WEBVTT 00:00:05.520 --> 00:00:10.580 So welcome everybody to the spiritual direction certificate webinar. 00:00:11.760 --> 00:00:13.120 I'm glad that you're all here. 00:00:13.120 --> 00:00:15.195 My name is Greg Shapiro. 00:00:15.195 --> 00:00:22.575 I am the admissions adviser here at Divine Mercy University for the spiritual direction certificate program. 00:00:23.995 --> 00:00:25.035 Sometimes we call that. 00:00:25.035 --> 00:00:26.395 Sometimes we call it SDC. 00:00:26.395 --> 00:00:28.575 You'll probably hear two different versions of it. 00:00:28.950 --> 00:00:34.070 But, I'm glad that you're all here, and I also want to introduce you all to Maria Brackett. 00:00:34.070 --> 00:00:36.570 Maria, would you like to introduce yourself? 00:00:37.430 --> 00:00:38.150 Thank you, Greg. 00:00:38.150 --> 00:00:40.410 It's joy to be here, today. 00:00:40.550 --> 00:00:44.425 I was gonna say this morning, but maybe for some people, it's still morning. 00:00:44.725 --> 00:00:46.665 But here in Virginia, it's already noon. 00:00:47.605 --> 00:00:48.965 So my name is Maria Brackett. 00:00:48.965 --> 00:00:53.705 I'm the director of the spiritual direction certificate program here at Divine Mercy University. 00:00:53.845 --> 00:00:55.545 I'm happy to be with you today. 00:00:56.100 --> 00:00:56.500 Great. 00:00:56.500 --> 00:01:01.380 So, a lot of you are here because you might be just inquiring about this. 00:01:01.380 --> 00:01:06.440 Maybe you've been feeling the calling toward, becoming spiritual directors. 00:01:07.540 --> 00:01:16.605 But today, we're we're gonna just share with you all the information that you're looking for just to get an understanding of what this is and to see if this is a good fit for you. 00:01:17.225 --> 00:01:20.605 So, here are the topics that we'll be discussing. 00:01:20.665 --> 00:01:29.340 So the first thing is we'll we'll share a little bit about the university, who we are, and our mission, our accreditation, of course. 00:01:29.340 --> 00:01:36.175 And then from there, we're gonna talk about the program, well, not the program, but the, spiritual direction itself. 00:01:36.175 --> 00:01:41.075 What is spiritual direction and who is spiritual direction designed for? 00:01:41.455 --> 00:01:49.555 And then from there, we're gonna talk about the program and the ins and outs of it and what to expect, the courses, and that sort of thing. 00:01:49.830 --> 00:01:58.810 And then lastly, we'll talk about the, time frame, the sort of commitment that students are putting in as well as the tuition and cost. 00:01:59.910 --> 00:02:04.665 So from there, let's start with who we are as a university. 00:02:04.805 --> 00:02:19.150 So Divine Mercy University, I'll just start by saying that we began back in 1999 under the name of IPS, the Institute for the Psychological Sciences, And, that still exists. 00:02:19.150 --> 00:02:31.985 So we actually still have that as a school here, and that, that's sort of the umbrella for the PsyD in clinical psychology program as well as the master's in psychology program. 00:02:32.605 --> 00:02:40.625 And then in 2016, we added the school of counseling, so that that carries over for the master's in counseling program. 00:02:41.405 --> 00:02:46.930 But in 2019, we then began the spiritual direction certificate program. 00:02:47.630 --> 00:02:53.490 And, all of these courses ultimately make up Divine Mercy University. 00:02:53.950 --> 00:03:07.155 Now the mission of the school, Divine Mercy University is an institution of higher education offering graduate degrees, continuing education, and certificate programs globally. 00:03:07.215 --> 00:03:09.380 We have students all over the world. 00:03:09.680 --> 00:03:32.785 The university is dedicated to the renewal of the Catholic Christian intellectual tradition and the integration of the theoretical and empirical basis of psychology, professional counseling, and related fields, with the Catholic Christian view of the human person through teaching and learning both knowledge and critical school skills. 00:03:33.220 --> 00:03:45.880 So that integrated integration component of psychology with the, with the Catholic Christian understanding of what the human person is is ultimately our bread and butter and why we exist. 00:03:46.665 --> 00:04:04.500 Now the university provides students with an appropriate academic and educational environment that supports the integration of science, scholarship, and as we mentioned, the Catholic Christian understanding of the person through a rigorous, critical, and objective search for truth. 00:04:06.000 --> 00:04:16.020 So, again, this is ultimately, the Catholic Christian understanding of the person and looking at the person holistically is what makes us so different from so many other universities. 00:04:17.585 --> 00:04:29.925 Now our accreditation, we are institutionally accredited through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, sometimes known as SACS. 00:04:30.080 --> 00:04:35.140 It's one of the seven major accrediting bodies, so we do hold to a high standard of education. 