to do that, but I'll continue to do that. 00:40:21.265 --> 00:40:21.765 Yeah. 00:40:22.065 --> 00:40:22.565 Yeah. 00:40:22.785 --> 00:40:23.285 Great. 00:40:23.345 --> 00:40:23.825 Very good. 00:40:23.825 --> 00:40:32.885 And I'll also mention that, because you're right that that they every student must complete sixty hours logged of their practicum. 00:40:33.985 --> 00:40:39.390 But sometimes they'll ask, what if it's taking me a little bit more time? 00:40:39.390 --> 00:40:40.930 Because I only have one directee. 00:40:41.870 --> 00:40:45.650 We can always, as a university, extend it a little bit more for you. 00:40:45.790 --> 00:40:54.345 So, I don't want you to feel like there's this clock that's ticking so loudly that it must be done precisely at a certain point. 00:40:54.805 --> 00:40:57.065 As a university, we will accommodate. 00:40:57.765 --> 00:41:04.585 We're happy to be a little bit more flexible to that, so I wouldn't be too concerned about that sort of thing either. 00:41:06.620 --> 00:41:07.120 Great. 00:41:07.180 --> 00:41:07.920 Very good. 00:41:09.100 --> 00:41:13.360 And, again, I'll just highlight the different courses that students take. 00:41:13.980 --> 00:41:17.680 And, these are all six of them, and they're also sequential. 00:41:17.820 --> 00:41:19.680 So you're taking them in this order. 00:41:20.595 --> 00:41:26.615 So, of course, there's ongoing conversion, deepening discipleship, and the foundations of spiritual direction. 00:41:27.235 --> 00:41:30.295 The second course is human development for spiritual direction. 00:41:31.155 --> 00:41:40.120 The third course is relating skills for spiritual direction, and this is where the first residency falls, and that happens during week seven. 00:41:40.740 --> 00:41:48.495 So that's about, I believe, roughly ten months from the whole start of the program if you're taking them without any sort of break. 00:41:49.215 --> 00:41:55.475 So, again, there's a lot of space between when you start and when the residencies fall. 00:41:56.015 --> 00:42:02.515 And and, again, we make sure that students know well in advance when they happen so they can let their employers or their families know. 00:42:03.700 --> 00:42:05.300 So the second or the excuse me. 00:42:05.300 --> 00:42:10.440 The fourth, course is discernment and spiritual growth theory and practice. 00:42:11.220 --> 00:42:14.840 The fifth one is advanced spiritual direction skills and practicum. 00:42:15.715 --> 00:42:21.235 And, again, this is where the second residency will happen, and that will happen during week two. 00:42:21.235 --> 00:42:24.775 And this is a launch into your practicum hours. 00:42:24.995 --> 00:42:28.135 So this is actually where those practicum hours will begin. 00:42:28.950 --> 00:42:33.130 And then the last course is advanced prayer and situations. 00:42:34.790 --> 00:42:36.710 So, again, they happen in this order. 00:42:36.710 --> 00:42:45.105 And, for the guests here, if you're curious about a little bit more about what each of these entail, we have the course descriptions on our website. 00:42:45.105 --> 00:42:49.685 You're more than welcome to to view that just to get a good sense of the content. 00:42:50.385 --> 00:42:50.625 Great. 00:42:50.625 --> 00:42:55.685 Maybe I can, highlight one thing too as well is the is the cost. 00:42:56.840 --> 00:43:07.240 Is I have a feeling the divine mercy program is, of all the spiritual direction programs out there, which I think there are not an insignificant number. 00:43:07.240 --> 00:43:10.460 Maybe it maybe a dozen in The United States. 00:43:11.435 --> 00:43:15.775 I have a feeling that the DMU course is probably on the more expensive side. 00:43:17.835 --> 00:43:25.455 But I as a as a student, I would, really I mean, obviously, I I'm I'm biased. 00:43:26.070 --> 00:43:53.825 But I think what the Divine Mercy University spiritual direction certificate brings to the table is a it's coming out of this Divine Mercy University, which started as a school of psychology, which in which is integrating, the Catholic understanding of the human person with all these wonderful new insights into psychology and how our psychology works. 