WEBVTT 00:00:05.600 --> 00:00:07.460 But let's let's get underway. 00:00:07.520 --> 00:00:13.620 My name is Chris, Chris Garofalo, and I'm the admissions adviser of the spiritual direction program. 00:00:13.935 --> 00:00:16.115 And I have Mike and Lisa Williams. 00:00:16.175 --> 00:00:19.935 I'm they're from Georgia, and they are alumni of the program. 00:00:19.935 --> 00:00:21.695 They live, in the Atlanta Suburbs. 00:00:21.695 --> 00:00:22.255 Hello, Mike. 00:00:22.255 --> 00:00:23.075 Hello, Lisa. 00:00:23.375 --> 00:00:23.775 Hi. 00:00:23.775 --> 00:00:24.275 Hello. 00:00:24.975 --> 00:00:25.375 Hello. 00:00:25.375 --> 00:00:26.835 So we're doing this virtually. 00:00:28.020 --> 00:00:32.840 And let me just share my screen for everyone as we get started. 00:00:33.380 --> 00:00:39.000 So, essentially, my name is Chris again, and our upcoming semester is summer twenty twenty two. 00:00:39.635 --> 00:00:43.815 Mike and Lisa, they are married, and they're members of Regnum Priesti, and they graduated. 00:00:43.955 --> 00:00:53.815 And they're here to, offer their experiences and share some things that they learned through the program and kind of their overall, experience as they went through the two year program. 00:00:55.560 --> 00:01:00.380 And to start, for those who are watching this, maybe you have not applied to the program yet. 00:01:00.680 --> 00:01:05.020 But are you called to accompany others, as a spiritual director? 00:01:05.720 --> 00:01:10.075 I would say these four questions are kinda big, and they're core questions. 00:01:10.695 --> 00:01:16.955 Mike and Lisa, is there something here or something, you know, off the top of your head, when you were discerning? 00:01:17.575 --> 00:01:22.800 You had you had some spiritual direction experience, but was there anything that spoke to you? 00:01:23.040 --> 00:01:24.560 Any of these questions stand out? 00:01:24.560 --> 00:01:27.860 I'm kind of looking back in your admissions process. 00:01:31.040 --> 00:01:56.870 Well, for me, it, it's more that number two, the, seeing God's hand in people's lives really, just it was just an experience of, like, of God that I really have enjoyed and continue to enjoy as I see, directees now. 00:01:58.530 --> 00:02:02.625 And that I think was kind of what motivated me. 00:02:03.805 --> 00:02:04.125 Yeah. 00:02:04.125 --> 00:02:04.285 No. 00:02:04.285 --> 00:02:06.045 I I think that's the crux of it. 00:02:06.045 --> 00:02:16.760 And and what we discover is that God wants to work in people's lives, but there's a particular way that that he can help people if they're willing to open up to another. 00:02:16.760 --> 00:02:19.980 And it's just the way he's he's made us, I guess, as social creatures. 00:02:20.360 --> 00:02:24.760 And so just being willing to be with them as their journey helps their journey go forward. 00:02:24.760 --> 00:02:27.260 And and that's that's that's very gratifying. 00:02:27.735 --> 00:02:28.235 Mhmm. 00:02:28.295 --> 00:02:34.935 I think, the crux of this is the program is helping those walk with Christ at the end of the day. 00:02:35.255 --> 00:02:36.135 We are mortals. 00:02:36.135 --> 00:02:36.955 We are humans. 00:02:37.175 --> 00:02:44.600 But having that connection with the spiritual, with the divine, with the trinity, that's kinda why our program's becoming more popular. 00:02:44.980 --> 00:02:50.600 We're we're a hidden gem, I like to say, and we're becoming more of a gym now, as the word gets out. 00:02:51.060 --> 00:02:53.300 Let me proceed to and this is a slide. 00:02:53.460 --> 00:02:54.500 This is a quote rather. 00:02:54.500 --> 00:02:58.265 Slide three from Pope Emeritus of Benedict the sixteenth. 00:02:59.285 --> 00:03:00.725 And, take a look at this. 00:03:00.725 --> 00:03:08.885 And Benedict the sixteenth, I would say I am not an expert, but he has a lot of, writings of spiritual direction. 00:03:08.885 --> 00:03:11.820 In spiritual direction, you don't have to be a priest or a sister. 00:03:12.300 --> 00:03:14.000 This is a misconception. 00:03:14.460 --> 00:03:16.720 Laypeople can be spiritual directors. 00:03:16.940 --> 00:03:21.100 And I think the call is bigger, especially depending on the diocese you live in. 00:03:21.340 --> 00:03:25.120 Sometimes priests are busy with the sacraments, managing two or three parishes. 00:03:26.855 --> 00:03:31.035 Lay people can answer this call, by the Holy Spirit. 00:03:31.575 --> 00:03:36.715 And once you're baptized, that there is new life in Christ, you are you become a child of God. 00:03:37.415 --> 00:03:40.200 The bar, the expectations get raised a little bit. 00:03:40.280 --> 00:03:44.700 And, this quote is from Benedict, and this is, back in 2011. 00:03:45.720 --> 00:03:51.900 And he refers to the church and, the spiritual direction and helping people walk with the lord. 00:03:53.425 --> 00:03:55.265 And, the aims of the program. 00:03:55.265 --> 00:04:02.725 So if you're very interested and you're on the cusp of applying, this is what the program, the SDC program, prepares you for. 00:04:03.265 --> 00:04:08.420 And it prepares you with knowledge, human interaction skills, supervision tools. 00:04:08.640 --> 00:04:13.540 All of these, the goal is to become a spiritual director and have directees. 00:04:14.800 --> 00:04:22.335 And this will enable you, to become closer to Christ, and also you're working through the tradition of the church. 00:04:22.795 --> 00:04:25.215 The church has two thousand years of experience. 00:04:25.515 --> 00:04:29.695 So this is something this is the aim of the program of those three bullet points. 00:04:30.650 --> 00:04:36.490 Mike and Lisa, so you you mentioned you there's some knowledge there as you entered your regnum priest team members. 00:04:36.490 --> 00:04:38.350 You have knowledge to Catholic theology. 00:04:39.210 --> 00:04:46.495 Was the human interaction skills, was that something you were the most excited about, like learning and polishing those skill sets? 00:04:48.155 --> 00:04:48.395 Yeah. 00:04:48.395 --> 00:04:49.035 I think so. 00:04:49.035 --> 00:04:54.175 I think, we both we both had some experience with spiritual direction before entering the program. 00:04:54.875 --> 00:04:58.095 And there was an awkwardness to it, and I'm not sure how to help. 00:04:59.240 --> 00:05:02.600 You know, spiritual director isn't a guru that just answers questions. 00:05:02.600 --> 00:05:08.920 It's somebody that walks with the other person, and and there needs to be a, you know, an environment created. 00:05:08.920 --> 00:05:13.960 And and so, really, the human interaction side of it is what I think made a difference, the biggest difference to each of us. 00:05:13.960 --> 00:05:14.520 Right, Lisa? 00:05:14.520 --> 00:05:15.135 Would you agree? 00:05:15.455 --> 00:05:15.775 Yeah. 00:05:16.255 --> 00:05:18.095 Well, there was also the tools, though. 00:05:18.095 --> 00:05:38.430 I really did, appreciate the experiences of, well, and practicing the tools of listening, but, other tools too, just to to know how to, work through difficult situations, or unusual situations, which is one of the courses that's later on in the program. 00:05:38.430 --> 00:05:41.010 And, and that's very helpful too. 00:05:42.225 --> 00:05:42.725 Absolutely. 00:05:43.505 --> 00:05:43.825 No. 00:05:43.825 --> 00:05:44.465 And that's great. 00:05:44.465 --> 00:05:46.965 And we will, look at the six courses later. 00:05:47.985 --> 00:05:52.945 And this is kind of, this slide, this is how the program prepares you. 00:05:53.105 --> 00:05:54.465 There's intellectual studies. 00:05:54.465 --> 00:05:57.490 So Divine Mercy University, we're a Catholic institution. 00:05:57.790 --> 00:06:03.730 You have your theology and we focus, our wheelhouse is the psychological sciences. 00:06:04.110 --> 00:06:06.430 So psychology is in the two year program. 00:06:06.430 --> 00:06:07.410 There's philosophy. 00:06:07.955 --> 00:06:11.015 And we are this is all under the Catholic Christian umbrella. 00:06:11.635 --> 00:06:17.335 Two thousand plus years of sacred tradition, two thousand plus years of sacred scripture in the Bible. 00:06:18.515 --> 00:06:20.215 Also interpersonal skills. 00:06:21.200 --> 00:06:21.700 Listening. 00:06:22.240 --> 00:06:25.780 I think listening, in the twenty first century is very important. 00:06:26.160 --> 00:06:27.620 Body language as well. 00:06:27.680 --> 00:06:34.180 But definitely, we have devices and smart technology now, which in theory seems great and dandy. 00:06:34.640 --> 00:06:37.645 But in practice, people are glued to their screens. 