00:04:36.080 --> 00:04:40.580 And, at the top, you'll see the American Psychological Association. 00:04:41.600 --> 00:04:42.880 Now I'd like to highlight this. 00:04:42.880 --> 00:04:58.335 This is a an accreditation, an accrediting body that you would only find in the doctoral program, but we do use that same APA writing style in all of our programs, including in the spiritual direction certificate program. 00:04:59.310 --> 00:05:06.610 And then we're also approved to operate by SHEV, and that's the State Council of Higher Education in Virginia. 00:05:07.630 --> 00:05:10.290 Now what is spiritual direction? 00:05:11.790 --> 00:05:20.155 Sometimes people that, look to us and they're they're considering entering into this ministry, they might look at it in many different ways. 00:05:20.155 --> 00:05:26.715 But, ultimately, what I wanna do now is just talk about what it really is and, what to expect in it. 00:05:26.715 --> 00:05:31.270 So the first thing is, spiritual direction is accompaniment. 00:05:31.570 --> 00:05:36.150 So it's assisting people on their path to the Lord. 00:05:36.690 --> 00:05:41.190 So it's ultimately that that guidance as people are growing in their faith. 00:05:41.885 --> 00:05:46.305 It's the act of being there for them in service both to them and to the Lord. 00:05:46.765 --> 00:05:58.510 And then it's also deep listening to the directee, the person that you're directing as a spiritual director to help them deepen in their experience of the Lord and his narrative in their lives. 00:05:59.850 --> 00:06:16.475 So it's spiritual direction is really the ability to listen closely to the directee, understanding where they are in their faith life and helping them, helping guide them in their walk closer to the Lord. 00:06:17.255 --> 00:06:19.515 Now it's also a pilgrimage toward God. 00:06:19.975 --> 00:06:26.410 It's a clear goal goal of growing closer to God, and it's not designed as therapy. 00:06:27.590 --> 00:06:39.750 Sometimes people might look at spiritual direction as therapy, and I think that it there are some similarities as far as how they resemble each other that there's you're working with individuals, and so it could resemble it that way. 00:06:39.750 --> 00:06:47.505 But it's not therapy, but rather, it is walking with someone in their walk with the Lord. 00:06:48.445 --> 00:06:51.745 And then lastly, it's formation and mission. 00:06:52.365 --> 00:06:58.170 So it's the effort to, just like Christ, summon, form, and send forth. 00:06:59.030 --> 00:07:01.690 So it's that calling for the individual. 00:07:01.990 --> 00:07:08.810 It's it's formation, forming them in their in their, spirituality, and it's sending them forth. 00:07:09.135 --> 00:07:11.775 Many of you have been in spiritual direction. 00:07:11.775 --> 00:07:22.515 And as you've been in there, you've been growing, hearing closely that calling to also become spiritual directors, and this is an example of that sending forth moment. 00:07:24.000 --> 00:07:27.460 So, Maria, I'd love to open up the floor you as well to talk on this. 00:07:28.480 --> 00:07:29.380 Thanks, Greg. 00:07:30.240 --> 00:07:42.055 We are aware that there's many different understanding of spiritual direction in the world, and so this is why we wanted to kinda share with you kind of how we see spiritual direction in the program. 00:07:42.055 --> 00:07:47.655 Of course, this is you don't see it as anything, as if we've created a new model or anything. 00:07:47.655 --> 00:07:57.150 We just really try to put ourselves richly in the Catholic Christian tradition that already exists and, place ourselves firmly in that. 00:07:57.150 --> 00:08:09.695 And so this understanding of spiritual direction that Greg has given you and that we, you know, that we've throughout the whole program, is really this understanding that's deep within the the Catholic Christian tradition. 00:08:11.995 --> 00:08:16.015 Now next, why is spiritual direction such an important ministry? 00:08:16.235 --> 00:08:33.560 And like Maria said, this is really sort of a rich tradition within the Catholic Christian world that there are so many, that are active within this, and this has been a very, sort of common activity that has happened within those Catholic Christian communities. 00:08:34.225 --> 00:08:36.485 Now why is Christian direction so important? 00:08:36.625 --> 00:08:48.430 So first, it's offering the service of deep listening to another, which is very important for people as they are trying to understand the mystery of God and trying to, grow closer to him. 00:08:48.430 --> 00:08:51.410 So that sort of deep listening is very important. 00:08:51.950 --> 00:08:58.350 Now next, it's also accompanying our sisters and brothers in the faith to help strengthen their faith, hope, and love. 00:08:58.350 --> 00:09:10.985 So those those theological virtues, are the things that we've been commanded to embrace, and that sort of accompaniment is something that we ultimately need as we're trying to grow in our faith. 