00:43:54.845 --> 00:43:58.760 And and then now there's also a school of counseling. 00:44:00.660 --> 00:44:05.780 So the divine mercy, spiritual direction certificates coming out of that. 00:44:05.780 --> 00:44:19.375 So there is a wonderful foundation that we receive from, even our professors who who are trained psychologists, who are trained counselors, who are priests. 00:44:20.475 --> 00:44:26.150 So it's, I think, a very complete program. 00:44:26.210 --> 00:44:44.275 There's a lot of spiritual theology, but there's this really wonderful gift of the the the understanding of the human person, which, is is, is a great gift that we've received from, you know, the growth in the psychological sciences. 00:44:45.135 --> 00:44:51.315 But, obviously, coming from a a a Christian understanding, a Christian anthropology. 00:44:52.350 --> 00:44:57.950 And so, I know there's scholarships available, for the course. 00:44:57.950 --> 00:45:03.550 I mean, I I asked friends and family to help me, get through this course. 00:45:03.550 --> 00:45:05.010 Obviously, I don't I'm not paid. 00:45:05.695 --> 00:45:16.195 I don't have my own money, but, it's it was actually a wonderful way for people to to help my ministry to to give to to my studies. 00:45:16.575 --> 00:45:21.380 And so, yeah, just just to to say it was definitely worth the money. 00:45:22.480 --> 00:45:22.800 Yeah. 00:45:22.800 --> 00:45:27.360 You know, and I I'm I'm really glad you brought that up too because, you're right. 00:45:27.360 --> 00:45:41.555 There there are, a fair amount of spiritual direction programs out there, and, some of them are maybe a little bit less than the, in as far as price range, but this program is very unique. 00:45:41.935 --> 00:46:09.325 And so if if you're looking for something that's going to have a little bit more depth and also provide that integrative component of giving the students a foundational understanding of the human mind, but how that's going to relate in the context of spiritual direction, that's something that we are offering and we're equipping the spiritual directors into doing once they go into this, into this ministry. 00:46:10.185 --> 00:46:24.170 And it's a very powerful thing to have, especially if, you know, imagine and this happens sometimes where spiritual director is working with someone that has gone through some sort of intense trauma and crisis in his life. 00:46:24.870 --> 00:46:40.405 And, having the ability to even speak to that, and, of course, not in not as a as a therapist because spiritual direction is not therapy, but still having the ability to speak to that as the spiritual director, can be challenging. 00:46:40.465 --> 00:46:47.540 But we are really the the goal is to to equip our students into having the ability to do that. 00:46:47.680 --> 00:47:10.235 And then if if if necessary, properly refer them to a licensed professional if that's needed because of the insight that you've gotten in the program, because you have gotten a little bit more clarity on, psychology and how it's going to affect you, in this sort of ministry and working with them. 00:47:10.615 --> 00:47:13.195 So, yeah, I I think you put it very well. 00:47:13.575 --> 00:47:15.755 This this really is a unique program. 00:47:16.780 --> 00:47:32.055 There are a lot of great spiritual direction programs out there, but for those that want something with that component, that integrative component, also including Ignatian spirituality, Franciscan spirituality, Saint John of the Cross. 00:47:33.235 --> 00:47:37.255 This is something that we're we're offering all of the students as they go through this. 00:47:40.275 --> 00:47:40.595 Great. 00:47:40.595 --> 00:47:41.335 Very good. 00:47:42.915 --> 00:47:43.735 Let's see. 00:47:43.875 --> 00:47:46.055 You know, we had talked about the courses. 