WEBVTT 00:00:06.080 --> 00:00:07.440 Welcome to this webinar. 00:00:07.440 --> 00:00:09.540 We're so happy to have all of you here. 00:00:10.000 --> 00:00:20.025 Just to get started here, Kat, just tell us, you know, just, you know, where you're from, kinda what you spend most of your time doing, just a little bit about yourself. 00:00:20.645 --> 00:00:21.145 Absolutely. 00:00:21.285 --> 00:00:33.040 So I'm actually in sunny Southern California, and I, have a full time role in a consulting company that works exclusively with nonprofit. 00:00:33.260 --> 00:00:43.075 So I've been in the nonprofit world for a long, long time, mostly in fundraising and helping, people find the funds to run a mission, and move that forward. 00:00:43.075 --> 00:00:47.315 So that's that's the bulk of my day time is is dedicated to that. 00:00:47.315 --> 00:00:51.335 And then I have a wonderful husband and two daughters. 00:00:51.570 --> 00:00:53.010 They're nine and 11. 00:00:53.010 --> 00:00:55.110 They keep us very busy as well. 00:00:55.810 --> 00:01:00.710 And, we just try to spend as much time as possible together and outdoors. 00:01:00.850 --> 00:01:03.190 Those are some of our goals at the moment. 00:01:04.065 --> 00:01:04.705 Well, that's good. 00:01:04.705 --> 00:01:07.125 You live in a beautiful place to be able to go outdoors. 00:01:08.065 --> 00:01:10.885 So this is this is the privilege of this location. 00:01:12.305 --> 00:01:12.625 Yeah. 00:01:12.625 --> 00:01:13.125 Exactly. 00:01:13.825 --> 00:01:21.470 Well so I I've got some different things I just wanna talk to you about tonight and ask you some questions about the program and things like that. 00:01:21.770 --> 00:01:28.430 As you know, for those people that are joining us, the spiritual direction certificate is a two year certificate here at Divine Mercy University. 00:01:28.490 --> 00:01:31.870 They train people, become, spiritual directors. 00:01:32.890 --> 00:01:46.815 Within the understanding that they that the university has of the human person, that Catholic Christian understanding, the human person, which is all about flourishing and and living that abundant life that Christ gave us in John ten ten. 00:01:46.815 --> 00:01:47.215 Right? 00:01:47.215 --> 00:01:54.570 So the spiritual director is really trying to help the the person that they're directing to flourish in their relationship with the board. 00:01:56.390 --> 00:01:58.890 So, Kat, what drew you to this program? 00:01:58.950 --> 00:02:01.370 Did you wanna be a spiritual director before? 00:02:01.670 --> 00:02:03.450 Did you like, how did this come about? 00:02:04.175 --> 00:02:08.755 It's it's such a great question for reflective of, yeah, how did they get here? 00:02:08.895 --> 00:02:09.295 Mhmm. 00:02:09.455 --> 00:02:10.495 I can tell you this. 00:02:10.495 --> 00:02:23.000 I didn't know why I was necessarily beginning the program, and I still leave that room for where it's eventually going to apply and take me even though I am, of course, seeing clients right now. 00:02:23.460 --> 00:02:37.635 I think, initially, I had been heavily involved in ministry in a number of ways, women's groups, children's liturgy, and different aspects of that, kind of the pastoral life of the church. 00:02:38.575 --> 00:02:50.170 And, part of me always has been fascinated with the psychological side of ourselves and how that impacts, our relationship with others and our relationship with God. 00:02:50.630 --> 00:02:52.890 And I think a number of things just converged. 00:02:53.190 --> 00:02:59.050 I I didn't know anything about spiritual direction, you know, a few years prior to applying for the program. 00:03:00.095 --> 00:03:08.255 I, became aware of it through a friend who had also completed a program, and I, you know, just got curious about the what it say. 00:03:08.255 --> 00:03:32.585 Now you're you're doing what and you're working with people in what way and started to understand the practice itself and realized that there were so many elements of the way that I was already engaging with people and moms and, students and things that were kind of in in the sphere of spiritual direction without necessarily all the tools, to be able to really offer. 00:03:32.585 --> 00:03:52.620 So that's really how cute about, and I remember in the once I knew about it as an option, as something to do, as something to pursue, it was actually right when we went into lockdown that I was like, well, I mean, you know, I have a little more time on my I just told you guys to to check this out. 00:03:52.620 --> 00:04:02.615 And, it was still the conversions of all those things, that slow discernment and that kinda hearing those that voice, and a number of other things coming together to say, yeah. 00:04:02.615 --> 00:04:03.255 I think it's time. 00:04:03.255 --> 00:04:05.755 So I will say, when I started, I didn't know. 00:04:05.895 --> 00:04:06.855 I wasn't saying, yeah. 00:04:06.855 --> 00:04:10.935 I'm I'm gonna be a spiritual director, so let me sign up for the spiritual direction program. 00:04:10.935 --> 00:04:16.660 I thought this is a wonderful set of skills that I can use for any ministry that I'm working in. 00:04:16.720 --> 00:04:19.360 And if that's where god takes me with it, so be it. 00:04:19.360 --> 00:04:20.240 Let's just find out. 00:04:20.240 --> 00:04:21.280 Let's just take the leap. 00:04:21.280 --> 00:04:22.640 So Wow. 00:04:22.640 --> 00:04:25.300 That that's a great, yeah, that's a great example. 00:04:25.440 --> 00:04:32.705 You know, because I think there are some people that really feel, like, convicted that they're called to be a spiritual director, but it's true. 00:04:32.705 --> 00:04:37.125 Like, even the program itself, we try to have that space for you guys to kinda figure out. 00:04:37.985 --> 00:04:49.260 And I was just talking to another student of the certificate today, just about she's a graduate too and just about how the store is opening up other ministries for her in the church. 00:04:49.320 --> 00:04:57.605 And and she and her husband have decided to kind of work together and and, you know, their their kids are in college maybe to come up with a nonprofit. 00:04:58.225 --> 00:05:02.105 So you do see that, I think, once you start getting involved in this Yeah. 00:05:02.305 --> 00:05:12.210 Or you've been in ministry already, but now it just takes it a step further or deeper or you see possibilities, more possibilities maybe where you can go with these skills. 00:05:12.670 --> 00:05:12.910 Yeah. 00:05:12.910 --> 00:05:17.970 It's a different dimension of probably some of the things that you all may be doing already. 00:05:18.110 --> 00:05:18.610 Absolutely. 00:05:19.230 --> 00:05:19.730 Mhmm. 00:05:20.270 --> 00:05:20.770 Interesting. 00:05:21.230 --> 00:05:24.925 And and it will affect all of the relationships that you're in. 00:05:24.925 --> 00:05:38.480 As you as you learn about these skills, about the human person, about God's design, you suddenly look, you know, look around and realize, oh, I'm doing this and that and the other, and I could probably do that differently or engage in conversation differently. 00:05:39.020 --> 00:05:41.280 And it's just it's very transformative. 00:05:42.300 --> 00:05:42.540 Yeah. 00:05:42.540 --> 00:05:43.020 Exactly. 00:05:43.020 --> 00:05:44.620 That's what I was getting that sense. 00:05:44.620 --> 00:05:48.640 So you really feel like it changed you as you went through it? 00:05:49.235 --> 00:05:49.735 Absolutely. 00:05:50.115 --> 00:05:52.195 I had no idea what what I was in for. 00:05:52.195 --> 00:06:01.655 And not and not in terms of, like, a it was a big emotional toll over the years of going, but it was just more of a recognition of this maturing and faith. 00:06:02.740 --> 00:06:04.180 And it happened at different rates. 00:06:04.180 --> 00:06:07.320 Sometimes that it felt slow and sluggish. 00:06:07.380 --> 00:06:10.440 Like, I mean, I'm reading the things and I'm doing it, but I'm not sure. 00:06:10.580 --> 00:06:21.005 And then there would be a period of what felt like more rapid growth or deepening or you know so definitely, you you take your own journey along with the work as well. 00:06:21.005 --> 00:06:21.505 Yeah. 00:06:22.205 --> 00:06:22.605 Yeah. 00:06:22.605 --> 00:06:23.105 Interesting. 00:06:23.405 --> 00:06:23.905 Right? 00:06:24.045 --> 00:06:38.910 And, I mean, we definitely when we created that program, we definitely created it so that it would it allow you to kinda grow in your relationship with the Lord, but it's always beautiful to hear just how that happens for for each person, right, and the awareness. 00:06:38.910 --> 00:06:48.135 And like you said that there were certain moments where it was stronger and then other moments maybe just kind of gathering information, and then they would all come together or something. 00:06:48.755 --> 00:06:51.155 And then in my case, it was kind of interesting. 00:06:51.155 --> 00:06:52.615 I actually did take a break. 00:06:52.835 --> 00:06:55.715 So I didn't end with the cohort that I started with. 00:06:55.715 --> 00:06:59.170 Not that I would necessarily recommend it, but we had no idea. 00:06:59.170 --> 00:07:01.510 Again, I thought you mentioned I started in COVID. 00:07:01.570 --> 00:07:10.345 We moved in the middle of of me attending, and it was a big move, big upheaval of all of our lives, schools, jobs, everything. 00:07:10.965 --> 00:07:13.605 And, so I took a break. 