00:06:37.645 --> 00:06:40.465 And I'm we're we're thankful for this technology now. 00:06:41.325 --> 00:06:45.405 But I'm listening and as opposed to distracted, somebody's on their phone. 00:06:45.405 --> 00:06:46.685 I mean, this is very important. 00:06:46.685 --> 00:06:53.890 And and face to face as a spiritual director, you were meeting with your directees, and you're trying to get to know them on a human to human level. 00:06:54.530 --> 00:06:57.410 Cell phones aside, iwatches aside. 00:06:57.410 --> 00:07:03.250 It's one to one interaction and connection and also supervision, as Lisa mentioned. 00:07:03.755 --> 00:07:10.235 In the residency, there are instances where supervision is, required, and that's for the two year program. 00:07:10.235 --> 00:07:12.415 There's residencies, which we'll get into. 00:07:13.435 --> 00:07:17.295 But these are three ways how how the program prepares you. 00:07:19.270 --> 00:07:21.670 And, also, being called to serve. 00:07:22.230 --> 00:07:24.330 Mike and Lisa just and this is accompaniment. 00:07:24.710 --> 00:07:37.025 What would you say to those who are they're being called to this, but there's one impediment, one roadblock, from them applying from them kind of taking that leap and saying, I wanna do this. 00:07:37.025 --> 00:07:42.085 I'm being called by God, but there's that initial human resistance, if you will. 00:07:45.585 --> 00:07:48.380 I would say take a leap. 00:07:49.480 --> 00:07:50.547 Not a fly movie. 00:07:50.547 --> 00:07:53.020 A leap of faith. 00:07:54.520 --> 00:08:20.770 Because, I mean, I experienced so much joy from a company and seeing, God work in others' lives that, it's totally worth the schoolwork and having to be an old person who has to figure out technology in order to take an online class. 00:08:20.770 --> 00:08:22.230 And You would be both. 00:08:23.570 --> 00:08:24.870 I am not a tech wizard. 00:08:26.530 --> 00:08:33.505 But it it was totally worth it to do all that to be in the position of accompaniment of others. 00:08:33.505 --> 00:08:35.525 It's, it's a beautiful position. 00:08:36.305 --> 00:08:36.805 Mhmm. 00:08:37.265 --> 00:08:39.185 And something about oh, sorry, Mike. 00:08:39.185 --> 00:08:40.225 Were you gonna say something? 00:08:40.225 --> 00:08:40.465 No. 00:08:40.465 --> 00:08:40.625 No. 00:08:40.625 --> 00:08:41.125 No. 00:08:41.210 --> 00:08:41.530 Go ahead. 00:08:41.610 --> 00:08:44.330 Something about joy and as opposed to happiness. 00:08:44.570 --> 00:08:47.630 Happiness is temporary, and we use the words kind of interchangeably. 00:08:48.410 --> 00:08:49.770 I'm a big soccer fan. 00:08:49.770 --> 00:08:54.030 So when when my soccer team arsenal, when they lose, I'm not happy. 00:08:54.365 --> 00:08:59.185 But with joy, as you accompany someone, joy is more permanent. 00:08:59.245 --> 00:09:03.665 And in heaven, where it's eternal joy with with the with God. 00:09:03.965 --> 00:09:07.105 So there is something there with accompanying somebody with Christ. 00:09:07.870 --> 00:09:09.570 There's more joy than happiness. 00:09:09.790 --> 00:09:10.770 There is a distinction. 00:09:11.070 --> 00:09:15.490 Lots of times, there are similar there's spillover, but there is a distinction with joy. 00:09:16.190 --> 00:09:21.615 So as you're reading this, for those who are watching, accompaniment, Definitely let this sink in. 00:09:21.615 --> 00:09:25.855 And if you're looking for that joy, if you're being called, this goes deeper. 00:09:25.855 --> 00:09:27.455 I mean, this program really does. 00:09:27.455 --> 00:09:29.315 It's not surface level happiness. 00:09:29.375 --> 00:09:35.635 It goes deeper into the soul, which is what psychology, mainstream psychology, is kind of, lacking. 00:09:36.310 --> 00:09:39.690 At DMU, we treat the whole person, mind, body, and soul. 00:09:39.990 --> 00:09:45.050 Lots of secular psychology, they treat the mind and the person, but there's no recognition of the soul. 00:09:45.590 --> 00:09:50.145 So how could one find joy if there's no recognition of the soul? 00:09:50.145 --> 00:09:54.405 It is something to keep in mind as you, as you discern this before applying. 00:09:55.105 --> 00:09:55.265 Yeah. 00:09:55.265 --> 00:10:02.145 And one thing to mention there, Chris, the the the accompaniment there there's a there is a spiritual reality to it. 00:10:02.145 --> 00:10:07.830 And, you know, it talks about a deeply, theological reality in the in the, text there. 00:10:08.210 --> 00:10:13.510 And we we both have experienced both in our own receiving that spiritual direction and also accompanying others. 00:10:13.890 --> 00:10:19.645 There are moments when god seems to kinda directly act in that relationship, and it that's stunning. 00:10:19.645 --> 00:10:20.045 You know? 00:10:20.045 --> 00:10:29.085 Somebody, just has a moment where they experience God's love in a different way than they have before just as you're sitting there, and and you know their life's not gonna be the same after that. 00:10:29.085 --> 00:10:36.480 And it's it's it's enriching to to you as the director and also to obviously, it's a it's a big it's it's a big gift to the director. 00:10:36.500 --> 00:10:36.980 Absolutely. 00:10:36.980 --> 00:10:37.800 That's profound. 00:10:38.180 --> 00:10:38.680 Absolutely. 00:10:40.580 --> 00:10:48.475 And kind of speaking of god in the pilgrimage toward god, as humans, that is our that is our goal to get to heaven. 00:10:48.715 --> 00:10:51.215 Not to earn it based off our good works. 00:10:51.275 --> 00:10:59.995 I mean, good works are obviously important, but just acknowledging you're a sinner, repentance, doing good works, and also faith. 00:10:59.995 --> 00:11:09.710 And and kind of making this beautiful masterpiece, this mosaic, knowing that you are you are fallen, we're we're not perfect, but heaven's the goal. 00:11:09.710 --> 00:11:10.690 And it's a pilgrimage. 00:11:10.750 --> 00:11:11.470 It's a journey. 00:11:11.470 --> 00:11:12.290 It's a pilgrimage. 00:11:13.965 --> 00:11:18.305 And it says here and this is from, this is Evangelii Gaudium. 00:11:19.805 --> 00:11:21.485 I don't know if this is Canon Law. 00:11:21.485 --> 00:11:23.005 This is where I'm not an expert. 00:11:23.005 --> 00:11:26.705 But, although it sounds this is via the church. 00:11:27.040 --> 00:11:35.780 Although it sounds obvious, spiritual accompaniment must lead others ever closer to god in whom we attain true freedom. 00:11:36.640 --> 00:11:48.005 To accompany them would be counterproductive if it became a sort of therapy supporting their self absorption and cease to be a pilgrimage with Christ to the father. 00:11:49.345 --> 00:11:53.605 And true freedom, I'm sure there's different parts of this that sticks out to different people. 00:11:53.825 --> 00:11:59.550 The true freedom, once you have that, we all have free will, freely choosing virtue. 00:12:00.010 --> 00:12:01.470 That that is true freedom. 00:12:01.530 --> 00:12:04.410 The freedoms that word is used a lot in America. 00:12:04.410 --> 00:12:18.425 And, it is a good thing, but true freedom, freely exercising your will to make virtuous decisions that please God, that honor God, that's kind of what this program taps into as you go through it. 00:12:20.330 --> 00:12:21.150 And formation. 00:12:21.530 --> 00:12:22.830 Formation is huge. 00:12:23.290 --> 00:12:31.710 Catholics probably know this word, faith formation, as you go through the sacraments, CCD, as an adult member of the church, and throughout your life. 00:12:32.865 --> 00:12:42.065 Mike and Lisa, was the formation was this, were you expecting something around here and then the program was like, wow. 00:12:42.065 --> 00:12:45.365 This is even more eye opening than we originally thought? 00:12:47.700 --> 00:12:49.640 I mean, there was a lot there. 00:12:49.940 --> 00:12:52.280 It was it was very enriching. 00:12:52.740 --> 00:13:05.255 The readings, the, the sources that they they pulled, together to make to create these these courses were diverse and and rich. 00:13:05.395 --> 00:13:14.910 And I mean, you know, we oftentimes only got to read small parts of some books And, and and yet you you were like, wow. 00:13:14.910 --> 00:13:17.470 I wish I could have read more of that. 00:13:17.470 --> 00:13:20.210 Or, you know, there's just a lot of depth. 00:13:20.350 --> 00:13:26.030 In some cases, we went actually in and bought bought the books so that we could read the whole thing. 00:13:26.030 --> 00:13:28.965 But, yeah, there's some, and and the spiritual masters. 