00:47:46.435 --> 00:47:51.850 I also mentioned very quickly about the residencies, and we went to great detail of this. 00:47:51.850 --> 00:47:57.950 But, the the course the the residencies do happen on campus. 00:47:58.170 --> 00:48:03.435 We're located in Sterling, Virginia, so that's about a forty five minute drive outside of DC. 00:48:04.615 --> 00:48:11.495 But for students that fly in, they're flying in through Dulles, and Dulles is about a five minute drive from the campus. 00:48:11.495 --> 00:48:12.635 It's very close. 00:48:12.775 --> 00:48:15.755 You're not having to jump on the highway to get to campus. 00:48:16.420 --> 00:48:17.720 It's right around the corner. 00:48:18.020 --> 00:48:22.200 And then also students are lodged next door to Marriott Hotel. 00:48:22.820 --> 00:48:30.035 I believe it's actually close enough that some of the students will just walk from the hotel to the campus if they prefer to do that. 00:48:30.035 --> 00:48:30.515 Oh, yeah. 00:48:30.515 --> 00:48:30.915 Yeah. 00:48:30.915 --> 00:48:36.115 In fact, Greg, you know, arriving to Dallas Airport, we just hopped on a shuttle. 00:48:36.115 --> 00:48:39.015 We got taken straight to the hotel just five minutes away. 00:48:39.155 --> 00:48:39.395 Yeah. 00:48:39.395 --> 00:48:41.955 And then each morning, we would just walk over. 00:48:41.955 --> 00:48:46.310 It was about a five minute walk to the DMU University. 00:48:46.370 --> 00:48:48.550 So it was very easy in that sense. 00:48:48.770 --> 00:48:49.270 Yeah. 00:48:49.570 --> 00:48:49.890 Yeah. 00:48:49.890 --> 00:48:53.890 It's I that's something that a lot of them say how thankful they are for. 00:48:53.890 --> 00:48:58.950 Just that convenience of, everything being so so close together. 00:49:00.935 --> 00:49:14.870 So along with that, let's see, the the residencies happen from it officially launches on a Wednesday evening, but that's more of a social event where the students are just gathering together with the instructors. 00:49:15.730 --> 00:49:17.030 We host dinner here. 00:49:17.330 --> 00:49:22.390 They cover, very quickly what's to expect between Thursday and Sunday. 00:49:22.530 --> 00:49:32.515 Thursday morning is when everything officially launches where you have your lectures and your group sessions, and then that goes into Sunday, around lunchtime. 00:49:33.535 --> 00:49:35.375 And we offer the sacraments here. 00:49:35.375 --> 00:49:37.635 Mass is always offered every day. 00:49:38.575 --> 00:49:45.500 And, again, this is just a great ex experience for the students to finally get together and do this at the same time. 00:49:47.720 --> 00:49:53.340 Oh, and one last thing about the residencies because this is a common question that people have. 00:49:54.040 --> 00:49:58.440 What if I can't make it because, there's an event going on? 00:49:58.440 --> 00:50:03.295 What if the first residency is going to happen when I have a wedding to go to? 00:50:03.295 --> 00:50:06.275 Or what if an emergency happens and I just can't make it? 00:50:06.815 --> 00:50:07.935 That's fine. 00:50:07.935 --> 00:50:08.755 Life happens. 00:50:10.575 --> 00:50:16.200 Things that we celebrate happen, things that are difficult happen, and we need to attend to those. 00:50:17.060 --> 00:50:20.980 And we understand that students get a leave of absence if they want to. 00:50:20.980 --> 00:50:25.240 They can in fact, every student has three leave of absences they can use. 00:50:25.620 --> 00:50:38.715 And so if a residency is going to happen at a point where, you know, you just won't be able to make that because of a more important pressing matter, then you can certainly use a leave of absence and pause the program. 00:50:38.715 --> 00:50:45.930 And then when you're ready to jump back into it, you could certainly get reinstated and and move on when you're ready. 00:50:47.510 --> 00:50:47.750 Yeah. 00:50:47.750 --> 00:50:50.970 I I found the the flexibility very helpful. 00:50:51.430 --> 00:50:55.850 I had a family emergency, pop up. 00:50:57.030 --> 00:51:08.305 I had already had my tickets for the second residency, and and I and they I was able to postpone, that that semester. 