00:07:13.605 --> 00:07:24.540 And then I came back, and it was just, like, jumping right in, you know, with my new group and kind of moving forward and it so I guess the other thing is it's just allow that space for, you know, your whole life. 00:07:24.540 --> 00:07:35.020 It's a whole integration kind of piece, and that was totally the right thing for me to do at the at that point, and I came back in a better kind of mindset and ready to tackle that. 00:07:35.020 --> 00:07:39.100 I couldn't probably not have to continue while all of that was going on. 00:07:39.100 --> 00:07:41.075 It was, like I said, a big upheaval. 00:07:41.135 --> 00:07:44.275 So it was great how the program kind of works with you. 00:07:44.895 --> 00:07:45.395 Yeah. 00:07:45.455 --> 00:07:45.955 Exactly. 00:07:46.175 --> 00:07:46.835 Of course. 00:07:47.055 --> 00:07:48.035 Gotta be realistic. 00:07:48.175 --> 00:07:49.935 Life happens as they said. 00:07:49.935 --> 00:07:50.415 Right? 00:07:50.415 --> 00:07:57.470 So, yeah, that opportunity to take a break at sometimes, you know, just because you can't you only can do so many things at once. 00:07:57.470 --> 00:08:04.930 And the the program, even though it doesn't take a lot you know, it's like six to nine hours as you're going through the classes, but it does take a focus. 00:08:04.990 --> 00:08:05.490 Right? 00:08:05.950 --> 00:08:06.450 Yes. 00:08:06.670 --> 00:08:07.170 Exactly. 00:08:07.630 --> 00:08:10.015 And, you know, and the mindset as well. 00:08:11.035 --> 00:08:11.075 Mhmm. 00:08:11.115 --> 00:08:13.355 Prepared to receive all that it is. 00:08:13.355 --> 00:08:14.015 You know? 00:08:14.475 --> 00:08:14.975 Yeah. 00:08:15.355 --> 00:08:30.960 But definitely, as much as you're kind of putting into it, I think all of us would talk about what we're doing, you know, just from the material and the program, from the staff, but also from when you get into practice. 00:08:31.340 --> 00:08:31.580 Mhmm. 00:08:31.580 --> 00:08:40.965 You know, it takes a lot of it does take emotional and physical energy to engage with people on the sleep level, on the spiritual realm, but you receive so much. 00:08:40.965 --> 00:08:42.325 Not that that's why you do it. 00:08:42.325 --> 00:08:45.765 It's just it's I think it's God's way of taking care of you. 00:08:45.765 --> 00:08:46.245 You know? 00:08:46.245 --> 00:08:46.485 Yeah. 00:08:46.485 --> 00:08:48.345 You just get so much back. 00:08:48.405 --> 00:08:48.885 Yeah. 00:08:48.885 --> 00:08:49.385 Exactly. 00:08:49.445 --> 00:08:56.210 Sometimes I say to other students that as you minister as you minister to others, God administers to you. 00:08:56.210 --> 00:08:56.690 Right? 00:08:56.690 --> 00:08:57.190 Right. 00:08:57.490 --> 00:08:58.290 And that's Exactly. 00:08:58.530 --> 00:08:59.510 That experience. 00:09:02.130 --> 00:09:08.470 So so now that you finished the program, do you get any clarity about how you're gonna use the training? 00:09:09.435 --> 00:09:09.935 Yeah. 00:09:09.995 --> 00:09:11.355 I would say a number of things. 00:09:11.355 --> 00:09:19.455 So, you know, in course of doing the work before you you put in your hours, and so you create these relationships or gossip them together. 00:09:19.755 --> 00:09:30.740 So I see several people that I started seeing, through the program, still today, and I that's a really special part of my time and my ministry attention. 00:09:32.160 --> 00:09:36.800 And I I never imagined that that you know, I was like, am I gonna have a practice? 00:09:36.800 --> 00:09:37.200 I don't know. 00:09:37.200 --> 00:09:38.740 So it definitely I have a practice. 00:09:39.125 --> 00:09:40.245 I check out what my website. 00:09:40.245 --> 00:09:40.745 Right? 00:09:41.605 --> 00:09:45.285 So and then I end up getting referrals from other people as well. 00:09:45.285 --> 00:09:51.750 One of the places too that it's become immediately applicable is that my husband and I are involved with a retreat center near us, Catholic retreat center. 00:09:52.790 --> 00:10:05.955 And we, have been doing, the marriage retreat there for the last several years on that retreat team, giving talks, and then just making ourselves available, the couples that are coming on retreat together. 00:10:06.195 --> 00:10:09.715 And this has really enhanced all of that, of course. 00:10:09.715 --> 00:10:10.115 Right? 00:10:10.115 --> 00:10:19.520 So we had our own set of skills and challenges and things that we're able to share with them that now I can kinda go that much deeper into this this space with them. 00:10:19.520 --> 00:10:25.460 And if, you know, we kinda say I'm available, and if you wanna meet with me when we're not in session or that kind of thing. 00:10:25.760 --> 00:10:39.145 And then, that expanded into, being part of their regular spiritual direction team at the retreat house because they're having retreats all the time and they offer, you know, do you wanna sign up during these hours while you're on retreat? 00:10:39.145 --> 00:10:40.665 And he was a spiritual director. 00:10:40.665 --> 00:10:53.190 So I was immediately able to kinda slide right into that, and they were very anxious to have more lead people trained lead people to be able to come in and help with those programs because there's a huge need for this. 00:10:53.250 --> 00:11:00.150 There's a really growing desire for, this type of virtual oversight and partnership. 00:11:01.475 --> 00:11:07.335 You know, priests are overwhelmed with needs and requests of the church and parishes. 00:11:07.875 --> 00:11:14.455 So things like this don't always get attended to and or people aren't sure that's available, but there's a definite need there. 00:11:14.595 --> 00:11:14.835 Mhmm. 00:11:14.835 --> 00:11:19.220 So it's it's been come immediately applicable in a number of ways. 00:11:20.640 --> 00:11:21.380 So neat. 00:11:22.000 --> 00:11:22.480 Yeah. 00:11:22.480 --> 00:11:22.980 Exactly. 00:11:23.040 --> 00:11:24.400 And that's what that's what I find. 00:11:24.400 --> 00:11:29.060 I I think every week, I get a couple phone calls of, like, how can I find a spiritual director? 00:11:29.445 --> 00:11:29.945 Ah. 00:11:30.645 --> 00:11:39.925 I'm always I definitely think as people become more aware of what it is and how beneficial it is, that the desire is definitely there. 00:11:39.925 --> 00:11:41.285 So the need has been growing. 00:11:41.285 --> 00:11:41.785 Mhmm. 00:11:44.300 --> 00:11:48.940 So it sounds like when you got into the program, you kind of knew what spiritual direction was. 00:11:48.940 --> 00:11:52.480 You were probably starting with a spiritual director or something like that. 00:11:53.260 --> 00:11:53.760 Yeah. 00:11:54.140 --> 00:11:54.300 Yeah. 00:11:54.300 --> 00:12:02.515 I had so by that point, I had been seeing a spiritual director, for a while and, you know, that was part of it too, kind of bringing to that. 00:12:02.515 --> 00:12:04.055 It was just an interesting conversation. 00:12:04.435 --> 00:12:05.395 Hi, virtual director. 00:12:05.395 --> 00:12:06.995 I I kinda think I could do your job. 00:12:06.995 --> 00:12:07.495 Right? 00:12:08.515 --> 00:12:14.115 They they did bring it up, you know, with them and having that frustrating way to be able to do that. 00:12:14.115 --> 00:12:24.490 But yeah, they encouraged me as well and, you know, we're able to say, you know, I see this and this about the way you interact and I think that this is a good path for you and so forth. 00:12:24.490 --> 00:12:26.270 So that has been that was beneficial. 00:12:26.490 --> 00:12:35.635 So, yeah, it was at by that point, it was it was familiar, but it certainly was, until you experience all of it, you don't know. 00:12:35.635 --> 00:12:39.955 And also, there's a lot of different approaches to training in this space. 00:12:39.955 --> 00:12:40.455 Right? 00:12:40.755 --> 00:13:02.985 I was particularly attracted to what I saw in this program because of the really beautiful balance of our, that understanding of the human person balanced with everything that we believe and know to be true in our faith and how they really work together and how God's design is just so beautiful around that. 00:13:03.125 --> 00:13:05.865 You can't ignore one at the expense of the other. 00:13:05.925 --> 00:13:06.245 Mhmm. 00:13:06.245 --> 00:13:10.745 So that to me about this program was the a big attraction. 00:13:11.440 --> 00:13:11.760 Mhmm. 00:13:11.760 --> 00:13:28.495 And then I would say getting into it immediately by the first class, and then you see as you go to the second and the third, you I was always struck by how well everything built upon itself. 00:13:28.795 --> 00:13:31.215 Like, we never have learned this before that. 00:13:31.515 --> 00:13:35.515 And this part was such a crazy amazing foundation for this other piece. 00:13:35.515 --> 00:13:38.235 So the whole time, I just kept thinking, wow. 00:13:38.235 --> 00:13:39.675 What a beautiful through line. 00:13:39.675 --> 00:13:44.410 Like, it's just very appropriate, you know, as you go. 00:13:44.410 --> 00:13:46.490 And then the piece builds and then the piece builds. 00:13:46.490 --> 00:13:50.670 And you really do feel, you know, somewhat complete. 00:13:50.730 --> 00:13:56.955 You know, we were always gonna be learning and there's always so much to know and there's definitely a leap of, like, stepping out and doing it for yourself. 00:13:56.955 --> 00:13:57.455 Right? 00:13:57.595 --> 00:14:02.735 But there was definitely a feeling of being well formed, right, through the process. 00:14:03.515 --> 00:14:04.015 Exactly. 00:14:04.875 --> 00:14:10.255 I often think about, you know, when they send you home from the hospital if you've had kids. 00:14:10.430 --> 00:14:11.330 And they're like, okay. 00:14:11.390 --> 00:14:12.690 Especially the first one. 00:14:12.830 --> 00:14:14.110 They're like, alright. 