00:13:28.965 --> 00:13:30.085 I mean, you know, you Yeah. 00:13:30.325 --> 00:13:36.965 You get an exposure to Saint Augustine and and, and, yeah, obviously, Saint John of the Cross and Saint Teresa of Avila. 00:13:36.965 --> 00:13:48.730 So some of the the kind of big names in the church, but also some some newer materials from modern spiritual directors who have really reflected on it and incorporated, you know, some of this accompaniment language and so forth. 00:13:48.730 --> 00:13:50.110 So That's incredible. 00:13:50.330 --> 00:13:50.490 Yeah. 00:13:50.490 --> 00:13:51.710 We found it really helpful. 00:13:51.770 --> 00:13:52.010 Mhmm. 00:13:52.170 --> 00:13:56.705 Is there a favorite doctor of the church or somebody that you read in the program? 00:13:56.705 --> 00:13:58.065 Anybody that stood out? 00:13:58.065 --> 00:14:00.725 Or Not so many. 00:14:00.865 --> 00:14:01.845 You have one. 00:14:03.825 --> 00:14:05.825 The name's escaping me at the moment. 00:14:05.985 --> 00:14:07.685 It was a book on spiritual direction. 00:14:08.120 --> 00:14:13.260 The there was a phrase that he used, and it really kinda characterized, the whole book. 00:14:13.400 --> 00:14:15.020 He called it vulnerable attentiveness. 00:14:15.640 --> 00:14:15.960 Mhmm. 00:14:15.960 --> 00:14:24.655 And it was very much entering into the experience of being a spiritual director and how you make yourself available and and are so focused on the other person in a sense you lose track of yourself. 00:14:25.115 --> 00:14:34.575 And then that gift of yourself is is it allows them to experience it's really a a beginning of experience guys of god's love for them or it helps enhance their experience of god's love. 00:14:35.020 --> 00:14:36.800 And you said vulnerable attentiveness. 00:14:37.420 --> 00:14:39.440 Vulnerable attentiveness was the phrase. 00:14:39.740 --> 00:14:41.200 That's that's good to know. 00:14:41.500 --> 00:14:42.240 That's incredible. 00:14:42.700 --> 00:14:50.745 And now as we proceed through the presentation, you'll now see kind of the, the the nuts and bolts of the program. 00:14:51.365 --> 00:14:52.665 It's a two year program. 00:14:53.205 --> 00:14:54.665 There are six courses. 00:14:55.365 --> 00:14:57.605 Each course is eight weeks in length. 00:14:57.925 --> 00:15:08.120 I'm not sure if it says it on here, but when you see those six courses, the SDC program is condensed course wise in that your traditional twelve week course, that does not apply. 00:15:08.500 --> 00:15:09.620 Each course is eight weeks. 00:15:09.620 --> 00:15:17.160 It's a little bit it's even more convenient, I guess, for working adults, those who are semi retired, those who are retired, obviously. 00:15:18.285 --> 00:15:23.745 Asynchronous format, I'm sure, Mike and Lisa, you found that, very beneficial and flexible. 00:15:24.285 --> 00:15:30.545 Being able as opposed to a Tuesday, 9AM class, you have to log on. 00:15:31.000 --> 00:15:31.320 Yeah. 00:15:31.320 --> 00:15:31.820 Yeah. 00:15:31.880 --> 00:15:39.340 Because being on the West Coast, for example, that would mean six 6AM or or whatnot, so the with the time zone difference. 00:15:40.120 --> 00:15:41.820 So the course Mhmm. 00:15:41.880 --> 00:15:42.380 Yeah. 00:15:42.520 --> 00:15:44.540 The courses are entirely online. 00:15:45.395 --> 00:15:46.695 That that's worth noting. 00:15:46.915 --> 00:15:49.335 The residencies are in person. 00:15:50.035 --> 00:15:57.075 How the the residency process because I believe DMU, did they book your lodging? 00:15:57.075 --> 00:16:00.055 I believe, I have a colleague who's in charge of that. 00:16:00.140 --> 00:16:03.820 But was were was the residency process you getting to Sterling, Virginia? 00:16:03.820 --> 00:16:05.360 Was that quite seamless? 00:16:06.460 --> 00:16:07.060 Oh, yeah. 00:16:07.060 --> 00:16:08.320 It was easy enough. 00:16:08.380 --> 00:16:08.620 Yeah. 00:16:08.620 --> 00:16:14.125 There was and there was a there was a hotel right by the the campus that, that it was all set up for you. 00:16:14.125 --> 00:16:15.645 And there was a shuttle from the airport. 00:16:15.645 --> 00:16:16.365 It was quite easy. 00:16:16.365 --> 00:16:18.525 You just flying to Dallas and Yeah. 00:16:18.765 --> 00:16:19.565 That was Yeah. 00:16:19.565 --> 00:16:34.350 It was really that it was it was really a fun experience, actually, to, well, to to meet your classmates in person, and and have conversations over dinner and and things like that. 00:16:34.730 --> 00:16:40.190 That enhanced the actual what we were learning through the residency. 00:16:40.570 --> 00:16:41.710 It was really neat. 00:16:41.955 --> 00:16:45.075 I believe the hotel it's a Fairfield Inn, I believe. 00:16:45.075 --> 00:16:47.895 I think it's point two five miles away. 00:16:48.035 --> 00:16:48.355 Yeah. 00:16:48.515 --> 00:16:49.735 I've heard of priests. 00:16:50.195 --> 00:16:55.715 This is not condoned, but priests instead of take you transportation, they'll walk from the hotel to campus. 00:16:55.715 --> 00:16:59.320 But that's just because our our priests are awesome and daring. 00:16:59.320 --> 00:17:02.220 But, yes, like, DMU accommodates their shuttles. 00:17:02.280 --> 00:17:08.940 We we try to it's a well oiled machine, and it's I'm glad you found the, the residencies enriching and enjoyable. 00:17:09.625 --> 00:17:09.945 Mhmm. 00:17:10.425 --> 00:17:17.245 It's also worth noting, the SDC program is a nondegree program, so you earn a certificate of completion. 00:17:17.945 --> 00:17:20.605 This is still something that can go on your resume. 00:17:21.145 --> 00:17:24.205 It could enhance your professional life, professional development. 00:17:24.680 --> 00:17:27.180 But also, most importantly, this is a ministry. 00:17:27.880 --> 00:17:30.860 And this program is a great learning tool for that. 00:17:31.080 --> 00:17:36.940 And this is where the moral and the spiritual elements, they combine, and that's where you develop. 00:17:37.480 --> 00:17:39.580 So that is the overarching goal. 00:17:40.375 --> 00:17:48.395 Somebody who's in this program, your moral and spiritual lives will enhance, develop, and quite frankly, it's selfless. 00:17:48.695 --> 00:17:51.095 You were doing this to help other people. 00:17:51.255 --> 00:17:56.910 This is not this is a ministry, definitely for others as Christ did. 00:17:57.130 --> 00:18:00.110 So that's always that's always good to know. 00:18:00.810 --> 00:18:04.110 And this is sacred, of course, Catholic spiritual direction. 00:18:04.890 --> 00:18:11.125 For those who have more of the theology, the the call, the presence of the holy spirit, they're being called to this program. 00:18:11.665 --> 00:18:24.390 The human side, more of the psychological side, secure, intimate, trusting, healing, some of these psychological qualities and traits, this could be something that you would improve in as you go through the program. 00:18:24.930 --> 00:18:30.070 Because at DMU, we fuse evidence based psychology with Catholic theology. 00:18:30.690 --> 00:18:34.790 And the end result is flourishing as a human person as god made us. 00:18:36.745 --> 00:18:38.585 And I see that there are six questions. 00:18:38.585 --> 00:18:42.265 So, we're doing well good on time, and we will address those. 00:18:42.265 --> 00:18:43.485 So I see your questions. 00:18:44.425 --> 00:18:54.310 And, just for if you're not familiar with the history of DMU, we were founded in 1999 as the Institute for the Psychological Sciences or IPS. 00:18:55.170 --> 00:19:02.325 We launched our fully online MSP, Master of Science in Psychology, degree in 2014. 00:19:02.325 --> 00:19:03.765 That is entirely online. 00:19:03.765 --> 00:19:07.625 That's very popular, the most popular with overseas students. 00:19:08.485 --> 00:19:10.345 In 2015, we were renamed. 00:19:10.645 --> 00:19:16.265 So IPS, the institute, was renamed Divine Mercy University, and we added the school of counseling. 00:19:17.310 --> 00:19:21.310 Essentially, once we became a university, there are two, colleges. 00:19:21.310 --> 00:19:26.050 There's the IPS and the school of counseling, and that is under the DMU umbrella. 00:19:26.590 --> 00:19:32.210 And in January 2019, the certificate program was launched at DMU. 00:19:32.635 --> 00:19:40.015 So if you're not interested in the SDC program, we have the School of Counseling, and we still have the Institute for the Psychological Sciences. 00:19:40.475 --> 00:19:46.735 So that is just worth, worth remembering if you know someone who's interested in getting a master's degree. 00:19:49.950 --> 00:19:53.170 And here are the six courses, the names of the courses. 