00:51:09.405 --> 00:51:12.385 I traveled had to travel back home to New Zealand. 00:51:13.005 --> 00:51:21.940 And, actually, my my mother got very sick, and I was able to spend, a week with her before she passed. 00:51:22.240 --> 00:51:27.520 And all the folks who were at the residency, my friends, they were praying, and I was keeping them up to date. 00:51:27.520 --> 00:51:29.540 So I felt very supported by that. 00:51:30.545 --> 00:51:36.725 And then the administration was very supportive and and allowed me to take that leave of absence. 00:51:37.585 --> 00:51:48.770 And I found too, Greg, that god's timing is perfect, that, you know, when I'm in session, I I I find the time. 00:51:48.770 --> 00:51:49.750 I have the time. 00:51:50.050 --> 00:51:54.130 When I'm not studying, whether that's two months break, I'm thinking, how do they ever study? 00:51:54.130 --> 00:51:56.210 There's always so much going on. 00:51:56.210 --> 00:51:56.710 Right? 00:51:56.945 --> 00:51:58.725 But god but god is good. 00:51:59.025 --> 00:52:04.705 And and even when I had to travel, it was amazing how, things always worked out. 00:52:04.705 --> 00:52:08.805 I always had that little that gap, to to read. 00:52:10.500 --> 00:52:13.460 And it pushed me too even, you know, sometimes I was on the plane. 00:52:13.460 --> 00:52:17.060 I was, you know, reading away there, but it was good. 00:52:17.060 --> 00:52:25.135 It really, it pushed me in a good way, and and god was was behind the whole thing to making making things happen. 00:52:25.515 --> 00:52:26.015 Yeah. 00:52:27.195 --> 00:52:27.595 Great. 00:52:27.595 --> 00:52:28.095 Great. 00:52:28.875 --> 00:52:29.375 Yeah. 00:52:29.435 --> 00:52:31.115 I appreciate you sharing that. 00:52:32.075 --> 00:52:38.670 It it also just speaks to the community that people gain when they're active in this program with their cohort. 00:52:39.210 --> 00:52:40.350 So very good. 00:52:42.090 --> 00:52:47.070 So I also wanna share very quickly the time commitment, the time frame of the program. 00:52:47.850 --> 00:52:50.030 So it's a two year program in total. 00:52:50.675 --> 00:52:56.455 And as I mentioned earlier, students are taking one course at a time, so one course per term. 00:52:57.635 --> 00:53:11.170 And, usually and this is not set in stone, but as far as course work, or time that they're putting in per week, usually, it's somewhere between six to nine hours, maybe seven to ten. 00:53:11.630 --> 00:53:16.750 It could vary based on the student, their learning style, and, and that sort of thing. 00:53:16.750 --> 00:53:18.430 It could also depend on the course. 00:53:18.430 --> 00:53:21.685 Some of the information might be familiar to you. 00:53:21.685 --> 00:53:23.045 You might be able to breeze through that. 00:53:23.045 --> 00:53:27.465 There might be other courses where it might be a little bit more dense or brand new information. 00:53:28.245 --> 00:53:34.770 But generally speaking, I would say if you're looking into this program, to look at your own schedule. 00:53:34.990 --> 00:53:44.690 See if you could commit around nine hours per week, if that would be doable for you, if there's any sort of flexibility in your schedule that would permit that. 00:53:44.990 --> 00:53:53.075 And if so, then, and this is something that you're called to, then I'd be happy to go a little bit more deeper with you on a, one on one. 00:53:54.495 --> 00:53:58.995 Now along with that, we had mentioned that there is breathing room between the courses. 00:53:59.055 --> 00:53:59.955 There are breaks. 00:54:00.015 --> 00:54:06.000 So the pattern goes that students take one eight week course, and then they jump into a break. 00:54:06.000 --> 00:54:12.820 And that break happens for about eight, nine, ten weeks depending on where we are in the academic calendar. 00:54:13.920 --> 00:54:19.895 But this does give some, again, some breathing room. 00:54:19.955 --> 00:54:22.135 These breaks happen during major holidays. 