00:14:14.110 --> 00:14:15.710 It's time for you guys to go. 00:14:15.710 --> 00:14:18.910 And you're like, they're sending me home with I don't know. 00:14:18.910 --> 00:14:20.430 I have no idea what I'm doing. 00:14:20.430 --> 00:14:22.210 I don't know how to do this and this. 00:14:22.350 --> 00:14:24.355 But you don't get that feeling at all. 00:14:24.355 --> 00:14:25.075 You go, okay. 00:14:25.075 --> 00:14:27.495 Like, I actually feel really prepared. 00:14:27.635 --> 00:14:30.915 I feel like I know we've we've done all the steps. 00:14:30.915 --> 00:14:41.010 We've practiced through all of the machinations of things that could come up and will come up that you it really just makes that a smooth transition into continuing to do the work. 00:14:41.150 --> 00:14:41.650 Yeah. 00:14:42.030 --> 00:14:47.670 Like, you feel confident when you're leaving that there you're not being thrown out into the wild world or that Exactly. 00:14:48.030 --> 00:14:48.910 The tools that you need. 00:14:48.910 --> 00:14:51.890 Maybe just need to keep on practicing and Yeah. 00:14:52.115 --> 00:14:54.455 And have your supervisor that helps you out. 00:14:54.755 --> 00:14:55.255 Yeah. 00:14:55.875 --> 00:14:56.375 Mhmm. 00:14:59.475 --> 00:15:06.295 So what's something that you discovered through the certificate about spiritual direction that you maybe you didn't know before? 00:15:06.435 --> 00:15:08.650 Is there anything that stands out to you? 00:15:09.750 --> 00:15:10.250 Everything. 00:15:10.390 --> 00:15:10.710 No. 00:15:10.710 --> 00:15:11.610 That would be good. 00:15:12.870 --> 00:15:26.195 I think for me, there's every time I sort of discover a system, a set of guidelines, to to solve a particular problem, it's always incredibly helpful. 00:15:26.195 --> 00:15:27.875 And you go, why didn't I never think of this before? 00:15:27.875 --> 00:15:29.075 Why didn't they see this before? 00:15:29.075 --> 00:15:37.060 So even just such a simple thing as what is listening and what are the components and what is that really like. 00:15:37.680 --> 00:15:37.760 Right? 00:15:37.760 --> 00:15:45.840 To be able I mean, I remember wearing that piece of things and practicing the skills and going, this will change the rest of my life. 00:15:45.840 --> 00:15:54.355 If I do nothing else, I take no other classes, if I don't continue in this virtual this, you know, set of warnings is that significant. 00:15:55.615 --> 00:15:56.095 Mhmm. 00:15:56.095 --> 00:16:02.595 So it's really eye opening several times throughout the course where I was like, this is such valuable information. 00:16:02.655 --> 00:16:03.910 This is so so great. 00:16:03.910 --> 00:16:09.670 So so basic things like that, like, the different steps to listening skills, that was a huge one. 00:16:09.670 --> 00:16:31.555 The other thing were some of the deeper mysteries that are related to things like the discernment of spirit and the actual systematic learning from our, you know, fathers of the faith about how to discern and that these techniques and practices have been around for hundreds of years. 00:16:31.855 --> 00:16:41.220 You know, it's like we're sitting around looking for that next book to help us figure out what God wants for us and, you know, what's the latest paperbacks that's gonna do that. 00:16:41.220 --> 00:16:43.400 But we have a precedent. 00:16:43.460 --> 00:16:57.265 We have, you know, guidelines and understandings from these amazing spiritual leaders that are completely applicable, and they are like a little handbook for how to approach a decision, how to hear God more clearly. 00:16:57.405 --> 00:16:57.905 Mhmm. 00:16:58.045 --> 00:17:01.105 So those were that was new to me for sure. 00:17:02.860 --> 00:17:03.100 Yeah. 00:17:03.100 --> 00:17:03.660 It's nice. 00:17:03.660 --> 00:17:03.900 Right? 00:17:03.900 --> 00:17:06.300 Sometimes discernment feels like a really big word. 00:17:06.300 --> 00:17:06.620 Right? 00:17:06.620 --> 00:17:14.460 But it's a really there is a lot of wisdom that we already have, and and that it is pretty practical when you read some of those things. 00:17:14.460 --> 00:17:20.575 Even though it's Saint John of the Cross or Saint Ignatius of Loyola, it's just some very practical Yeah. 00:17:20.855 --> 00:17:21.835 Moments that help. 00:17:22.855 --> 00:17:23.355 Exactly. 00:17:26.535 --> 00:17:27.015 Okay. 00:17:27.015 --> 00:17:30.715 So what was the most difficult for you as you went through the certificate? 00:17:31.550 --> 00:17:35.570 Oh, let's see. 00:17:35.710 --> 00:17:47.305 Well, for one, if you haven't been in school recently, sort of get kind of the second to the groove of how that works, you know, reading and homework and, writing and all of those pieces. 00:17:47.605 --> 00:17:56.585 So that was I think initially, I think they do a good job kind of, like, ramping you up, and you're you're comfortable with that and kinda get back into that. 00:17:56.645 --> 00:17:58.905 I think something for me is the reading. 00:17:58.965 --> 00:18:04.090 I think for me, it's some of the really dense deep theological reading. 00:18:04.090 --> 00:18:21.105 Those are the the hardest parts, but then you find the the just the fruit of them as you go into the discussion session, as you go into, the writing prompts and things like that, and you realize how much is there that you can walk away with. 00:18:21.165 --> 00:18:23.325 But, definitely, that definitely challenged me. 00:18:23.325 --> 00:18:34.220 It's been however many years since I read a textbook or, you know, and that's you know, this is a little different than that, but that was definitely the most kind of challenging piece was that. 00:18:34.220 --> 00:18:35.180 And how was it? 00:18:35.180 --> 00:18:37.520 Have you done online learning before? 00:18:37.660 --> 00:18:40.255 Or was that hard? 00:18:40.255 --> 00:18:41.295 I don't think so. 00:18:41.295 --> 00:18:45.555 I think this would have been my first time in the online learning experience. 00:18:45.935 --> 00:18:46.415 Yeah. 00:18:46.415 --> 00:18:46.915 Mhmm. 00:18:47.375 --> 00:18:47.875 Yeah. 00:18:48.335 --> 00:18:53.920 Which I actually found to be, one of the easier parts of it to engage with. 00:18:53.920 --> 00:18:59.380 And, also, I think I was concerned I think when I first found out, oh, it's not all live classes. 00:18:59.920 --> 00:19:03.760 Like, every time you meet in every session, I was like, well, how's that gonna work? 00:19:03.760 --> 00:19:04.720 I'm gonna learn anything. 00:19:04.720 --> 00:19:06.340 I gotta have to hold myself accountable. 00:19:06.480 --> 00:19:17.565 And and then I just forgot I even had that initial fear because you just get into it, and there's so much engaging going on with your team, with your professors. 00:19:18.345 --> 00:19:18.665 Yeah. 00:19:18.665 --> 00:19:20.925 There's you know, I never looked back on that. 00:19:21.520 --> 00:19:22.020 Yeah. 00:19:22.320 --> 00:19:22.800 Exactly. 00:19:22.800 --> 00:19:26.420 You don't you don't you feel like you're gonna be just kinda by yourself. 00:19:26.560 --> 00:19:26.960 Right? 00:19:26.960 --> 00:19:27.840 But through the Yeah. 00:19:27.840 --> 00:19:28.520 But you're not. 00:19:28.560 --> 00:19:29.280 I think yeah. 00:19:29.280 --> 00:19:30.400 There's a lot of Yeah. 00:19:31.600 --> 00:19:35.440 Real sense of the others going through this the with you and stuff. 00:19:35.440 --> 00:19:35.940 Yeah. 00:19:36.365 --> 00:19:43.585 And you really do form these deep familial bonds with those those folks that you you meet in the program. 00:19:43.645 --> 00:19:50.240 Like, I know places all across the country where I'm sure I can crush my head if I wanted to show up on someone's doorstep. 00:19:50.940 --> 00:19:51.820 That's great. 00:19:51.820 --> 00:19:52.060 Yeah. 00:19:52.060 --> 00:19:54.320 You share a lot as you go through the program. 00:19:54.940 --> 00:19:55.260 Yeah. 00:19:55.260 --> 00:19:55.760 Mhmm. 00:19:56.060 --> 00:19:56.380 Mhmm. 00:19:56.380 --> 00:19:57.840 In a in a deep way. 00:19:58.460 --> 00:19:58.960 Yeah. 00:19:59.260 --> 00:19:59.760 Mhmm. 00:20:06.715 --> 00:20:11.775 Well, this is another general just about the program, but what did you find to be the most helpful? 00:20:12.635 --> 00:20:15.215 You know, it's kind of a difficult question. 00:20:15.950 --> 00:20:17.730 I think for me, it was practice. 00:20:17.790 --> 00:20:19.970 It was the practical doing it. 00:20:21.790 --> 00:20:24.210 That's my probably primary way of learning. 00:20:24.350 --> 00:20:27.070 Even when I pick up the material, I say, okay. 00:20:27.070 --> 00:20:28.370 So then give me an example. 00:20:29.185 --> 00:20:29.425 Right? 00:20:29.425 --> 00:20:34.245 So I understand that in theory, I see what you're saying, but give me a for instance. 00:20:34.305 --> 00:20:44.680 So the fact that there's so much practical application, and I think it was probably part of what was most causing most anxiety for people. 00:20:44.680 --> 00:20:46.240 I mean, included or it was nerve wracking. 00:20:46.240 --> 00:20:50.680 It was like, we're gonna we're gonna pretend to go in these scenarios and we're gonna do it live. 00:20:50.680 --> 00:20:51.720 We're gonna record it. 00:20:51.720 --> 00:20:53.500 We're gonna share it and these things. 00:20:53.880 --> 00:20:59.165 But it was like, like I said earlier, it's transformational in in a lot of ways. 00:20:59.165 --> 00:21:03.485 I mean and again, another thing that we just I think all of us would say, like, yeah, you never look back. 00:21:03.485 --> 00:21:05.265 You get started and you do it. 00:21:05.805 --> 00:21:07.905 And it's so helpful. 