00:19:53.710 --> 00:19:57.010 And I mentioned the residencies, and we spoke about them. 00:19:57.230 --> 00:20:02.530 There is a residency in SDC 300 and SDC 500. 00:20:03.625 --> 00:20:05.885 I wanna say SDC 300. 00:20:05.945 --> 00:20:07.725 Each course is eight weeks in length. 00:20:08.025 --> 00:20:12.765 SDC 300 is in week seven of week eight in the course. 00:20:13.305 --> 00:20:18.430 SDC 500, that residency occurs in week two of week eight. 00:20:19.290 --> 00:20:20.410 And this is the layout. 00:20:20.410 --> 00:20:22.990 We have a spring, a summer, and a fall semester. 00:20:23.610 --> 00:20:27.870 The upcoming semester is summer twenty twenty two, starts in May. 00:20:28.010 --> 00:20:31.785 So if you were to enroll then, you would start an SDC 100. 00:20:32.585 --> 00:20:39.085 That is called ongoing conversion, deepening discipleship, and the foundations of spiritual direction. 00:20:40.105 --> 00:20:43.565 And these are all entirely online minus the residencies. 00:20:43.785 --> 00:20:45.245 Those are in Sterling, Virginia. 00:20:46.020 --> 00:20:54.020 Mike and Lisa, do you have we spoke about this before the webinar, but, your favorite class, which one, and and maybe why? 00:20:54.020 --> 00:20:55.320 How how is it fascinating? 00:20:56.180 --> 00:20:57.220 We both agree on this. 00:20:57.220 --> 00:21:09.235 You wanna go ahead and Well, I I my favorite was SDC 500, where you really are putting your skills to to to the you know, and applying them. 00:21:09.235 --> 00:21:15.650 And and, and and the residency too was just a big help in that. 00:21:16.510 --> 00:21:16.750 Yeah. 00:21:16.750 --> 00:21:19.730 I think I think we both prefer the courses with the residencies. 00:21:19.870 --> 00:21:21.570 Those are those are wonderful experiences. 00:21:22.430 --> 00:21:44.375 And, yeah, I think the deeper insight and even even, you know, the SCC 500 also includes, some of the guidance to look for what you need to look for as you're relating to people in terms of, you know, where could your own humanity be getting in the way possibly and and kind of things to watch for that way and how to how to work with that and and maybe even make it something positive. 00:21:45.160 --> 00:21:46.780 So that was very, very helpful. 00:21:46.840 --> 00:21:47.340 Mhmm. 00:21:47.720 --> 00:21:55.260 And starting, to add on to that, starting with SDC 400, doesn't the program it shifts. 00:21:55.640 --> 00:22:00.780 I know because professors mentioned it becomes more rigorous once you get to that halfway mark. 00:22:02.495 --> 00:22:02.815 Yes. 00:22:02.815 --> 00:22:10.175 And well, you start you start interacting, kind of with practice sessions with other students even starting with SDC 300. 00:22:10.175 --> 00:22:19.490 So, and that's a that's a a big dynamic that takes a little getting used to, but once you're used to it, it's it's very beneficial, and it really gives you confidence. 00:22:20.910 --> 00:22:23.630 So, yeah. 00:22:23.630 --> 00:22:28.785 And and I think I actually for me, I see through there was a there was an adjustment to that. 00:22:28.785 --> 00:22:32.245 So getting used to the the, you know, practicing with each other. 00:22:33.025 --> 00:22:37.025 Once you got used to it, then 400 you kept doing it through four hundred, five hundred, and six hundred. 00:22:37.025 --> 00:22:37.825 It almost got easier. 00:22:37.825 --> 00:22:39.665 And and it became something I looked forward to. 00:22:39.665 --> 00:22:40.065 Yeah. 00:22:40.065 --> 00:22:40.565 Yeah. 00:22:41.820 --> 00:22:46.960 So maybe a little intimidating at first only because there is no practice. 00:22:47.500 --> 00:22:51.740 Once the practice itself starts, then you start looking forward to it. 00:22:52.460 --> 00:22:54.045 So that that that's great. 00:22:54.205 --> 00:22:57.485 You're starting with a very basic skill in in in 300. 00:22:57.485 --> 00:22:59.025 You're working on your listening skills. 00:22:59.165 --> 00:23:02.865 And the first time you do it, you're only practicing one skill, so it feels very awkward. 00:23:02.925 --> 00:23:03.245 Mhmm. 00:23:03.245 --> 00:23:12.195 And, and so then but it it that lasts short time and then, you know, it it Then you're You really just end up enjoying it. 00:23:12.195 --> 00:23:12.542 Yeah. 00:23:12.542 --> 00:23:12.889 Mhmm. 00:23:12.889 --> 00:23:13.237 Mhmm. 00:23:13.237 --> 00:23:17.404 It's also, worth noting after the second residency, your practicum starts. 00:23:17.404 --> 00:23:24.615 I believe that's when, sixty hours I know that's the number, sixty hours of supervised spiritual direction. 00:23:24.615 --> 00:23:30.935 When I say supervised, I don't mean there's a camera behind you and the privacy doesn't exist. 00:23:31.175 --> 00:23:35.675 I if I'm, I was speaking with doctor, Father Shu rather. 00:23:35.790 --> 00:23:46.270 For every five to seven hours of spiritual direction you give, you essentially write a synopsis and you have a, supervisor and you're kind of reporting back to them. 00:23:46.270 --> 00:23:50.370 And that's how you tally your hours to get to the magic number of 60. 00:23:51.095 --> 00:23:55.595 Was that similar to how you log your hours, your 60 required hours? 00:23:56.215 --> 00:23:56.375 Yeah. 00:23:56.375 --> 00:23:56.775 The yeah. 00:23:56.775 --> 00:23:58.295 The logging was quite simple. 00:23:58.295 --> 00:24:01.095 Maybe once a week, you know, you keep track of when you met people. 00:24:01.095 --> 00:24:03.195 Once a week, you just you log the hours. 00:24:03.500 --> 00:24:08.800 And the and the supervision was just a moment when you got together either individually or sometimes it was in groups. 00:24:08.860 --> 00:24:09.180 Mhmm. 00:24:09.180 --> 00:24:14.720 And you wouldn't you you you would keep things very, impersonal, you know, anonymous. 00:24:14.780 --> 00:24:16.540 So you're, you know, you're not sharing anything. 00:24:16.540 --> 00:24:17.680 You're not breaking discretion. 00:24:18.075 --> 00:24:26.795 But you have a chance to describe your own experience as you're accompanying someone, and, you know, how you're reacting to the things that they're saying. 00:24:26.795 --> 00:24:39.290 And so it's it's really a a help in in discovering your own, you know, your own response as a spiritual director and helping to purify that and and, and recognize, you know, recognize the good and and things that you wanna adjust. 00:24:39.290 --> 00:24:41.070 So it was that was very positive. 00:24:41.130 --> 00:24:41.610 Mhmm. 00:24:41.610 --> 00:24:44.410 And, actually, we've continued that, yeah, after the program. 00:24:44.410 --> 00:24:48.295 Lisa and I are both parts of ongoing supervisory groups. 00:24:48.295 --> 00:24:55.095 We call it supervision, but it's really that kind of pure sharing where we talk about things that we experience and and how to deal with them better. 00:24:55.095 --> 00:24:59.015 And, and then do formation and and some Yeah. 00:24:59.015 --> 00:25:00.455 And keep and we can't do it. 00:25:00.615 --> 00:25:01.095 Or something. 00:25:01.095 --> 00:25:01.380 Yeah. 00:25:01.460 --> 00:25:01.960 Yeah. 00:25:02.500 --> 00:25:06.280 How many directees do you have each, roughly? 00:25:09.300 --> 00:25:10.260 What did we tally? 00:25:10.260 --> 00:25:11.960 It was more like thirty hours. 00:25:12.340 --> 00:25:12.660 Yeah. 00:25:12.660 --> 00:25:16.120 So we have we have directees with varying, frequencies. 00:25:17.395 --> 00:25:18.435 I I have 12. 00:25:18.435 --> 00:25:19.315 I I don't remember. 00:25:19.315 --> 00:25:28.455 I don't know how many you have, but some of them, we're actually accompanying through a, Ignatian retreat in daily life, which requires a weekly spiritual direction. 00:25:28.755 --> 00:25:31.235 So that helps the frequency for people who are going to us. 00:25:31.235 --> 00:25:34.160 It's called the annotation nineteen retreat from Ignatius. 00:25:34.700 --> 00:25:35.020 Yeah. 00:25:35.020 --> 00:25:36.300 So so yeah. 00:25:36.300 --> 00:25:40.320 But we kinda calculated roughly each around thirty hours a month. 00:25:40.460 --> 00:25:40.960 No. 00:25:41.260 --> 00:25:41.660 Okay. 00:25:41.660 --> 00:25:47.355 And that's good to know for those who are discerning and want a better number or an accurate number. 