00:54:22.275 --> 00:54:33.310 So during holy week, during Christmas week, during Thanksgiving, also during the summer from July until August, there's going to be some downtime. 00:54:34.170 --> 00:54:39.070 But this also serves as a good point for students to replenish their funds. 00:54:39.450 --> 00:54:54.335 So you're not having to pay course by course nonstop for the courses that you're taking, but these breaks will give you a chance to, really build back the, expenses as you're going through this since it's a pay as you go program. 00:54:55.850 --> 00:54:59.050 Is there a question there in the chat for you? 00:54:59.050 --> 00:54:59.450 Yeah. 00:54:59.450 --> 00:55:00.670 So let's see. 00:55:00.810 --> 00:55:02.190 I'd be happy to answer that. 00:55:03.690 --> 00:55:12.985 So Dan says, it sounds like father is able to do spiritual direction without yet completing the course and receiving his certificate. 00:55:13.205 --> 00:55:14.105 Is that correct? 00:55:15.285 --> 00:55:15.605 Yeah. 00:55:15.605 --> 00:55:28.320 I mean, the in fact, let me say the spiritual direction itself is not a ministry where you have to apply for certification the same way that a counselor needs to apply for licensure. 00:55:29.420 --> 00:55:35.440 So there's no sort of officiality in that sense where you have to apply through the diocese or through a parish. 00:55:36.220 --> 00:55:49.035 In this case, once you complete the program, what you're doing is earning a completion a certificate of completion, but it shows the credentials that you know how to proceed as a spiritual director. 00:55:50.070 --> 00:55:57.690 So we have people that go into this program that are active spiritual directors, but they go into this because they want more formal training. 00:55:58.630 --> 00:56:03.935 But also, again, before you even graduate, you do have your practicum. 00:56:04.075 --> 00:56:14.735 So that's actually a required part where you will be active as a spiritual director before completing the program, and as a tool to get you into the completion stage. 00:56:17.090 --> 00:56:18.390 That's right, Greg. 00:56:18.530 --> 00:56:19.030 Yeah. 00:56:19.330 --> 00:56:34.025 From, the May so the so the fifth term the fifth of six terms of the certificate, that's when, we're really encouraged to to start, offering spiritual direction. 00:56:34.325 --> 00:56:46.840 Although, like you say, I mean, I was already giving spiritual direction, beforehand, although I I'm kind of almost ashamed of not ashamed. 00:56:46.840 --> 00:56:48.120 I'm sure God worked through me. 00:56:48.120 --> 00:56:55.580 But now knowing you know, having learning so much about what it truly is, I'm almost a bit embarrassed. 00:56:55.720 --> 00:56:56.540 But yes. 00:56:56.680 --> 00:57:09.935 And and like you say, you know, there's no governing body, and and people people are probably already approaching you asking for advice or or looking for counsel. 00:57:11.270 --> 00:57:20.490 And so but, yeah, like, in terms of the spiritual action certificate, from the fifth term on, that's when, you know, we're really encouraged. 00:57:20.550 --> 00:57:24.890 And and like I said, that's when God started really sending people to me to help. 00:57:27.185 --> 00:57:29.425 So this really is a God thing. 00:57:29.425 --> 00:57:35.925 And I had some classmates who who got all anxious and wanted to make business cards, and I'm a spiritual director. 00:57:36.225 --> 00:57:42.890 But from what I remember in the in the course and in my experiences, like, you don't need to worry about that. 00:57:42.890 --> 00:57:46.110 God will send you the people he wants to send you. 00:57:46.810 --> 00:57:48.750 You don't need to be going advertising. 00:57:51.865 --> 00:57:53.245 So Yeah. 00:57:53.625 --> 00:57:54.105 Yeah. 00:57:54.105 --> 00:57:54.585 Good. 00:57:54.585 --> 00:57:55.885 Does that help, Dan? 00:57:56.265 --> 00:57:56.505 Yeah. 00:57:56.505 --> 00:57:56.825 Okay. 00:57:56.825 --> 00:57:57.885 He says thank you. 00:57:58.025 --> 00:57:58.505 Yes. 00:57:58.505 --> 00:57:58.985 Great. 