00:21:08.450 --> 00:21:13.970 Which is so helpful to do that live practice thing and over and over. 00:21:13.970 --> 00:21:14.290 Okay. 00:21:14.290 --> 00:21:16.050 Try it this way and try it with the scenario. 00:21:16.050 --> 00:21:17.570 Now try to apply this skill. 00:21:17.570 --> 00:21:19.730 Like I said, it kind of it builds on itself. 00:21:19.730 --> 00:21:20.370 So Mhmm. 00:21:20.450 --> 00:21:25.085 To get one skill going pretty good and then we're gonna add a second skill while we're doing that same activity. 00:21:25.085 --> 00:21:27.585 It was that repetition was perfect. 00:21:27.645 --> 00:21:27.965 You know? 00:21:27.965 --> 00:21:33.265 It wasn't too much, but it was enough to really build confidence in those skills. 00:21:34.045 --> 00:21:34.545 Yeah. 00:21:34.605 --> 00:21:38.250 Well, it's definitely a very intentional design when we created it. 00:21:38.250 --> 00:21:51.690 Very intentional just like knitting it all together with a team, you know, just from the kind of from the theological side, from the human science side, and then educators that are that are used to you know, that are trained for online learning and designed for online learning. 00:21:51.690 --> 00:21:58.005 So a lot of great people in the room intentionally trying to make that all those things come together. 00:21:58.225 --> 00:21:58.625 Right? 00:21:58.625 --> 00:22:02.005 It definitely shows that I'm always talking about the. 00:22:03.105 --> 00:22:07.570 And I have a couple of folks who have started that because they were like, okay. 00:22:07.570 --> 00:22:08.210 So tell me more. 00:22:08.210 --> 00:22:09.090 What are you talking about? 00:22:09.090 --> 00:22:12.850 One of the gals was at the retreat center where I started helping. 00:22:12.850 --> 00:22:13.250 Right? 00:22:13.250 --> 00:22:15.490 She was like, so what did where did you go? 00:22:15.490 --> 00:22:16.630 And tell me again. 00:22:17.010 --> 00:22:19.535 Like, you gotta know their place. 00:22:20.395 --> 00:22:21.195 Well, that's great. 00:22:21.195 --> 00:22:22.655 It's so good to hear that. 00:22:25.035 --> 00:22:26.475 So there's a question here. 00:22:26.475 --> 00:22:29.435 Let me see what they're asking, see if we can answer it for them. 00:22:29.435 --> 00:22:35.340 Can you provide an example of spiritual direction that you provided that stands out for you? 00:22:36.360 --> 00:22:38.860 So this is Jackie that's coming from Minnesota. 00:22:39.000 --> 00:22:45.820 So, Jackie, you know, when we're talking about spiritual direction, we're talking about an actual session. 00:22:47.275 --> 00:22:52.715 You know, so every person brings different things to sessions and things like that. 00:22:52.715 --> 00:22:55.115 So it's not just giving someone spiritual advice. 00:22:55.115 --> 00:23:02.520 It's actually a a relationship that you get into someone, and you meet with them with a certain frequency, and you develop that relationship. 00:23:02.520 --> 00:23:07.740 So, really, every session is kind is different because it's really what the person brings. 00:23:08.120 --> 00:23:08.620 Right? 00:23:09.400 --> 00:23:12.540 Kinda where they are with the Lord at that time. 00:23:13.415 --> 00:23:19.515 One way to answer it is is not about a specific one, but more about what you see over time. 00:23:19.815 --> 00:23:20.315 Mhmm. 00:23:20.455 --> 00:23:28.130 And you really do see the fingerprints of God just working in the life of that person. 00:23:28.670 --> 00:23:29.170 Mhmm. 00:23:29.950 --> 00:23:38.130 And it's, you know, it's dangerous to measure in terms of, you know, linear, like, they went from here to here or things like that, but it's a lot more about unfolding. 00:23:39.335 --> 00:23:45.255 And you really do get this privilege of being in a witness to that. 00:23:45.255 --> 00:23:49.435 God just unfolding someone and deepening it in their heart. 00:23:50.535 --> 00:23:59.740 And so that, you know, it's it's incredibly fulfilling, and it's really humbling to be to be witness to that. 00:24:00.280 --> 00:24:00.680 Yeah. 00:24:00.680 --> 00:24:01.420 It is. 00:24:02.920 --> 00:24:07.175 And the gratitude that people have for that service, I'm always amazed at that. 00:24:07.175 --> 00:24:14.235 I'm a spiritual director myself, you know, just how grateful they are for that listening, that sitting with them, that deepening. 00:24:15.975 --> 00:24:16.375 Yeah. 00:24:16.375 --> 00:24:26.840 I have to tell you too that, retreat work is interesting because typically, you you do wanna be in this consistent monthly hour long Mhmm. 00:24:27.140 --> 00:24:30.680 Relationship that has the time and space to evolve. 00:24:31.785 --> 00:24:53.000 In in the retreat world, you're having maybe a half an hour of just, you know, showing up and being and you may never see this person again, you know, and the amount of things, the amount of just the weight that people are carrying and are just just desperate to let go of Mhmm. 00:24:53.080 --> 00:24:55.480 Is unbelievable, you know. 00:24:55.480 --> 00:24:59.175 And to be especially in those scenarios, I always get goosebumps. 00:24:59.175 --> 00:25:03.895 It's just it's, you know, people need someone to listen Yeah. 00:25:03.975 --> 00:25:04.635 So often. 00:25:04.855 --> 00:25:07.435 So, so often, they just need someone to listen. 00:25:08.295 --> 00:25:24.140 And it's different than, you know, obviously, this 1100% different than confession, but I think in in some cases, it feels a little bit like in the in this retreat scenario where they kinda wanna put a bunch out there, but it's just that they haven't ever felt comfortable that they can do that. 00:25:24.495 --> 00:25:24.995 Right? 00:25:25.455 --> 00:25:31.855 So in this slightly this this different kind of relationship over here and for them, it's slightly different, but we know it's very different. 00:25:31.855 --> 00:25:32.455 But Mhmm. 00:25:32.575 --> 00:25:43.360 They're just comfortable enough maybe to kind of put more quickly in this moment because they feel like it's this opportunity that they have that's kind of fleeting to be able to do that. 00:25:43.360 --> 00:25:46.500 So it's you know, like I said, it's very humbling. 00:25:46.960 --> 00:25:50.180 People really just desperately want to be listened to. 00:25:50.505 --> 00:25:51.005 Mhmm. 00:25:51.305 --> 00:25:59.565 And like you said, I think that confidential nature of the relationship, the confidentiality around it, and even among US classmates. 00:26:00.025 --> 00:26:01.065 I was thinking about that. 00:26:01.065 --> 00:26:07.680 You know, when you guys are hearing as classmates, you're always doing that, you know, that commitment to confidentiality. 00:26:08.220 --> 00:26:08.620 Right? 00:26:08.620 --> 00:26:10.780 So that you know, I think it does also help. 00:26:10.780 --> 00:26:19.895 It does create a safe space so that you can share and not not have to be worrying about, like, where this information might be going or anything like that. 00:26:20.115 --> 00:26:20.615 Right. 00:26:20.675 --> 00:26:21.075 That's right. 00:26:21.075 --> 00:26:24.395 And then I can have the opportunity to encourage them Mhmm. 00:26:24.515 --> 00:26:31.155 Now that they've kind of let something out to seek reconciliation or to, you know, whatever it else might be. 00:26:31.155 --> 00:26:36.220 It's almost like I feel a little more harmless as this person I'm never gonna see again. 00:26:36.600 --> 00:26:37.100 Yeah. 00:26:37.480 --> 00:26:37.980 Exactly. 00:26:38.120 --> 00:26:39.640 You can get something like that. 00:26:39.640 --> 00:26:48.620 And sometimes just having spoken it once, then it makes them much easier for them to say maybe to the person that they need to talk about with. 00:26:48.645 --> 00:26:53.705 So that's that's we can how you see someone's burden list. 00:26:53.765 --> 00:26:55.545 I mean, it's it's physical. 00:26:55.685 --> 00:26:56.905 It's it's visual. 00:26:57.845 --> 00:27:05.640 Even in your practice with your cohort, there's always something real there. 00:27:05.860 --> 00:27:06.360 Right? 00:27:06.580 --> 00:27:10.200 Barrels may start to meet up, but there's always something real there. 00:27:10.340 --> 00:27:21.005 And you that first time you just can see the lift in someone, you know, you're witnessing an act of God. 00:27:21.005 --> 00:27:21.325 Right? 00:27:21.325 --> 00:27:25.825 It's it's it's a beautiful, ministry to be involved in. 00:27:25.885 --> 00:27:26.385 Mhmm. 00:27:27.630 --> 00:27:28.030 Yeah. 00:27:28.030 --> 00:27:28.510 Exactly. 00:27:28.510 --> 00:27:31.570 Well, I always remind people it's a spiritual work of mercy. 00:27:31.710 --> 00:27:32.110 Right? 00:27:32.110 --> 00:27:34.850 Console console the doubtful, encourage. 00:27:34.910 --> 00:27:37.870 Like, when you look at those spiritual works of mercy, you see. 00:27:38.590 --> 00:27:39.950 There's some more questions here. 00:27:39.950 --> 00:27:40.930 So let's see. 00:27:42.895 --> 00:27:48.595 Well, so how often do people begin this program and realize that it's god is not calling them? 00:27:48.895 --> 00:27:50.115 I don't have the skills. 00:27:50.735 --> 00:27:52.675 So great question, Mary. 00:27:55.110 --> 00:27:58.490 So we have a retention rate of about eighty five percent. 00:27:58.630 --> 00:27:59.030 Right? 00:27:59.030 --> 00:28:03.130 So that means eighty five percent of the people that begin the program ended. 00:28:03.430 --> 00:28:04.790 So that gives you a sense. 00:28:04.790 --> 00:28:11.745 Of course, some people it's not that everyone drops off because they feel like they don't have the skills or they're not called toward. 