00:25:47.355 --> 00:25:49.455 Well, I mean, we can choose to do less. 00:25:50.075 --> 00:25:50.235 Yeah. 00:25:50.235 --> 00:25:50.735 True. 00:25:50.795 --> 00:25:51.115 True. 00:25:51.115 --> 00:25:51.435 Yeah. 00:25:51.595 --> 00:26:07.290 Has to discern what what time they can make available and, you know, you you keep you have you know, part actually, something that we even talk about during the course is how to keep things in balance so that you're giving good service and you're you're also, you know, staying healthy because, obviously, we have to be in a good place ourselves to be able to come to the Right. 00:26:07.290 --> 00:26:07.450 Right. 00:26:07.450 --> 00:26:07.950 Mhmm. 00:26:08.010 --> 00:26:08.890 Of course. 00:26:08.890 --> 00:26:14.590 All those practical things are really, really important tools that they give you through the course. 00:26:15.265 --> 00:26:18.785 Just like the work life balance, there is there's the spiritual balance. 00:26:18.785 --> 00:26:19.285 Absolutely. 00:26:20.305 --> 00:26:20.805 Yeah. 00:26:21.265 --> 00:26:22.625 Let's let me make sure. 00:26:23.345 --> 00:26:23.825 Okay. 00:26:23.825 --> 00:26:26.885 And here's some testimonials just kinda piggybacking off. 00:26:27.420 --> 00:26:31.760 So I believe Monique, the bottom testimonial, I think she's a graduate. 00:26:32.140 --> 00:26:35.100 At the time, they might have been students with when this was made. 00:26:35.340 --> 00:26:41.120 But regardless, Jeff Garrett, who's a student, I have learned quite a bit so far. 00:26:41.295 --> 00:26:49.875 I have been exposed to some excellent resources that will help me in my own spiritual direction and in giving spiritual direction to others. 00:26:50.415 --> 00:26:54.195 I have a greater foundation in growing my relationship with God. 00:26:54.660 --> 00:27:07.000 I have also been I have also been to meet other students virtually and learn from them during our during our online conversations and Zoom sessions. 00:27:07.895 --> 00:27:10.535 So that gives you a technological aspect as well. 00:27:11.095 --> 00:27:17.575 Because the program is the courses are online, there is some technology proficiency you need. 00:27:17.815 --> 00:27:23.760 You don't have to be a wizard by any means, but definitely, using working through Canvas. 00:27:23.760 --> 00:27:24.720 We use Canvas. 00:27:24.720 --> 00:27:26.580 That's our learning management system. 00:27:26.800 --> 00:27:29.520 And, I hear it's very user friendly. 00:27:29.520 --> 00:27:31.700 I used to use Blackboard and Moodle. 00:27:32.080 --> 00:27:34.340 Mike, Lisa, do you thumbs up for Canvas? 00:27:34.400 --> 00:27:40.365 Or It's the only one we've ever had experience with, so I guess I have to say yes. 00:27:40.745 --> 00:27:42.925 We figured it out, so it works. 00:27:43.545 --> 00:27:43.705 Okay. 00:27:43.865 --> 00:27:45.785 Pandemic experience is pre Internet. 00:27:45.785 --> 00:27:46.585 But we we Yeah. 00:27:46.585 --> 00:27:46.825 Yeah. 00:27:46.825 --> 00:27:52.910 We knew some very nontechnical, non computer people that took the course, and they were They did that. 00:27:52.910 --> 00:27:56.510 You know, it added a little bit of a challenge, I think, at the beginning, but they were able to work through it. 00:27:56.510 --> 00:27:56.830 And Yeah. 00:27:56.990 --> 00:27:57.970 And did fine. 00:27:58.510 --> 00:28:03.170 And I hear I've not current students, I have not heard one complaint from Canvas. 00:28:03.795 --> 00:28:06.195 Blackboard and Moodle, I was in grad school. 00:28:06.195 --> 00:28:11.815 Sometimes even the younger students who were apparently more savvy, they had hiccups with those. 00:28:12.115 --> 00:28:13.955 Canvas, I have not had one complaint. 00:28:13.955 --> 00:28:19.025 So that's always good for those who were if that's in the back of your mind regarding the technology aspect. 00:28:20.670 --> 00:28:21.150 Aspect. 00:28:21.150 --> 00:28:23.410 And here are some frequently asked questions. 00:28:24.030 --> 00:28:27.410 Maybe somebody in the chat bar currently has asked these. 00:28:28.270 --> 00:28:30.050 And who can apply to this program? 00:28:30.430 --> 00:28:36.255 And there are four four statements to ponder and to think about. 00:28:36.555 --> 00:28:41.915 If you appreciate the Catholic Christian spiritual tradition, you don't have to be Catholic. 00:28:41.915 --> 00:28:43.535 Most of our students are. 00:28:43.755 --> 00:28:57.210 We have some Christians of Protestant denominations who are in the program who are learning more about the Catholic church, and it's kind of expanding that worldview and soaking, you know, soaking up soaking it up like a sponge, obtaining more knowledge. 00:28:57.590 --> 00:29:01.050 Especially the Catholic church is the world's oldest institution. 00:29:01.910 --> 00:29:03.290 So there's a lot there. 00:29:03.825 --> 00:29:20.340 If you desire to help others on a path toward God, on the path of spiritual development in their relationship with God, if you, want to undertake a systematic course of education, maybe a master's degree is too expensive. 00:29:20.560 --> 00:29:22.820 The certificate, it's right there financially. 00:29:23.360 --> 00:29:24.980 This is doable for you. 00:29:26.080 --> 00:29:27.860 And that leads us to number four. 00:29:28.000 --> 00:29:31.860 It's about six to nine hours of work per week. 00:29:32.185 --> 00:29:33.545 And that's on average. 00:29:33.545 --> 00:29:34.905 I'm somebody like myself. 00:29:34.905 --> 00:29:36.365 I am a fast reader. 00:29:36.585 --> 00:29:40.205 That six to nine might be five hours of work per week. 00:29:40.265 --> 00:29:47.805 For those who are more methodical, that might be nine, ten, even eleven hours, but it just depends on on how you learn. 00:29:48.420 --> 00:29:50.100 And and that's but that's the number. 00:29:50.100 --> 00:29:53.320 Six to nine is, the average that we say. 00:29:53.620 --> 00:29:55.720 And there are the travel for the residencies. 00:29:55.860 --> 00:29:57.400 We're right by Dulles Airport. 00:29:57.620 --> 00:29:59.460 I believe Mike mentioned that earlier. 00:29:59.460 --> 00:30:01.460 So we we're literally right there. 00:30:01.460 --> 00:30:03.160 So it's it's very easy. 00:30:04.825 --> 00:30:07.705 The second section here, course cost. 00:30:07.705 --> 00:30:09.885 Each course is $750. 00:30:10.505 --> 00:30:13.485 Each residency fee is a thousand dollars. 00:30:13.785 --> 00:30:27.300 If you're a member of Regnum Priestly or another organization that we have a memorandum of understanding and affiliation with, that $7.50 per course becomes $6.75 per course. 00:30:27.440 --> 00:30:31.860 So as an RC members, you you all had 10% tuition discount. 00:30:32.685 --> 00:30:36.945 Doesn't affect the residency fees, but the course come down a little bit. 00:30:37.565 --> 00:30:41.425 So was that was that how it was when you all were in the program? 00:30:43.325 --> 00:30:43.825 Yeah. 00:30:43.885 --> 00:30:45.150 I believe that's the same. 00:30:45.150 --> 00:30:45.310 Yeah. 00:30:45.310 --> 00:30:46.030 I think so. 00:30:46.030 --> 00:30:46.830 The 10%. 00:30:46.830 --> 00:30:46.990 Yeah. 00:30:46.990 --> 00:30:52.030 Because, you started relatively when when the course was created in 2019. 00:30:52.030 --> 00:30:53.410 So, yeah, you all were close. 00:30:53.710 --> 00:30:53.870 Mhmm. 00:30:54.030 --> 00:30:57.225 But we've I think we've always had an agreement with Regnum Priestly. 00:30:57.465 --> 00:31:02.925 But, yes, if you are an RC member, that seven fifty, goes down to six seventy five. 00:31:03.705 --> 00:31:06.685 And that's the hours per week again, about six to nine. 00:31:07.145 --> 00:31:11.165 There's videos, readings, writing, discussion posts, assignments. 00:31:12.060 --> 00:31:12.540 Papers. 00:31:12.540 --> 00:31:15.520 There are papers, written in APA format. 00:31:16.220 --> 00:31:17.980 What was the longest paper? 00:31:18.220 --> 00:31:19.740 That that's a common question. 00:31:19.740 --> 00:31:23.440 What was the longest paper, Mike and Lisa, that you wrote? 00:31:23.900 --> 00:31:23.940 So long. 00:31:23.940 --> 00:31:28.945 I think I I think it sounds long to me. 00:31:29.805 --> 00:31:30.945 I I don't remember. 00:31:31.085 --> 00:31:36.365 You know, it it was never anything on the order of a of a term paper even in in in college. 00:31:36.365 --> 00:31:41.020 So, I don't I don't remember the writing being terribly burdensome. 00:31:41.320 --> 00:31:41.640 Sorry. 00:31:41.640 --> 00:31:41.800 Sorry. 00:31:41.800 --> 00:31:43.240 I don't remember more detail. 00:31:43.240 --> 00:31:53.225 The actually, the thing that took the longest was actually a a self reflection on our own history and kind of going going through different periods of our lives and the experiences that we had. 00:31:53.225 --> 00:31:54.605 It was very illuminating. 