00:57:58.985 --> 00:58:00.205 Great question, Dan. 00:58:01.305 --> 00:58:04.130 So, you know, we're we're coming to the top of the hour. 00:58:04.130 --> 00:58:10.630 I wanna make sure I'm being sensitive to everyone's time, but, I'd love to open up the floor for any other questions. 00:58:12.850 --> 00:58:17.975 So, you know, as I'm opening up the floor, I'll just share very quickly the cost as well. 00:58:18.435 --> 00:58:26.215 And, so as you're seeing in front of you and by the way, I do wanna highlight there is room to bring the cost per course down. 00:58:27.870 --> 00:58:34.930 But the cost as you're seeing it in front of you with $7.78 per course, and each residency is a thousand. 00:58:35.710 --> 00:58:38.210 And that thousand will cover your lodging. 00:58:38.270 --> 00:58:40.350 It'll cover most of your meals. 00:58:40.350 --> 00:58:41.650 It'll cover your materials. 00:58:42.035 --> 00:58:51.255 So I believe the only thing that the students are responsible for would be their travel and, three dinners while they're here for the residencies. 00:58:51.955 --> 00:58:53.735 But everything else is covered there. 00:58:54.835 --> 00:58:57.780 As far as the cost per course, it can be reduced. 00:58:58.020 --> 00:59:05.080 If you work in ministry, if you and by that, I mean, even if you're a volunteer with your parish. 00:59:05.620 --> 00:59:10.360 So you don't have to be a consecrated person, a priest, or anything like that. 00:59:11.165 --> 00:59:14.305 Though if you are, that's room to bring the cost down. 00:59:15.085 --> 00:59:21.905 But even if you are a parishioner and you're in good standing with your parish, we can bring the cost down by 10%. 00:59:22.125 --> 00:59:24.520 So that would bring it down to about 700. 00:59:24.520 --> 00:59:33.660 So if that's you, if you fit into that, let me know, and we can we can discuss how we can move forward in reducing the cost for you. 00:59:35.000 --> 00:59:40.055 And again, Greg, I would just say, you know, if god really wants this, like, he'll provide. 00:59:41.155 --> 00:59:46.215 Because you're looking at, like I mean, all up, it's, like, $10,000 to do to do the course. 00:59:46.835 --> 00:59:47.955 And Yeah. 00:59:47.955 --> 00:59:49.235 Well, I'd say less than that. 00:59:49.235 --> 00:59:52.850 Probably about 6 and a half, looking at it. 00:59:52.850 --> 00:59:55.430 I mean, depending on aside from the courses. 00:59:55.730 --> 00:59:56.050 Yeah. 00:59:56.050 --> 00:59:57.250 Maybe a little bit less. 00:59:57.250 --> 00:59:57.750 Yeah. 00:59:58.610 --> 00:59:59.090 But yeah. 00:59:59.090 --> 01:00:08.645 Got Father Simon, it looks like you froze. 01:00:14.785 --> 01:00:15.285 Okay. 01:00:16.530 --> 01:00:17.410 Sorry, father Simon. 01:00:17.410 --> 01:00:18.450 It looks like you froze. 01:00:18.450 --> 01:00:26.950 I'm gonna wait a moment, just to make sure. 01:00:28.450 --> 01:00:28.950 Okay. 01:00:35.105 --> 01:00:35.605 Okay. 01:00:35.905 --> 01:00:40.965 Well, father Simon, it looks like he froze there in the middle of what you were saying. 01:00:41.585 --> 01:00:50.850 Hopefully, you'll jump back in, but I and I don't know if you can hear me right now, but it looks like he's gonna jump back in. 01:00:51.010 --> 01:00:54.950 But I'll I'll share for everybody, that's here. 01:00:55.490 --> 01:01:01.565 We do have a start date coming up for January 11, and, so that's going to be our spring term. 01:01:01.565 --> 01:01:02.845 We're still enrolling for that. 01:01:02.845 --> 01:01:04.305 There's still time to apply. 01:01:05.085 --> 01:01:12.145 I would suggest submitting an application, because it will, at the very least, reserve a seat for you for the next cohort. 01:01:12.445 --> 01:01:14.465 So I would do that sooner than later. 01:01:15.000 --> 01:01:17.160 If it turns out we need to defer you, that's fine. 01:01:17.160 --> 01:01:18.140 We can do that. 01:01:19.080 --> 01:01:23.000 And we even have a code for the application form. 01:01:23.000 --> 01:01:25.960 Usually, it's $25, but we can waive it for you. 01:01:25.960 --> 01:01:31.645 So there's a there's a code in the, the bottom red screen. 