00:28:12.685 --> 00:28:15.585 You know, might be financial reasons or just life situations. 00:28:15.725 --> 00:28:31.260 But, there's definitely space, and there are people that started and realized, you know, and walk away maybe after one course or two course, but hopefully walk away with a greater knowledge of themselves or even of the ministry of spiritual direction. 00:28:34.920 --> 00:28:39.260 So Lisa was asking, how often are you providing spiritual direction on weekly basis? 00:28:39.640 --> 00:28:42.620 Was it easy to set yourself up with direct days? 00:28:43.935 --> 00:28:54.595 I don't well, like, weekly basis, I only give spiritual direction on a weekly basis when I'm bringing someone through, the nineteenth annotation or spiritual exercises in daily life. 00:28:55.160 --> 00:29:01.440 And if the question is about, like, how many clients would you have per week that you're seeing on a monthly basis Yeah. 00:29:01.880 --> 00:29:07.560 One of the great things about the program is that they cover almost everything that could possibly happen. 00:29:07.560 --> 00:29:18.635 So at a certain point, they actually walk us through creating your own plan for what works for your life, what works for your ministry, what so each of us divide the plan. 00:29:18.635 --> 00:29:23.970 Like, this is how many I could see per week comfortably, these are the hours that I will probably see people. 00:29:24.350 --> 00:29:27.650 This is the balance that I wanna have with my family responsibilities. 00:29:28.830 --> 00:29:31.090 So it varies by persons. 00:29:31.150 --> 00:29:35.775 For some people, this is their this is their day job. 00:29:35.775 --> 00:29:36.655 This is their work. 00:29:36.655 --> 00:29:39.615 This is how they, sustain. 00:29:39.615 --> 00:29:43.315 So they may be seeing several people a day, each day. 00:29:44.175 --> 00:29:49.200 Usually, there's there's some some general limit they kinda shared with us about you would wanna go over this. 00:29:49.200 --> 00:29:51.940 You just emotionally couldn't carry all of that. 00:29:52.560 --> 00:29:53.840 But it's different for everyone. 00:29:53.840 --> 00:30:03.025 So for me, I have I'm seeing about four currently right now, and I have them almost all in the same week of the month. 00:30:03.025 --> 00:30:07.685 So it's an interesting I think I have three in the first week of the month and one in the second. 00:30:07.745 --> 00:30:15.345 So it kinda it's all front loaded, and then I have a few weeks where I don't have anything going on in that side of things, and then there it comes back again the next month. 00:30:15.345 --> 00:30:16.600 So that's Yeah. 00:30:16.600 --> 00:30:16.880 Exactly. 00:30:17.160 --> 00:30:19.020 What what works for me. 00:30:19.160 --> 00:30:22.940 Having my full time job and everything else, it's just great. 00:30:23.880 --> 00:30:24.360 Yeah. 00:30:24.360 --> 00:30:25.500 That sounds great. 00:30:25.640 --> 00:30:25.880 Yeah. 00:30:25.880 --> 00:30:34.295 I've got my full time job, and I probably see about six people a week with, you know, tacking them in in different places. 00:30:34.995 --> 00:30:35.495 Yeah. 00:30:35.955 --> 00:30:38.995 But, anyway, it's kinda what I dedicate myself to. 00:30:38.995 --> 00:30:46.375 So and so Lisa was saying, was it easy easy to set yourself up with directees? 00:30:48.090 --> 00:30:48.490 Yeah. 00:30:48.490 --> 00:30:51.610 So I would say yes and no. 00:30:51.610 --> 00:30:55.130 I think people are connected with directees in different ways. 00:30:55.130 --> 00:31:04.715 I was actually fortunate that someone who is in my area was referring people to me, someone in my program who was not too far from here. 00:31:05.015 --> 00:31:08.455 He was referring people to me that he was already seeing in a different way. 00:31:08.455 --> 00:31:13.015 Like, he already is engaged with them, like, in bible studies or other things. 00:31:13.015 --> 00:31:16.050 So he wasn't gonna then personally see them in this manner. 00:31:16.590 --> 00:31:18.830 So he would refer them to me, which was great. 00:31:18.830 --> 00:31:21.330 So I got a lot of contacts through that. 00:31:22.350 --> 00:31:26.030 Then and you also look to every you know, all of your what's available to you. 00:31:26.030 --> 00:31:32.095 So my parish I went to my parish, and I said, you know, here I am, and it's time for me to do my practice hours. 00:31:32.095 --> 00:31:35.535 And I've been, you know, kind of approved to that. 00:31:35.535 --> 00:31:37.295 We've moved into that phase of things. 00:31:37.295 --> 00:31:41.855 So if you can refer anybody to me, I talked to the retreat house and I said, hey. 00:31:41.855 --> 00:31:44.095 Is there anything I can come and volunteer at? 00:31:44.095 --> 00:31:47.110 I'll be happy to volunteer if you're comfortable with that. 00:31:47.330 --> 00:31:49.970 So people kind of found people, I think, in different ways. 00:31:49.970 --> 00:31:53.570 So I wouldn't say it was too difficult, but you do have to kinda create a plan. 00:31:53.570 --> 00:31:55.890 Like, where will I find these different people? 00:31:55.890 --> 00:32:03.195 And then there's some people in our program or in my cohort that were already seeing people, and they just didn't have this particular formal training. 00:32:03.195 --> 00:32:09.275 So some of those just moved right into their move it, you know, now applying all these particular skills. 00:32:09.275 --> 00:32:11.135 So number of different ways. 00:32:11.810 --> 00:32:12.130 Yeah. 00:32:12.130 --> 00:32:12.950 That's true. 00:32:13.730 --> 00:32:16.850 So another person's asking just about, like, paying for it. 00:32:16.850 --> 00:32:22.630 Like, pay is there a way to approach maybe your parish or your diocese to see if that would help out? 00:32:23.825 --> 00:32:24.145 Yeah. 00:32:24.145 --> 00:32:28.325 I mean, it's always worth asking, a 100%. 00:32:28.865 --> 00:32:31.265 In my case, I didn't I didn't do that. 00:32:31.265 --> 00:32:37.040 I probably maybe should have, could have done that because but I was so unsure of, like, you know, how am I gonna do this? 00:32:37.040 --> 00:32:38.000 So I thought, you know what? 00:32:38.000 --> 00:32:38.720 I will start. 00:32:38.720 --> 00:32:41.460 I can pay for the first class, and then we'll see what happens. 00:32:41.760 --> 00:32:43.680 And then, you know, it sort of just continued on. 00:32:43.680 --> 00:32:51.735 But I do think, especially if you will be able to provide that to that community Mhmm. 00:32:51.815 --> 00:32:56.935 Then it's it's worth saying, you know, is there is there anything available to help me with this? 00:32:56.935 --> 00:33:03.175 As you know, I'm gonna be here and practicing and and adding you know, essentially extending your staff and things like that. 00:33:03.175 --> 00:33:05.015 So it's worth asking. 00:33:05.015 --> 00:33:05.790 I would say that. 00:33:06.430 --> 00:33:06.930 Yeah. 00:33:06.990 --> 00:33:10.850 I know at my parish, my parish you know, we're right near the university. 00:33:10.990 --> 00:33:11.230 Right? 00:33:11.230 --> 00:33:13.330 And so my parish priest says to help me. 00:33:13.710 --> 00:33:14.030 Yep. 00:33:14.030 --> 00:33:19.810 I've told people if they wanna study this, I will pay for it for them because we need the directors. 00:33:20.270 --> 00:33:20.930 You know? 00:33:21.235 --> 00:33:21.555 Exactly. 00:33:21.555 --> 00:33:25.955 That was gonna say the other model is the generous benefactor who cares about this. 00:33:25.955 --> 00:33:26.195 Right? 00:33:26.195 --> 00:33:37.390 So there might be someone in your parish who would be willing to to basically sponsor you to go through the program because they they have the means and they know how critical it is for moving forward. 00:33:37.390 --> 00:33:42.670 So I know it's uncomfortable for everyone, but you, you know, you don't get if you don't ask kind of thing. 00:33:42.670 --> 00:33:43.790 So Yeah. 00:33:43.790 --> 00:33:44.290 Exactly. 00:33:44.430 --> 00:33:45.645 Definitely worth exploring. 00:33:45.645 --> 00:33:49.105 There are enough people that really care deeply about making making this happen. 00:33:49.565 --> 00:33:50.065 Mhmm. 00:33:50.365 --> 00:33:51.105 So true. 00:33:51.245 --> 00:34:06.240 And we do have on our website, although it's not like we get tons of money there, but we do have a thing where like, a pop up that allows people if they're looking into the program or, you know, they're just looking at it to give. 00:34:06.860 --> 00:34:10.160 We have the s SDC grant fund. 00:34:10.325 --> 00:34:12.885 So that allows people to give money to the program. 00:34:12.885 --> 00:34:22.905 And then what we do is try to distribute to that to people that might come to us and have a need, to want to study the program but not have the money to do it. 00:34:22.965 --> 00:34:25.445 As I said, it's not like we get tons of money there. 00:34:25.445 --> 00:34:34.660 So, but but it's, you know, the more that people know that they can do that, that's a that's a way, though, so to get more spiritual directors out there. 00:34:36.400 --> 00:34:43.225 Well, I wanna go on to some of the the the different parts of the program, but I did wanna there's one more question. 00:34:43.525 --> 00:34:48.905 There and the person's like, did you ever get you know, do you ever has have to ask for help? 00:34:49.205 --> 00:34:55.250 Because maybe there you feel scrupulous about something or you don't feel confident about the direction you're giving. 00:34:56.030 --> 00:34:56.510 Yeah. 00:34:56.510 --> 00:34:59.890 Well, first of all, I'm asking for help in every single question. 00:34:59.950 --> 00:35:01.250 I'm like, holy spirit. 