00:09:12.085 --> 00:09:16.025 Guiding another to find the lord in every situation of life. 00:09:17.520 --> 00:09:27.140 This is, this is, in some ways, can be challenging for people, especially as they go through different traumas and crises or even just the mundane lives. 00:09:27.360 --> 00:09:42.055 But having the, having the guidance to find Christ in in all scenarios that we encounter in life, is is incredibly important for us. 00:09:43.315 --> 00:09:47.840 It's also a way that others may discover their call to be a spiritual director. 00:09:48.460 --> 00:09:52.060 I had mentioned earlier that many of you have gone through spiritual direction. 00:09:52.060 --> 00:09:56.800 And as you've been going through it, you've been hearing yourself the call to also guide others. 00:09:56.940 --> 00:10:08.675 And so this is another example where as spiritual directors yourselves one day, you'll be working with individuals, and they in turn will also, begin to hear that calling themselves. 00:10:09.615 --> 00:10:19.690 And then lastly, giving spiritual direction as a help also for the director to grow in his or her relationship with God. 00:10:20.630 --> 00:10:29.955 So this is just one of these natural things that happen where as you're offering this sort of assistance and guidance for others, you're growing in your own faith. 00:10:30.435 --> 00:10:38.915 Just as we pray for other people when they ask us to pray for them, there are spiritual fruits that we also receive in doing that. 00:10:38.915 --> 00:10:44.375 So there's a lot of benefit to this, not just for the directee, but even for the spiritual director. 00:10:45.800 --> 00:10:48.460 And, Maria, I'd love for you to open up here as well. 00:10:49.480 --> 00:11:11.555 So what I was say thinking as you were speaking, Greg, is just, the beautiful part of spiritual direction that is you know, it's almost a ministry of presence, of being present, you know, being present to another person, to the directee, preem presence to the lord, allowing that space where where that person can receive the gift of presence. 00:11:11.855 --> 00:11:22.530 And hopefully, through your presence with them, be able to connect with the presence of the Lord in their own lives and his healing presence. 00:11:23.630 --> 00:11:29.010 So you kind of work as a bridge to a certain extent in that in that world of presence. 00:11:29.550 --> 00:11:42.465 And, and and so much of our training here in the program has to do with that of how how to learn to be present to another person and what that that what that means for you. 00:11:43.405 --> 00:11:54.140 Your capacity, you know, learning how to be present to yourself, how to be present to the Lord is so much important, important in learning about how to be present to another. 00:11:54.440 --> 00:12:00.140 So this is kind of like underlining all these elements of the ministry of spiritual direction. 00:12:00.200 --> 00:12:19.260 And and just like the presence of the Lord is a healing presence, I think that a spiritual director can make that presence of the Lord more real to a directee, and it can be a way that that the lord heals, through spiritual direction. 00:12:20.440 --> 00:12:21.720 I appreciate that, Maria. 00:12:21.720 --> 00:12:24.060 I'm gonna move on to the next topic. 00:12:24.840 --> 00:12:27.500 So what to expect in SDC? 00:12:29.095 --> 00:12:30.715 I know many of you are curious. 00:12:30.775 --> 00:12:32.695 What is it gonna look like for you as a student? 00:12:32.695 --> 00:12:36.215 What sort of activity will you be, engaged in? 00:12:36.215 --> 00:12:41.195 So the first thing I'll highlight is that these courses are done online. 00:12:41.880 --> 00:12:45.720 And so what you'll be doing is logging into discussion boards. 00:12:45.720 --> 00:12:47.900 You'll have your reading assignments. 00:12:48.840 --> 00:12:53.955 They'll be posting in these discussion boards, engaging with your cohort, the professors this way. 00:12:54.275 --> 00:12:58.375 And so it's done online, and it's also done asynchronously. 00:12:58.995 --> 00:13:01.575 So this does give the students a lot of flexibility. 00:13:01.795 --> 00:13:08.790 So in other words, as a student, you can log in to your classes at any time that works within your schedule. 00:13:09.250 --> 00:13:26.035 So if you're a morning bird and, it just makes more sense for you to wake up a little bit earlier before the day officially begins and logging in and getting your work done when, when things are still quiet and, before the activities of the day begin, you can do that. 00:13:26.335 --> 00:13:33.135 If you're someone that likes to stay up late and do your, your your studies and and your post, you can do that too. 00:13:33.135 --> 00:13:36.595 So it's really up to you when you wanna have that sort of activity. 00:13:37.950 --> 00:13:44.510 Now, also, there are six courses in the program, and you're taking one course at a time. 00:13:44.510 --> 00:13:46.930 So one course per eight week term. 00:13:47.710 --> 00:13:55.795 And then along with that, there are two residencies, and these residencies happen at different points in the program. 