00:31:55.865 --> 00:31:59.565 That actually, I think, is what I remember is taking the most time. 00:32:01.545 --> 00:32:01.865 Yeah. 00:32:01.865 --> 00:32:06.300 And I believe that's SDC 100 or two, and that might be early on in the program. 00:32:06.300 --> 00:32:06.800 Yeah. 00:32:08.060 --> 00:32:08.140 It's very early. 00:32:08.167 --> 00:32:08.220 February. 00:32:08.220 --> 00:32:08.580 Yeah. 00:32:08.580 --> 00:32:09.440 February. 00:32:09.740 --> 00:32:10.640 That that's profound. 00:32:10.700 --> 00:32:14.960 And, and, yeah, there are it's a mixed it's a it's very diverse, the assignments. 00:32:15.260 --> 00:32:17.920 And nothing is too burdensome, the program. 00:32:17.980 --> 00:32:22.185 It is designed for working adults, and and you all were were working at the time. 00:32:22.185 --> 00:32:23.405 So it's very doable. 00:32:23.945 --> 00:32:26.665 Definitely taking that leap is key. 00:32:26.665 --> 00:32:30.285 And I wanna, run the last slide here for those. 00:32:30.425 --> 00:32:33.485 So this is the the the summer information. 00:32:34.820 --> 00:32:36.920 Courses always begin on a Wednesday. 00:32:37.540 --> 00:32:41.320 Summer twenty twenty two, May 18, that is when classes start. 00:32:41.540 --> 00:32:45.880 The application deadline for the SDC program is May 4. 00:32:46.260 --> 00:32:48.225 That is two weeks from the eighteenth. 00:32:48.225 --> 00:32:49.585 That's Wednesday, May 4. 00:32:49.585 --> 00:32:50.565 That's the deadline. 00:32:51.425 --> 00:32:53.345 My direct number is there. 00:32:53.345 --> 00:32:55.045 My email address is there. 00:32:55.665 --> 00:32:56.785 Call me, email me. 00:32:56.785 --> 00:32:58.485 That number accepts text. 00:32:59.120 --> 00:33:02.420 And that is we have a new website, divinemercy.edu. 00:33:02.880 --> 00:33:06.180 So we the SDC program is now fully incorporated. 00:33:06.960 --> 00:33:09.380 So we've really come a long way there. 00:33:10.400 --> 00:33:17.405 And right now, I will go to questions because it looks like we'll jump in because, we have a lot. 00:33:18.025 --> 00:33:18.345 Okay. 00:33:18.345 --> 00:33:30.090 So Michael Lucido, Michael, do you actually perform spiritual direction under the supervision of a LC priest, legionary priest during the residency? 00:33:32.070 --> 00:33:40.250 So that's You you you prac during the residency, you do practice sessions with other students, and you take turn turns with different roles. 00:33:40.715 --> 00:33:43.535 And typically what you have is you have a director and a directee. 00:33:43.755 --> 00:33:48.175 You have another student that is an observer kind of taking notes about what happens. 00:33:48.315 --> 00:33:56.920 And then you have somebody on the staff that is the, you know, the staff member that's there to help to help you if you get stuck and also to kind of assess how things go. 00:33:57.780 --> 00:34:04.280 There were one or two legionary priests involved, but it was a mix a mix of the of the staff that we're we're helping to supervise. 00:34:04.340 --> 00:34:04.580 Yeah. 00:34:04.580 --> 00:34:06.500 There's a consecrated at some point. 00:34:06.500 --> 00:34:06.660 Yeah. 00:34:06.660 --> 00:34:07.515 There were yep. 00:34:07.755 --> 00:34:08.395 But yeah. 00:34:08.395 --> 00:34:12.235 But other, staff from from DMU were also involved. 00:34:13.355 --> 00:34:14.335 Another question. 00:34:15.755 --> 00:34:21.535 Can you reflect on the most challenging spiritual direction encounter you have had? 00:34:21.690 --> 00:34:27.210 I guess you could keep that general, but to to talk about it a little bit. 00:34:27.210 --> 00:34:40.315 Well, so if I may slightly redirect, I I did have an experience prior to the program, of praying with someone who stumbled across a pretty serious, traumatic wound. 00:34:41.015 --> 00:34:47.415 And it it put that person in in in a in a rough place, and I didn't know how to deal with that. 00:34:47.415 --> 00:34:59.860 And I one of the things that we learned during the program is how to watch for times when somebody might need professional help from a therapist when you need to call for help, as opposed to trying to accompany the person yourself. 00:35:00.560 --> 00:35:05.795 And so, that's really what came to mind in terms of that question. 00:35:06.255 --> 00:35:12.515 You know, the spiritual direction that I'm involved with right now, certainly, there are some sessions that are a little bit easier than others. 00:35:13.535 --> 00:35:17.400 But in general, you're just listening to someone reflect how God is working in their life. 00:35:17.560 --> 00:35:20.460 And and in general, I find it to be a very positive experience. 00:35:21.240 --> 00:35:46.670 I don't know if you have any I would just say, in general, the tough things for me have been, working with people who have different kinds of addictions, that kind of come out, or that they're trying to work through, and kind of understanding I mean, well, before I DMU, those people were I felt like I was way in over my head. 00:35:47.050 --> 00:35:59.145 And since then, I feel like I can, you know, help them and get them to get the proper help they need and work with with the professionals. 00:35:59.445 --> 00:36:07.545 And that's another thing that they do teach you is, how to work with, like, counselors and things like that, with a person. 00:36:09.125 --> 00:36:09.525 Mhmm. 00:36:09.525 --> 00:36:10.665 That that's incredible. 00:36:11.380 --> 00:36:18.420 And I think addiction that that's probably a common as you meet with people, it's becoming more common. 00:36:18.660 --> 00:36:20.680 There's definitely mental health there. 00:36:21.460 --> 00:36:23.640 Meeting that person where they are. 00:36:23.875 --> 00:36:27.975 I think that's one way the program, a lot of alumni mentioned that. 00:36:28.515 --> 00:36:33.895 And also, vulnerable attentiveness that is likely father Boniface Hicks. 00:36:34.515 --> 00:36:34.995 Yeah. 00:36:34.995 --> 00:36:35.715 You did. 00:36:35.715 --> 00:36:37.155 The book was by Atkins and Styx. 00:36:37.155 --> 00:36:39.900 As soon as soon as I saw that chat come up, I was like, geez. 00:36:39.900 --> 00:36:40.140 Yeah. 00:36:40.140 --> 00:36:41.920 So I, thank you, Teresa. 00:36:42.380 --> 00:36:44.720 So we have some helpers at the audience. 00:36:45.260 --> 00:36:45.760 Yeah. 00:36:46.460 --> 00:36:48.000 And here we have a question. 00:36:48.700 --> 00:36:51.920 Are there positions at churches for spiritual direction? 00:36:52.515 --> 00:36:55.975 And what would that position what would that position be? 00:36:57.475 --> 00:37:03.095 So I guess with regards to starting your parish, how how would somebody proceed? 00:37:04.370 --> 00:37:11.410 So I'm aware of people who have let for instance, let their pass certainly let their pastor, know that they've they've received the certification. 00:37:11.410 --> 00:37:16.710 I think often you even have the pastor involved when you're entering the program, with a referral or what have you. 00:37:17.825 --> 00:37:19.765 And so there might be referrals for that. 00:37:21.345 --> 00:37:36.170 I am aware of some people that do do charge for providing the service, but in general, it's our experience has been it's more volunteer and more of a kind of a side, side ministry or apostolate as opposed to a a professional undertaking. 00:37:36.870 --> 00:37:42.010 Well, and I'm not aware of any position per se at parishes at all. 00:37:42.185 --> 00:37:43.305 They were drawn this. 00:37:43.305 --> 00:37:43.465 Yeah. 00:37:43.465 --> 00:37:44.905 I mean, I don't know that parishes don't know. 00:37:44.985 --> 00:37:46.105 Specifically draw on this. 00:37:46.105 --> 00:37:46.425 Yeah. 00:37:46.425 --> 00:37:50.025 They could afford to to, to hire somebody to do this. 00:37:50.025 --> 00:37:50.185 Yeah. 00:37:50.185 --> 00:38:00.510 I mean, I'm sure somebody might, have another kind of position at the the parish and also be available to some people for Like a DRE, for example. 00:38:00.730 --> 00:38:01.130 Yeah. 00:38:01.130 --> 00:38:01.630 Yeah. 00:38:01.850 --> 00:38:02.650 I don't know. 00:38:02.650 --> 00:38:04.330 But our experience is limited in that. 00:38:04.330 --> 00:38:08.025 So I think, you know, there might be more to learn on this than than we're aware of. 00:38:08.105 --> 00:38:08.505 Yeah. 00:38:08.505 --> 00:38:20.505 And a DRE for those, director of religious education, that's that's very common for them to join to enroll in our program, apply and enroll, and they're enhancing their job professionally and and spiritually. 