00:35:02.030 --> 00:35:04.430 Come here and, you know, you do it. 00:35:04.430 --> 00:35:05.410 It's your word. 00:35:05.550 --> 00:35:12.615 You know, take me out of the picture because I don't wanna overly emphasize something that's just on my mind or you know? 00:35:12.915 --> 00:35:13.415 Mhmm. 00:35:14.275 --> 00:35:20.535 So, again, the program is so good at preparing you for so many potential outcomes or things that might come up. 00:35:20.790 --> 00:35:22.710 So, yes, of course, I ask for help. 00:35:22.710 --> 00:35:37.415 So, you know, as part of the practice, can we also be in what we call supervision, where you can take, confidential summary of of something that you're experiencing with someone to those who are more experienced than you. 00:35:37.415 --> 00:35:39.255 And say, you know, here's what I'm working with. 00:35:39.255 --> 00:35:44.075 This is it's just kind of person around this age and they're going through x y z. 00:35:45.015 --> 00:35:47.975 Does anyone have any good feedback from you on that? 00:35:47.975 --> 00:35:56.940 So I think prayer is one of the first place I ask for help, but also, yes, I'm happy to go to supervisor, to get an advice and and guidance. 00:35:56.940 --> 00:36:15.275 And then the third piece too is that we do a lot of preparation in the final course where you cover all kinds of scenarios for referring people out for more specific and other kinds of help, where it's an issue beyond what a spiritual director can really work through and influence. 00:36:16.215 --> 00:36:16.715 Mhmm. 00:36:17.190 --> 00:36:25.430 And so you feel really pretty capable of, like, when to discern, okay, this is something that will need to get referred and here's how you would try to approach that with that person. 00:36:25.430 --> 00:36:25.930 Mhmm. 00:36:27.270 --> 00:36:27.590 Yeah. 00:36:27.590 --> 00:36:29.750 But there is but there is a lot of faith. 00:36:29.750 --> 00:36:35.755 There is a lot of I found another part of one of the questions of just, like, it's such a responsibility that you're holding. 00:36:35.755 --> 00:36:37.455 Like, how do you deal with that? 00:36:37.835 --> 00:36:38.075 Mhmm. 00:36:38.075 --> 00:36:40.815 And you really learn throughout. 00:36:40.955 --> 00:36:42.735 It's a lot of letting go. 00:36:43.195 --> 00:36:43.515 Right? 00:36:43.515 --> 00:36:50.960 If this is something God calls you to and you have the skill, you you kinda have to get out of the way and let him do it. 00:36:50.960 --> 00:36:51.360 Right? 00:36:51.360 --> 00:36:56.180 So it's a whole lot of letting go about being worried about that or about being worried about the outcome. 00:36:56.480 --> 00:37:05.185 And, certainly, I still go you know, I'm listening attentively, and I maybe reflect or or share something with the with the directee. 00:37:05.725 --> 00:37:09.485 And then I'm still trying to listen, and I'm thinking to myself, why did I just say that? 00:37:09.485 --> 00:37:10.205 What am I doing? 00:37:10.205 --> 00:37:11.505 Why did I bring that up? 00:37:11.885 --> 00:37:13.245 And then you go, okay, holy spirit. 00:37:13.245 --> 00:37:14.465 Let me let that go. 00:37:14.765 --> 00:37:15.265 Focus. 00:37:15.630 --> 00:37:16.270 What do you have? 00:37:16.270 --> 00:37:17.170 It's okay. 00:37:17.310 --> 00:37:18.770 I'm not gonna break anything. 00:37:18.910 --> 00:37:19.230 You know? 00:37:19.230 --> 00:37:20.990 I'm not gonna you know? 00:37:20.990 --> 00:37:22.030 God's in control. 00:37:22.030 --> 00:37:22.690 You know? 00:37:23.630 --> 00:37:23.870 Yeah. 00:37:23.870 --> 00:37:24.430 It's true. 00:37:24.430 --> 00:37:30.270 It can be so easy to wanna problem solve with the person and be like, I should do this or do that or do that. 00:37:30.270 --> 00:37:30.705 You know? 00:37:30.705 --> 00:37:35.025 And sometimes we can help out with some practical things like that, but that's not the majority of what we're doing. 00:37:35.025 --> 00:37:35.345 Right? 00:37:35.345 --> 00:37:40.785 But it's definitely you just wanna, like, give them all the answers so that they can walk away. 00:37:40.785 --> 00:37:41.025 Right? 00:37:41.025 --> 00:37:48.570 But, really, it's about bringing them into a deeper encounter with the Lord and allowing him to kind of speak to them and direct them. 00:37:49.990 --> 00:37:50.390 Okay. 00:37:50.390 --> 00:37:51.510 So let's go in. 00:37:51.510 --> 00:37:55.050 I have some slides about I think those are all the questions. 00:37:55.590 --> 00:37:59.505 I have some slides about just the residency. 00:37:59.805 --> 00:38:05.565 Well, this is, you know, this is what you can expect in the SDC course that it's they're online courses. 00:38:05.565 --> 00:38:14.440 We do have two residencies that are here in Sterling, Virginia, and they're they started at a Wednesday evening, and they end at Sunday lunch. 00:38:14.440 --> 00:38:16.280 And, in fact, we're in a residency right now. 00:38:16.280 --> 00:38:18.280 I gotta be at the university tomorrow morning. 00:38:18.280 --> 00:38:20.140 Nice and early for that. 00:38:21.080 --> 00:38:28.635 So those are the times that we ask you to come here to get the skill training and to really be able to work, right, with you. 00:38:28.635 --> 00:38:31.355 And then there's sixty practicum hours. 00:38:31.355 --> 00:38:35.055 They're where you're seeing people in spiritual direction and receiving supervision. 00:38:35.115 --> 00:38:37.455 So that's what makes up those practicum hours. 00:38:37.675 --> 00:38:38.795 There's six courses. 00:38:38.795 --> 00:38:43.490 And as we were speaking about before, it's asynchronous, meaning, like, Kat made that referral. 00:38:43.490 --> 00:38:47.910 It's not that you're getting online for classes every week. 00:38:48.370 --> 00:38:53.830 It's, you know, you work through the material altogether, respecting those weekly deadlines. 00:38:54.895 --> 00:38:56.815 And then you get you there's triad work. 00:38:56.815 --> 00:39:06.995 There is sometimes when you have to get online for some things, but, it's not most you know, the learning is really done through the platform and all that you need. 00:39:07.360 --> 00:39:09.840 The readings, the videos, everything's there. 00:39:09.840 --> 00:39:12.000 So you can be like, oh gosh. 00:39:12.000 --> 00:39:13.360 I need to see that video again. 00:39:13.360 --> 00:39:21.620 I just see it again or whatever you need to do, to be review reviewing that information and and reading it and going through it on your own time. 00:39:24.575 --> 00:39:27.235 I wanted to talk a little bit about the residencies. 00:39:28.335 --> 00:39:30.675 What was your experience, Kat, of the residencies? 00:39:32.015 --> 00:39:32.335 Yeah. 00:39:32.335 --> 00:39:37.330 The residencies are essentially the best part of the entire program. 00:39:38.190 --> 00:39:50.875 There's but there's so much good all around, but just being able to be in person, face to face, having such an in-depth practice, with everyone. 00:39:50.875 --> 00:39:57.835 The live feedback that you get, I think, was, you know, potentially really nerve wracking at first. 00:39:57.835 --> 00:39:58.795 We were like, oh my gosh. 00:39:58.795 --> 00:40:02.495 They're gonna they're gonna tell us right now what we're doing wrong. 00:40:02.715 --> 00:40:08.900 So, but it turned out to be so it was an accelerator. 00:40:09.200 --> 00:40:11.440 I think that's the best way to kinda do that. 00:40:11.440 --> 00:40:12.960 It was a real accelerator. 00:40:12.960 --> 00:40:22.255 You kind of go ahead into the residency having learned a lot of things and starting to practice some things, and that the resident should accelerate the whole process. 00:40:22.255 --> 00:40:28.495 You walk away so much more confident, so much more skilled after those just few days together. 00:40:28.495 --> 00:40:33.950 And then, of course, there's the social aspect of meeting everyone and being together. 00:40:33.950 --> 00:40:36.290 It's actually really it was really beautiful. 00:40:36.910 --> 00:40:41.070 It was really, you know, it was kind of like going back to camp or something. 00:40:41.070 --> 00:40:49.555 You know, like, if you stay with someone or even if you don't, like, we would often gather in the lobby together, like, after classes and eat together. 00:40:50.495 --> 00:40:57.935 We had a little prayer night one night that just, like, organically happened, and it was really great and, like, you will never forget certain things. 00:40:57.935 --> 00:41:06.230 So there's just a lot about that in person experience that was hugely beneficial, and they come at just the right time. 00:41:06.230 --> 00:41:07.510 Again, it's like Mhmm. 00:41:07.590 --> 00:41:14.255 You know, even when I was like, why are we doing this or that, it all just, like, come right at the right time for the next thing you would learn. 00:41:14.255 --> 00:41:14.815 You know? 00:41:14.815 --> 00:41:15.315 Mhmm. 00:41:16.415 --> 00:41:16.735 Yeah. 00:41:16.735 --> 00:41:21.375 So the picture here, you could see the groups just, you know, how diverse the groups are. 00:41:21.375 --> 00:41:24.675 Men and women, priests, religious sisters. 00:41:25.295 --> 00:41:25.955 You know? 00:41:26.175 --> 00:41:27.315 That's really interesting. 00:41:27.375 --> 00:41:28.675 I always enjoy that. 00:41:28.870 --> 00:41:32.650 Did you enjoy just having so many different people, different personalities? 00:41:32.870 --> 00:41:33.850 Or Definitely. 00:41:34.070 --> 00:41:56.345 Coming from all different places, all different types of day jobs slash different ministries they were involved in, and it really brings a lot of perspective too because as you describe, discussed the live conversation about either reading or a skill or whatever it was, you know, people are bringing in different perspectives that I never would have covered or I didn't see in the reading. 