01:01:31.865 --> 01:01:33.245 Father Simon's return. 01:01:33.305 --> 01:01:33.705 Great. 01:01:33.705 --> 01:01:34.345 Very good. 01:01:34.345 --> 01:01:34.825 Yeah. 01:01:34.825 --> 01:01:35.965 The close there. 01:01:36.505 --> 01:01:37.065 I know. 01:01:37.065 --> 01:01:40.285 The the the the Internet drops here in Silicon Valley. 01:01:41.545 --> 01:01:42.285 Go figure. 01:01:43.790 --> 01:01:44.190 Good. 01:01:44.430 --> 01:01:45.710 And you were in the middle of something. 01:01:45.710 --> 01:01:51.330 Was there any I just wanted to give you a chance to finish your thought for everyone. 01:01:51.550 --> 01:01:52.030 Oh, yes. 01:01:52.030 --> 01:01:52.590 Thank you. 01:01:52.590 --> 01:01:58.075 What I was just saying, you know, it's a it's a beautiful ministry of spiritual direction. 01:01:58.215 --> 01:01:59.915 Obviously, we're not doing it for the money. 01:02:00.695 --> 01:02:07.675 I mean, I don't I don't charge if people want to to help me out with a stipend that's certainly accepted. 01:02:09.410 --> 01:02:11.830 So I really think it's a god thing, Craig. 01:02:12.130 --> 01:02:21.270 And, obviously, we need to pay the professors and the facility and but god god provides for sure. 01:02:21.555 --> 01:02:21.795 Yeah. 01:02:21.795 --> 01:02:28.135 So I I wouldn't let the, the fees be a deterrent, to anyone. 01:02:29.235 --> 01:02:29.735 Yeah. 01:02:29.955 --> 01:02:30.275 Yeah. 01:02:30.275 --> 01:02:37.280 And, again, for for everyone that's here and that will see this, because I know that could be a deciding factor. 01:02:37.280 --> 01:02:38.260 Is this affordable? 01:02:38.400 --> 01:02:42.180 Will this, can I make can this be doable? 01:02:42.400 --> 01:02:43.600 Have a conversation with me. 01:02:43.600 --> 01:02:48.260 I'm I'm happy to discuss what this will actually look like course by course. 01:02:49.725 --> 01:02:58.145 I'd love to hear about what sort of obstacles that you could be going into, you know, share as much as as you're comfortable sharing regarding the finances. 01:02:58.845 --> 01:03:01.790 But, again, this is something that can be done. 01:03:02.890 --> 01:03:03.870 So yeah. 01:03:05.210 --> 01:03:13.070 So we are about five minutes past the, past the hour, so we went a little bit further than intended. 01:03:13.130 --> 01:03:18.435 But, again, I'll just share that the the next start date is January 11. 01:03:18.815 --> 01:03:22.675 If you're interested in applying, I'd be happy to walk you through that process. 01:03:23.215 --> 01:03:37.000 It's much shorter than you might think even though you're you're applying into a a university, this application process is, very short and can be done in a very short period of time. 01:03:37.780 --> 01:03:42.645 So, father Simon, thank you so much for being here. 01:03:42.645 --> 01:03:51.065 It it's really been a blessing just getting your, your view on what it looked like for you as a student and sharing that with everyone. 01:03:52.085 --> 01:03:52.885 Thank you, Greg. 01:03:52.885 --> 01:04:00.440 For me, it's been a blessing too just to remember and and bring to the hearts all these wonderful blessings. 01:04:00.740 --> 01:04:19.185 So I thank you for the opportunity, and and I really encourage and, those who are discerning whether to begin the spiritual direction certificate to, yeah, to be, to be courageous and and certainly count on our prayers on my prayers. 01:04:19.185 --> 01:04:21.425 And I'm sure, Greg, you'll be praying for them too. 01:04:21.425 --> 01:04:21.665 Yes. 01:04:21.665 --> 01:04:22.645 So thank you again. 01:04:22.865 --> 01:04:23.105 Yes. 01:04:23.105 --> 01:04:25.765 And thank you for all you do there at Divine Mercy University. 01:04:26.600 --> 01:04:27.320 Thank you. 01:04:27.320 --> 01:04:29.580 Thank you for your, your vocation. 01:04:31.400 --> 01:04:31.900 Alright. 01:04:31.960 --> 01:04:32.940 Take care, everyone. 01:04:33.480 --> 01:04:34.300 God bless.