00:38:20.505 --> 00:38:22.265 So that's a two birds, one stone. 00:38:22.265 --> 00:38:22.765 Absolutely. 00:38:23.290 --> 00:38:23.770 Absolutely. 00:38:24.010 --> 00:38:28.750 So what what kind of positions are available for someone with a spirit with a certificate? 00:38:29.610 --> 00:38:31.450 I think I think we've kinda touched on that. 00:38:31.850 --> 00:38:42.855 GREs, Catholic school teachers, youth ministers, missionaries even, a focus missionaries is big, college students and young adults who seek the certificate. 00:38:44.275 --> 00:38:47.335 So I I think anything ministerial, in the church. 00:38:48.035 --> 00:38:49.975 And and these are all very good questions. 00:38:51.720 --> 00:38:53.480 Just let's see. 00:38:53.480 --> 00:38:56.380 And then and then let me go to the q and a section now. 00:38:57.560 --> 00:38:59.500 Which days of the week are the residency? 00:38:59.960 --> 00:39:02.380 That that is a good question from from Patrice. 00:39:03.505 --> 00:39:06.625 Is it very I think we we flew in Wednesday. 00:39:06.625 --> 00:39:07.685 Did we fly Wednesday. 00:39:07.825 --> 00:39:08.092 Yes. 00:39:08.358 --> 00:39:08.625 Sunday. 00:39:08.625 --> 00:39:08.745 Yeah. 00:39:08.865 --> 00:39:09.265 Sunday. 00:39:09.265 --> 00:39:10.065 We flew in Sunday. 00:39:10.065 --> 00:39:11.285 I guess I could Yeah. 00:39:11.505 --> 00:39:12.785 You can answer it better than us. 00:39:12.785 --> 00:39:12.945 Yeah. 00:39:12.945 --> 00:39:14.305 I guess I can answer that one. 00:39:14.305 --> 00:39:14.805 Yeah. 00:39:15.265 --> 00:39:15.585 Yeah. 00:39:15.585 --> 00:39:17.365 On Wednesday to Sunday. 00:39:17.680 --> 00:39:18.800 So that's a good question. 00:39:18.800 --> 00:39:24.740 On Wednesday at 06:30PM, and then Sunday, there is a mass on campus. 00:39:24.800 --> 00:39:27.380 And then I believe there's a quick lunch, and it concludes. 00:39:27.840 --> 00:39:32.115 Thursday, Friday, Saturday are the full days of the residency. 00:39:32.735 --> 00:39:34.015 Wednesday is a travel day. 00:39:34.015 --> 00:39:37.075 There's a meet and greet, and then Sunday there is a mass. 00:39:37.775 --> 00:39:41.075 And then typically by lunchtime, it does conclude after mass. 00:39:42.520 --> 00:39:45.420 How do you acquire your clients for the practicum? 00:39:45.960 --> 00:39:47.100 That's a good question. 00:39:47.560 --> 00:39:53.160 So so Lisa and I both already had we're we're doing some pract doing some of the spiritual direction. 00:39:53.480 --> 00:39:56.460 So we were able to just count that towards the practicum. 00:39:56.775 --> 00:40:04.375 I think Other people have have kind of, sought out people to to be, I think they call it spiritual Spiritual friendships. 00:40:04.455 --> 00:40:04.955 Friendships. 00:40:05.335 --> 00:40:10.875 So you're just accompanying someone in a for friendship and letting them know that you're training. 00:40:10.935 --> 00:40:23.980 And, and so you might, you know, talk to somebody at a whatever your bible group or or any anybody who might be interested in that would, approach you. 00:40:24.040 --> 00:40:26.440 I mean, you can tell them you're studying and what you're doing. 00:40:26.440 --> 00:40:30.455 And it seems like everybody found people. 00:40:30.455 --> 00:40:32.855 So I I I guess it wasn't that hard. 00:40:32.855 --> 00:40:36.235 There was guidance to join the course too to help you get started. 00:40:36.295 --> 00:40:36.695 Yeah. 00:40:36.935 --> 00:40:40.475 So and this is a question related. 00:40:40.730 --> 00:40:50.810 What if you have trouble getting directees, but it sounds like everyone that you graduated with, there wasn't really big speed bumps with regarding that. 00:40:50.810 --> 00:40:51.610 Well, it's interesting. 00:40:51.610 --> 00:40:58.845 And, actually, I think it was Atkins and Hicks that made the point that that being a spiritual director is a little bit of a charism, a charismatic gift. 00:40:59.225 --> 00:41:04.665 And one of the, one of the signs that you have the gift is that people actually ask you for it. 00:41:05.385 --> 00:41:10.410 So some of it's just letting the holy spirit kind of put you together, with people that need it. 00:41:10.410 --> 00:41:16.350 But I think if you make it make known that you you've received the certification to your pastor, then that can be a source of referrals. 00:41:16.650 --> 00:41:19.230 And then we recently were contacted by DMU. 00:41:19.290 --> 00:41:27.845 There's, there's a group forming that's trying to kind of create a an online way of connecting people, that that are interested in a spiritual director. 00:41:27.845 --> 00:41:32.725 So there's there's other resources, I think, that are coming that are becoming visible in the church for that. 00:41:32.725 --> 00:41:33.225 Yes. 00:41:33.605 --> 00:41:39.540 I think as the more popular DMU gets, the more infrastructure, the more networking, which is great. 00:41:39.760 --> 00:41:42.000 And, there's a question here I can answer. 00:41:42.240 --> 00:41:45.140 How do you differentiate spiritual direction in counseling? 00:41:45.920 --> 00:41:50.960 I know for DMU, the counseling degree is licensure, the master of science. 00:41:50.960 --> 00:42:01.205 So specifically regarding the degree in the the mass the the certificate in the counseling degree, the the SDC program, it's a certificate of completion. 00:42:01.265 --> 00:42:02.805 It's not a master's degree. 00:42:04.145 --> 00:42:07.470 The financial differences are pretty stark regarding that. 00:42:07.710 --> 00:42:10.830 The counseling program, two and a half to three years. 00:42:11.150 --> 00:42:16.050 I think some people can finish the counseling program in two years if they're a full time student throughout. 00:42:16.590 --> 00:42:18.770 That you become a licensed counselor. 00:42:19.390 --> 00:42:22.930 So so that is a regulated industry on a state by state basis. 00:42:23.985 --> 00:42:31.285 You do you do not have to be a Catholic, and most of our students are, but we have Protestants of, different denominations who are in the program. 00:42:31.345 --> 00:42:33.025 Most of our students are Catholic, though. 00:42:33.345 --> 00:42:38.545 The course is through the Catholic lens, through through the church's lens, the Catholic church's lens. 00:42:38.940 --> 00:42:42.640 That is that's in the DNA of the university and the program. 00:42:43.660 --> 00:42:53.375 The SDC program is a two year program, and you cannot transfer credits from SDC to a degree program. 00:42:54.235 --> 00:43:02.175 I believe it's possible if MSP, there is a chance you could transfer that to MSC because they're both the degree programs. 00:43:02.235 --> 00:43:08.390 But SDC is unique, and you cannot transfer credits to degree programs. 00:43:09.890 --> 00:43:11.910 There's no financial aid. 00:43:12.530 --> 00:43:13.570 I see that question. 00:43:13.570 --> 00:43:15.650 It is it's a pay as you go program. 00:43:15.650 --> 00:43:19.445 There are opportunities for 10% tuition discounts. 00:43:19.605 --> 00:43:27.865 If you're a member of Regnum Priestly like Mike and Lisa, we have MOUs with Focused Missionaries, with the Theology of the Body Institute. 00:43:28.405 --> 00:43:32.910 And on the application, there is a drop down which has a list of our MOUs. 00:43:33.770 --> 00:43:41.710 So if you are a member, there is a possibility of a 10%, off the tuition, not the residencies, but the tuition discount. 00:43:42.410 --> 00:43:44.570 And what kind of, that question was answered. 00:43:44.570 --> 00:43:48.365 What kind of positions are available at church once you have the certificate? 00:43:49.145 --> 00:43:53.405 There's bible study, young adult groups, women's groups, men's groups. 00:43:53.705 --> 00:43:56.185 Knights of Columbus is they're they're pretty big. 00:43:56.185 --> 00:44:03.085 I have a couple nights in the program, so there's great opportunities to give spiritual direction there. 00:44:04.800 --> 00:44:06.080 Are courses graded? 00:44:06.080 --> 00:44:09.940 That's a Mike and Lisa, are are courses great? 00:44:10.240 --> 00:44:11.520 You definitely get grades. 00:44:11.520 --> 00:44:12.020 Yep. 00:44:12.560 --> 00:44:13.060 Yeah. 00:44:13.440 --> 00:44:14.420 Feedback is provided. 00:44:14.560 --> 00:44:25.955 But it's it's very much in the spirit of of helping helping success as opposed to you know, I don't I don't think it feels it's not a it's not the Wiener class field that I remember from, from Andre. 00:44:26.015 --> 00:44:26.515 Yeah. 00:44:26.735 --> 00:44:28.115 We were both in engineering. 