00:41:56.345 --> 00:41:56.665 Right? 00:41:56.665 --> 00:41:59.645 But they're coming from these other places, so they they did. 00:42:00.320 --> 00:42:02.400 So, yeah, I we had a really diverse group. 00:42:02.400 --> 00:42:07.700 Even the cohort that I started with and the one I ended with, it was it was just very robust. 00:42:07.920 --> 00:42:08.580 You know? 00:42:10.000 --> 00:42:10.500 Yeah. 00:42:11.040 --> 00:42:11.520 It is. 00:42:11.520 --> 00:42:12.820 It's a beautiful experience. 00:42:12.880 --> 00:42:19.215 So these residencies happen at the end of the third course and at the beginning of the fifth course. 00:42:19.995 --> 00:42:23.135 So you're basically doing one residency a year. 00:42:23.275 --> 00:42:27.055 And, you know, we put you up in a hotel, which is right next to the university. 00:42:27.750 --> 00:42:34.010 And, really, the cost of the residencies includes everything except, I think, three dinners. 00:42:34.310 --> 00:42:38.150 And, of course, you're traveling to get to the, you know, to get here. 00:42:38.150 --> 00:42:41.605 But, it is it is a beautiful time. 00:42:41.605 --> 00:42:52.565 And, yeah, as you said, you know, just, I guess, I think intense would be one way I would describe it, but I kind of like the what was the word that you used, Kat? 00:42:52.565 --> 00:42:53.125 I like that. 00:42:53.125 --> 00:42:53.625 Accelerate. 00:42:54.130 --> 00:42:54.630 Accelerate. 00:42:54.690 --> 00:42:55.010 Yeah. 00:42:55.010 --> 00:42:55.670 It does. 00:42:55.810 --> 00:42:58.130 That's what's a one word person was saying to me. 00:42:58.130 --> 00:43:01.270 Like, it's like, you know, it's like a whole another course. 00:43:01.570 --> 00:43:02.230 You know? 00:43:02.530 --> 00:43:03.890 In that one time frame. 00:43:03.890 --> 00:43:04.390 Yeah. 00:43:04.530 --> 00:43:05.030 Exactly. 00:43:06.450 --> 00:43:06.950 Exactly. 00:43:07.970 --> 00:43:08.470 Okay. 00:43:09.215 --> 00:43:14.755 Well, we've got a little bit more time, so let me take some questions before we just kinda wind up here. 00:43:16.895 --> 00:43:18.275 Let's see what they're saying. 00:43:20.415 --> 00:43:26.850 With this certification, do you have a potential for filling other parish diocesan jobs other than direction? 00:43:27.510 --> 00:43:35.850 But, I mean, it definitely is created to to help someone become a spiritual director, but kinda like you were saying, Kat, just like the listening skills. 00:43:35.910 --> 00:43:43.345 I think it really does help you to be able to be in kind of any type of spiritual situation and have a spiritual conversation. 00:43:43.645 --> 00:43:46.945 Like, you were saying with the marriage retreat, it's helped you a lot. 00:43:47.405 --> 00:43:47.905 Absolutely. 00:43:48.045 --> 00:43:48.545 Yeah. 00:43:49.005 --> 00:43:49.505 Mhmm. 00:43:50.045 --> 00:43:50.365 Yeah. 00:43:50.365 --> 00:44:04.170 I think it's certainly I don't know that it's a qualification that gets you a job, but it would definitely augment your skills for any any pastoral role, any, you know, service role within the parish community. 00:44:04.230 --> 00:44:04.730 Absolutely. 00:44:04.870 --> 00:44:10.625 And I think, number one, it would prepare you better than without. 00:44:10.625 --> 00:44:20.705 And then number two, it may, you know, just be additive to those roles within the parish that they're available and things like that. 00:44:20.705 --> 00:44:21.505 So certainly, yes. 00:44:21.505 --> 00:44:26.070 It could look, oh, well, this person has this this full background that they've been training x y z. 00:44:26.070 --> 00:44:28.730 It definitely could be could be an advantage for something. 00:44:29.110 --> 00:44:29.610 Mhmm. 00:44:29.910 --> 00:44:30.410 Exactly. 00:44:31.350 --> 00:44:31.590 Yeah. 00:44:31.590 --> 00:44:31.990 I know. 00:44:31.990 --> 00:44:38.895 Like, a friend of mine, he did the he did a spiritual direction training program, and he also works as an EMT. 00:44:39.055 --> 00:44:46.295 So now they just made him the chaplain of the EMTs in his area and Yeah. 00:44:46.495 --> 00:44:47.135 You know? 00:44:47.135 --> 00:44:55.170 And he's doing that too, which is to be available for them for any type of confidential conversation they'd like to have or need you know? 00:44:55.470 --> 00:44:56.030 So Yeah. 00:44:56.030 --> 00:44:56.430 Yeah. 00:44:56.430 --> 00:44:56.930 Definitely. 00:44:57.230 --> 00:45:04.030 I just had someone reach out, actually, just who who knows that I've gone through this and and seeing people and so forth. 00:45:04.030 --> 00:45:06.210 And I haven't even I haven't seen them or anything. 00:45:07.245 --> 00:45:10.285 And they said, we wanna put on a women's retreat. 00:45:10.285 --> 00:45:14.065 Would you come and facilitate this and then provide spiritual hardship? 00:45:14.845 --> 00:45:17.745 And, I was like, yes. 00:45:17.885 --> 00:45:18.865 That sounds fantastic. 00:45:19.165 --> 00:45:19.745 You know? 00:45:20.510 --> 00:45:24.910 But it was because, they know that I've had this training that they reached out to me. 00:45:24.910 --> 00:45:25.150 Yeah. 00:45:25.150 --> 00:45:27.570 I think retreat work has a lot to do with it. 00:45:28.030 --> 00:45:28.530 Yeah. 00:45:28.750 --> 00:45:31.550 So this is the this is a good question. 00:45:31.550 --> 00:45:41.225 What if your heart is drawn to this, yet you realize your personality may be too bubbly for this, or you realize that people generally do not seem to take you very seriously. 00:45:42.565 --> 00:45:43.065 Oh. 00:45:43.445 --> 00:45:45.305 Well, there are a lot of different personalities. 00:45:45.845 --> 00:45:55.920 I haven't you know, it's not like all of you guys in the program are serious, timid, quiet people. 00:45:57.100 --> 00:46:07.585 I would say, you know, I was gonna say ten years ago, but maybe five years ago, I don't know that anyone would have believed me if I said that I was gonna do this. 00:46:07.585 --> 00:46:10.225 So, I wasn't really the best blood thinner, to be honest. 00:46:10.225 --> 00:46:10.725 Mhmm. 00:46:12.065 --> 00:46:16.085 And I would definitely put myself in the extra retarded category. 00:46:16.705 --> 00:46:24.860 I'm also you know, I might seem like I maybe know what I'm talking about here, but I get to present frequently, something that I do frequently for work. 00:46:24.860 --> 00:46:32.220 So not everybody looks like me either in terms of, you know, being able to come on the show and talk about what what was going on. 00:46:32.220 --> 00:46:32.565 Right? 00:46:33.045 --> 00:46:38.665 Not everybody would be comfortable with that even though who are excellent virtual directors and did really well in the program. 00:46:39.525 --> 00:46:40.485 All different types. 00:46:40.485 --> 00:46:41.945 I mean, god calls all types. 00:46:42.085 --> 00:46:44.425 I had to learn how to fill myself. 00:46:45.850 --> 00:46:53.070 Me on a virtual direction call is very different than me in my everyday life and the rest of my day. 00:46:53.530 --> 00:47:06.315 Truly, truly, I've I it is seeping into the rest of my life and in the way that I engage and listen and and much, you know, bite my tongue more and listen, you know, listen more and bite my tongue more. 00:47:07.255 --> 00:47:08.615 But it's but it is different. 00:47:08.615 --> 00:47:15.690 So you can you can it doesn't I don't think we're you should discriminate for yourself based on personality by any means. 00:47:15.690 --> 00:47:16.970 You learn skills. 00:47:16.970 --> 00:47:18.170 The skills can be anywhere. 00:47:18.170 --> 00:47:21.630 The call is there, anyone who learn the skills, honestly. 00:47:22.330 --> 00:47:22.830 Mhmm. 00:47:24.325 --> 00:47:24.645 Yeah. 00:47:24.645 --> 00:47:25.385 So true. 00:47:26.725 --> 00:47:27.125 Let's see. 00:47:27.125 --> 00:47:29.845 There are in the chat, I see that they put something. 00:47:29.845 --> 00:47:30.585 Let's see. 00:47:37.830 --> 00:47:43.430 How do you deal with this big responsibility, pressure, and privilege of helping to guide souls, others? 00:47:43.430 --> 00:47:44.250 Any fears? 00:47:45.830 --> 00:47:46.950 Oh, lots of fears. 00:47:46.950 --> 00:47:47.450 Yeah. 00:47:47.750 --> 00:47:49.290 You can't let those stop you. 00:47:50.150 --> 00:47:55.615 We talked about this a lot in in maybe some of it formally in the course and a lot of it informally. 00:47:55.755 --> 00:47:58.255 It looks like especially in my cohort, we talked about it. 00:47:58.715 --> 00:48:10.140 And, you know, it is it is a lot of let go and let God because you have to trust that he's called you into this role, and that is for a reason. 00:48:10.140 --> 00:48:11.100 You know, it's like Moses. 00:48:11.100 --> 00:48:12.620 He was like, I can't be the one. 00:48:12.620 --> 00:48:13.420 I'm like a federer. 00:48:13.420 --> 00:48:13.580 Right? 00:48:13.580 --> 00:48:14.240 You know? 00:48:14.780 --> 00:48:15.280 No. 00:48:15.340 --> 00:48:17.340 I I have you I know what I'm doing. 00:48:17.340 --> 00:48:18.800 Don't question what I'm doing. 00:48:19.180 --> 00:48:21.315 I know why I have you here into this. 00:48:21.395 --> 00:48:28.615 And it is so hard because you do you do feel the tremendous, at least at first, the tremendous responsibility. 00:48:28.675 --> 00:48:41.190 And I feel like it's important never to completely lose that because you don't wanna become it like, it's mundane and flip it, and you're not realizing just the the gravity of being in someone's spiritual walk with them. 00:48:41.730 --> 00:48:46.950 But you do learn how to let go and let the holy spirit do what he's doing. 