00:44:28.255 --> 00:44:36.820 It's more feedback on how well you're learning and and how and and it's very useful feedback through the residencies that that help you kind of hone your your listening skills. 00:44:36.960 --> 00:44:37.460 Mhmm. 00:44:37.520 --> 00:44:38.020 Mhmm. 00:44:38.160 --> 00:44:41.700 I know as an auditor, courses are not graded as an auditor. 00:44:41.760 --> 00:44:53.185 There is a choice if finances are an issue and if you do not want the certificate, but you still wanna audit the program for for content knowledge, for enhancing skill sets. 00:44:53.245 --> 00:44:54.605 You could become an auditor. 00:44:54.845 --> 00:44:57.245 You do not submit assignments, essentially. 00:44:57.245 --> 00:44:59.965 And if you did submit an assignment, it would not be graded. 00:44:59.965 --> 00:45:01.105 That is worth noting. 00:45:01.245 --> 00:45:07.270 As an auditor, you don't partake in the residencies, and each course is 50% off. 00:45:07.410 --> 00:45:11.750 So instead of $7.50 per course, it would be $3.75 per course. 00:45:12.210 --> 00:45:14.070 No residencies as an auditor. 00:45:15.425 --> 00:45:19.445 Are you required to be in spiritual direction while in the program? 00:45:20.065 --> 00:45:20.385 Yeah. 00:45:20.385 --> 00:45:23.825 Especially, there are certain segments of the program where at the beginning. 00:45:23.905 --> 00:45:29.050 At the beginning and and also through the the, you know, more of the practical side where it's very helpful. 00:45:29.110 --> 00:45:38.090 And there are moments where they, I think they require at least strongly suggest that you meet with your spiritual director and and have weeks during certain, classes. 00:45:38.150 --> 00:45:38.470 Yeah. 00:45:38.470 --> 00:45:38.870 Certainly. 00:45:38.870 --> 00:45:41.830 So do you have a chance to reflect on how things are affecting you? 00:45:41.830 --> 00:45:42.330 Right. 00:45:42.470 --> 00:45:53.525 And and and it's very important, when you're learning, it's not just learning the stuff to be a spiritual director. 00:45:53.525 --> 00:45:56.100 It's also, there's a learning about yourself too. 00:45:56.100 --> 00:45:56.600 Yes. 00:45:57.460 --> 00:46:00.200 That is a big component of the course. 00:46:00.340 --> 00:46:08.760 And it's a a kind of an essential thing in order to help others is to know yourself so that you can help them know themselves. 00:46:09.945 --> 00:46:17.325 You know, and, and the spiritual director is obviously your own spiritual director helps you be objective in that. 00:46:18.345 --> 00:46:19.485 And that's a prerequisite. 00:46:20.105 --> 00:46:24.205 You mentioned that having a spiritual director, they fill out a letter of recommendation. 00:46:24.970 --> 00:46:31.710 And also I would recommend, if it's not mandatory, like you mentioned, Lisa, meeting on a weekly basis. 00:46:32.570 --> 00:46:41.265 If you're if there's a geographical distance, try to do a Zoom meeting with your spiritual director as you go through the program, but they fill out a letter for you. 00:46:41.265 --> 00:46:44.885 So they they should be aware that you're going through the program. 00:46:45.105 --> 00:46:50.245 They definitely know that one applies because there is that letter, which is step two after one applies. 00:46:51.105 --> 00:46:52.965 Getting those three letters of recommendation. 00:46:53.720 --> 00:47:03.020 And yes, also, a last comment here, having a three point o or higher, that is, I believe that's mandatory. 00:47:04.040 --> 00:47:07.335 In the coursework, it is an associate's degree. 00:47:07.335 --> 00:47:11.355 There's rigor, but a three point o is doable even as a working adult. 00:47:12.215 --> 00:47:14.455 And and the professors are trying to help you. 00:47:14.455 --> 00:47:15.835 They they want you to improve. 00:47:15.975 --> 00:47:19.400 They don't want anyone to bomb out of the program. 00:47:19.400 --> 00:47:25.580 They want you to proceed and earn that certificate, and they want you to be in the field in in helping souls. 00:47:25.960 --> 00:47:28.300 And there's a couple more questions I know. 00:47:29.240 --> 00:47:32.620 Do all US diocese recognize the certificate? 00:47:33.080 --> 00:47:37.375 That's a that's a good question. 00:47:37.375 --> 00:47:40.895 I mean so I I can take a stab at this, Joel. 00:47:40.895 --> 00:47:42.675 It is a certificate of completion. 00:47:43.615 --> 00:47:43.935 Mhmm. 00:47:43.935 --> 00:47:52.600 So this is something that can go on your resume, but this is not a regulated I I don't believe Catholic diocese in America regulate this. 00:47:53.460 --> 00:47:57.720 It's still something I know some diocese have list of spiritual directors. 00:47:58.580 --> 00:48:05.480 I believe the diocese of Arlington is working on one, and that that's an official list, and that would be through the diocese website. 00:48:06.155 --> 00:48:09.855 So that's something you could on a diocese on a case by case basis. 00:48:10.475 --> 00:48:15.755 I'm not sure the diocese of Atlanta, do they is there a spiritual direction realm? 00:48:15.755 --> 00:48:17.935 Or Not where where. 00:48:18.635 --> 00:48:19.115 Yeah. 00:48:19.115 --> 00:48:24.410 I think it's becoming a newer thing, depending on the diocese you live in, Joel. 00:48:24.710 --> 00:48:26.470 Somebody raised their hand. 00:48:26.630 --> 00:48:27.370 Let's see. 00:48:28.310 --> 00:48:31.770 I can allow this person to talk right at the eleventh hour. 00:48:32.230 --> 00:48:32.730 Okay. 00:48:34.345 --> 00:48:34.845 Andrea. 00:48:36.585 --> 00:48:36.825 Yeah. 00:48:36.825 --> 00:48:44.525 My question was, what is the difference between a spiritual minister and a youth minister? 00:48:45.385 --> 00:48:53.720 My understanding on that would be that a youth minister is usually responsible for organizing, activities probably within a parish. 00:48:55.460 --> 00:48:56.500 And for the youth. 00:48:56.500 --> 00:48:58.260 And for particularly for the youth. 00:48:58.500 --> 00:49:07.405 A spiritual director is if somebody makes them so it makes him or herself available to others to as on a personal level to accompany them in their spiritual life. 00:49:07.405 --> 00:49:10.065 So one's much more more structured than organizational. 00:49:10.125 --> 00:49:12.145 The other one's just more personal, I think. 00:49:12.525 --> 00:49:13.265 Thank you. 00:49:13.485 --> 00:49:18.305 Also, the certificate, it's worth noting that this is for adults. 00:49:19.450 --> 00:49:22.730 The the SDC program, it's not as you go through. 00:49:22.730 --> 00:49:26.490 You're you're not gonna be giving spiritual direction spiritual direction to minors. 00:49:26.650 --> 00:49:30.750 That is probably where a youth minister or a CCD teacher, that's more of their wheelhouse. 00:49:31.210 --> 00:49:31.710 Mhmm. 00:49:32.375 --> 00:49:34.635 So so that is worth mentioning. 00:49:35.175 --> 00:49:35.575 Yep. 00:49:35.575 --> 00:49:37.675 And I'm looking here. 00:49:38.295 --> 00:49:40.455 And if you miss a residency, we'll conclude. 00:49:40.455 --> 00:49:41.655 This is a great question. 00:49:42.135 --> 00:49:51.700 If there's an extraordinary if there's a god forbid, something bad happens and you miss the residency, you would then take the next semester's residency. 00:49:52.240 --> 00:49:54.580 We would just DMU would scooch you down. 00:49:54.880 --> 00:49:59.700 Now that is that is case by case, and it shouldn't be taken advantage of. 00:50:00.075 --> 00:50:09.215 But missing a residency of of something, a bereavement, for example, that would be discussed, through the program director and through the registrar. 00:50:09.995 --> 00:50:16.600 But the the goal is to go go through the program with your cohort, and there's the camaraderie in the fellowship. 00:50:17.300 --> 00:50:17.800 Mhmm. 00:50:18.340 --> 00:50:21.140 But any other questions, please call me or email me. 00:50:21.140 --> 00:50:27.060 And if and if you want Mike or Lisa's contact info, come to me first, and I'm sure, they they wouldn't mind. 00:50:27.060 --> 00:50:29.535 But definitely, I'm the point of contact. 00:50:29.535 --> 00:50:32.095 They've been very, very gracious joining us. 00:50:32.095 --> 00:50:33.795 So thank you again, Mike and Lisa. 00:50:34.255 --> 00:50:34.655 Okay. 00:50:34.655 --> 00:50:35.395 Our pleasure. 00:50:35.455 --> 00:50:36.195 Thank you. 00:50:36.415 --> 00:50:37.055 You're welcome. 00:50:37.055 --> 00:50:39.215 And, this will be on YouTube for everyone. 00:50:39.215 --> 00:50:40.515 I believe this will be uploaded. 00:50:41.135 --> 00:50:45.925 But there's my contact info one last time, and thank you very much for joining.