00:48:47.165 --> 00:48:51.905 And to and and if a lot of the skills you learn is to take yourself out of the equation. 00:48:52.525 --> 00:48:52.845 Right? 00:48:52.845 --> 00:48:53.965 So you and that you do. 00:48:53.965 --> 00:48:55.405 You take your personality out. 00:48:55.405 --> 00:48:59.405 You take your your scrupulosity out that you might have. 00:48:59.405 --> 00:49:02.385 You take the way you feel about the scenario out. 00:49:02.630 --> 00:49:09.990 And you learn how to be very attentive to your own inner movement so that they are not influencing what's happening in that space. 00:49:09.990 --> 00:49:10.490 Mhmm. 00:49:10.710 --> 00:49:12.310 You can set them aside Yeah. 00:49:12.390 --> 00:49:15.850 And extract them from what the holy spirit is doing. 00:49:16.585 --> 00:49:21.485 And it's through that process that you also learn how to let go of concerns like that. 00:49:21.865 --> 00:49:25.625 You know, expectations might be or if you might mess something up or anything. 00:49:25.625 --> 00:49:29.420 So you all of those skills help you to help set that aside. 00:49:29.480 --> 00:49:41.740 And so for me, you know, like I said, I of course of course, you still got caught here and there and, in sessions and and wanna beat myself about about something I said or did I did I step in something there or anything. 00:49:42.175 --> 00:49:45.055 But, again, immediately following that, it's like, okay, holy spirit. 00:49:45.055 --> 00:49:47.475 Let's just take that just take that right now. 00:49:47.695 --> 00:49:48.815 I'm not gonna think about that. 00:49:48.815 --> 00:49:50.275 I'm not gonna worry about that. 00:49:50.655 --> 00:49:53.155 You can take this where you need it to go. 00:49:53.455 --> 00:49:53.955 Mhmm. 00:49:54.610 --> 00:49:55.110 Exactly. 00:49:55.490 --> 00:50:16.845 And then I was also thinking kind of the work that's done in the program of helping you understand kind of what the field of the spiritual director is and kinda what you're getting trained to do and kinda what's outside of your area of training and so that you can make referrals or be or, you know, always be able to say, well, you know, this is this is probably what I can tell you about it, but this is you know, I don't know this. 00:50:16.845 --> 00:50:19.485 You'd probably wanna find a priest, maybe ask him. 00:50:19.485 --> 00:50:25.180 You know, just that capacity, that healthy capacity to be able to say, well, this is what we're doing. 00:50:25.180 --> 00:50:27.140 This is how I can help you. 00:50:27.140 --> 00:50:28.540 That I'm not a counselor. 00:50:28.540 --> 00:50:30.880 I'm not, you know, I'm not a moral theologian. 00:50:30.940 --> 00:50:31.500 I'm not. 00:50:31.500 --> 00:50:31.820 Right? 00:50:31.820 --> 00:50:33.180 So uh-huh. 00:50:33.180 --> 00:50:34.160 Knowing your limits. 00:50:34.300 --> 00:50:34.700 Yeah. 00:50:34.700 --> 00:50:35.200 Absolutely. 00:50:35.820 --> 00:50:36.320 Exactly. 00:50:37.500 --> 00:50:39.120 One more question here. 00:50:40.915 --> 00:50:45.255 Do you have a support team after you finish the program to assist with any future issues? 00:50:47.235 --> 00:50:47.735 Absolutely. 00:50:48.595 --> 00:50:49.095 Definitely. 00:50:49.555 --> 00:51:00.750 You can probably tell everyone more about that than I can, but you are set up to be in consistent supervision, and ongoing supervision based on the number of hours that you're seeing people. 00:51:00.750 --> 00:51:06.290 You kind of have a goal of how often you wanna be in supervision to help catch anything like that. 00:51:06.670 --> 00:51:06.990 Yeah. 00:51:06.990 --> 00:51:08.350 So and that's the thing you do. 00:51:08.350 --> 00:51:15.275 And I do always, when students graduate, kinda let them know some of the groups that exist or how they can kinda get themselves. 00:51:15.495 --> 00:51:20.215 We go through that process and get to that 600, that last course of, like, okay. 00:51:20.215 --> 00:51:21.975 What kind of supervisor would you need? 00:51:21.975 --> 00:51:24.240 What type of support do you need as you're doing this? 00:51:24.720 --> 00:51:27.600 So that you can start thinking that through and have that set up. 00:51:27.600 --> 00:51:29.620 But, yeah, you do need that support. 00:51:30.640 --> 00:51:38.820 The university doesn't establish those things ourselves, but we really try to give you kind of the resources and the tools so that you can find that. 00:51:41.175 --> 00:51:42.155 So that's great. 00:51:42.375 --> 00:51:43.435 It's always helpful. 00:51:45.015 --> 00:51:47.355 Well, we're really getting towards the end here. 00:51:49.095 --> 00:51:52.795 So, Kat, is there anything that you'd say to someone that's looking into the certificate? 00:51:54.820 --> 00:52:10.505 I wish I could convince everyone, especially if you you you feel that pull and that tug and some kind of call to it because it is really transformational, which I know can sound scary, but I think it's a lot about in what doses. 00:52:10.645 --> 00:52:15.705 And it's just that the right pacing for what you can consume, what you can process. 00:52:16.565 --> 00:52:17.045 You know? 00:52:17.045 --> 00:52:20.665 And so, yeah, I would encourage anyone to look into it. 00:52:20.805 --> 00:52:24.390 And and, my my thought is, you know, do a class. 00:52:24.390 --> 00:52:26.790 When I did the first class, I wasn't like, okay. 00:52:26.790 --> 00:52:28.250 I'm doing the full program. 00:52:28.310 --> 00:52:36.470 I was like, I'll take a class and see what I learned and see if this feels right, like, the right place to be, and then it just flowed from there. 00:52:36.470 --> 00:52:46.155 And I had I had one person who did leave midway because it wasn't what they were looking for. 00:52:46.155 --> 00:52:47.115 And I was like, okay. 00:52:47.115 --> 00:52:48.475 Well, yeah, I learned a lot. 00:52:48.475 --> 00:52:52.235 It was really great and informative, and I created all the new relationships and everything. 00:52:52.235 --> 00:52:52.555 Right? 00:52:52.555 --> 00:52:58.240 So that was my thought is to take a step and see what happens from there. 00:52:58.240 --> 00:52:58.720 Right? 00:52:58.720 --> 00:52:59.120 Yeah. 00:52:59.120 --> 00:52:59.620 Exactly. 00:53:00.000 --> 00:53:01.840 And it is a pay as you go program. 00:53:01.840 --> 00:53:06.020 So as you register for each course, you you can take it. 00:53:06.960 --> 00:53:12.865 You know, you're not you don't need to be paying upfront for you know, it's not like a college education or anything like that. 00:53:12.865 --> 00:53:17.905 So that pay as you go does help you to kind of register and then take a course and then see. 00:53:17.905 --> 00:53:21.345 And there's spacing between all the courses that definitely gives you. 00:53:21.345 --> 00:53:29.800 You're taking three courses a year, so that's giving you time for reflection and prayer and just kind of life to happen and see where God's taking you. 00:53:30.420 --> 00:53:44.245 I did wanna leave with, just to give a little information that, on the website, there is you know, if you go on to divine mercy and under the academic programs, you'll find the spiritual direction certificate. 00:53:45.185 --> 00:53:49.045 And there's you know, some of the information we've given you tonight is there. 00:53:49.280 --> 00:53:53.040 You can also get in touch with Greg Shapiro, who's our admissions adviser. 00:53:53.040 --> 00:53:59.700 This is his phone number, and you can, you know, call or text message him either way or email him. 00:53:59.760 --> 00:54:06.935 And he'll be able to have, you know, a personal conversation, maybe answer some more questions that you might have, about the program. 00:54:08.275 --> 00:54:10.835 I see that there's one more question that came in here. 00:54:10.835 --> 00:54:13.475 So how many courses, David? 00:54:13.475 --> 00:54:13.795 Okay. 00:54:13.795 --> 00:54:15.555 So hopefully, you got that, David. 00:54:15.555 --> 00:54:18.690 It's six courses, and it's $800 a course. 00:54:18.690 --> 00:54:28.710 The residencies do have a separate price, which is that 1,100 for the residency because it covers the teaching, the materials, the lodging, the food. 00:54:29.245 --> 00:54:29.745 Right? 00:54:30.445 --> 00:54:40.365 And you take care of flying in and flying out or driving in and driving out or luckily, we're very close to the Dallas Airport, like, maybe ten minutes from there. 00:54:40.365 --> 00:54:45.400 So it's really easy to get in and out of the airport, and the hotel shuttle picks you up. 00:54:45.400 --> 00:54:48.440 So I think I was always coming the furthest, and I made it. 00:54:48.440 --> 00:54:49.880 So Yeah. 00:54:49.880 --> 00:54:50.380 Exactly. 00:54:51.560 --> 00:54:52.060 Exactly. 00:54:52.120 --> 00:54:53.500 You are coming from California. 00:54:54.040 --> 00:54:54.540 Right? 00:54:54.840 --> 00:54:56.860 So well, good, Kat. 00:54:57.025 --> 00:54:58.385 Thanks so much for this time. 00:54:58.385 --> 00:55:01.465 It's been a joy having you on, and thank you for Totally. 00:55:01.905 --> 00:55:06.405 You know, for answering all these questions and just sharing sharing your experience. 00:55:07.265 --> 00:55:07.665 Yes. 00:55:07.665 --> 00:55:18.250 God bless all of you in your discernment, and I'm so excited to hear about how how so many of you will be joining the program and just experiencing all that God has for you in this. 00:55:18.790 --> 00:55:19.350 Thank you. 00:55:19.350 --> 00:55:21.030 Thank thank you all for coming. 00:55:21.030 --> 00:55:22.170 God bless you all.