00:13:56.095 --> 00:14:07.730 So the first residency and we'll we'll talk a little bit more about that as we go further, but I'll highlight first residency will happen in your third term, and then your second residency will happen in your fifth term. 00:14:08.350 --> 00:14:12.210 And then there are also 60 practicum hours. 00:14:12.750 --> 00:14:29.005 So these will be, a little bit closer toward the end of the program, an opportunity for you to put your skills and practice, your your skills and knowledge into practice where you'll be able to, work with individuals as a spiritual director. 00:14:29.625 --> 00:14:31.785 I can explain that a little bit, Greg, if you want. 00:14:31.785 --> 00:14:32.985 I'd love for you to. 00:14:32.985 --> 00:14:39.060 So those practicum hours, it's it's something very intentional that we put into the program when we designed it. 00:14:39.680 --> 00:14:49.255 And basically it's broken up into, about three fourths of those sixty hours is actually seeing people in spiritual direction. 00:14:49.255 --> 00:14:53.595 And then the other fourth is, receiving supervision. 00:14:54.215 --> 00:14:59.675 And the supervision is actually given within the last two courses of the program. 00:14:59.970 --> 00:15:02.530 So you don't have to go find a supervisor yourself. 00:15:02.530 --> 00:15:05.430 Your your instructor actually serves as your supervisor. 00:15:06.450 --> 00:15:22.445 So, this allows you to really, like Greg was saying, to really start putting into practice the skills and the knowledge and getting feedback about that and learning as you go, in order to do this. 00:15:22.445 --> 00:15:35.280 So in the second residency, it's where we kind of launch you into those practicum hours and, starting to see people in spiritual direction and having those supervision hours. 00:15:36.060 --> 00:15:36.880 Very good. 00:15:37.500 --> 00:15:46.895 And, since we had highlighted too that there are six courses that you'll be taking, these are the six that, that the students are taking in their program. 00:15:47.035 --> 00:15:55.375 So the first one, SDC 100, is ongoing conversion, deepening discipleship, and the foundations of spiritual direction. 00:15:56.180 --> 00:16:03.480 And then SDC 200, this will be for your, of course, your second term, is human development for spiritual direction. 00:16:04.260 --> 00:16:18.475 So, again, one of the things that makes us so unique as a university, is that integrative component of psychology with the Catholic Christian understanding of of the human person looking at them as a whole. 00:16:19.335 --> 00:16:27.750 And this course is is a good example of where that integrative component is brought in, though it's brought in throughout the entire curriculum. 00:16:28.850 --> 00:16:33.430 SDC 300 is relating skills for spiritual direction. 00:16:34.130 --> 00:16:40.395 And, as we've mentioned, that first residency will is built into this third course as well. 00:16:40.395 --> 00:16:44.495 So this residency will happen during your seventh week. 00:16:45.195 --> 00:16:51.615 And then SDC 400 is discernment and spiritual growth theory and practice. 00:16:52.540 --> 00:17:00.480 And then for SDC 500, you'll have advanced spiritual direction skills and practicum, putting out into the deep. 00:17:01.580 --> 00:17:04.320 The second residency is built into this course. 00:17:04.540 --> 00:17:10.055 And as Maria said, this is also going to be that launch into your practicum hours. 00:17:10.915 --> 00:17:18.455 And then finally, SDC 600 will be your final course, and this is advanced prayer and situations. 00:17:19.795 --> 00:17:23.800 Now, again, the terms you you're taking one course per term. 00:17:23.860 --> 00:17:26.040 Each term is eight weeks. 00:17:26.580 --> 00:17:31.140 And, also, highlight here that there are breaks between your terms. 00:17:31.140 --> 00:17:35.025 So these breaks last for about eight to nine weeks more or less. 00:17:35.425 --> 00:17:36.885 Does that sound accurate, Maria? 00:17:37.585 --> 00:17:37.825 Yeah. 00:17:37.825 --> 00:17:44.865 The only one that's, is between the the spring the summer term and the fall term. 00:17:44.865 --> 00:17:46.725 That's about five weeks there. 00:17:46.785 --> 00:17:51.990 But all the other ones have that that space either from eight to sixteen weeks. 00:17:51.990 --> 00:17:53.590 So it's a good length of time. 00:17:53.590 --> 00:18:01.590 We really try to think about, the people that would be taking this course and when those breaks would be, you know, just better for them. 00:18:01.590 --> 00:18:10.875 So we tend to not be offering classes around times of holidays, you know, holy week, Christmas, Thanksgiving. 00:18:12.455 --> 00:18:28.850 Because we know that our students are really either involved in a lot of activities at their church, or family activities or, you know, they have a they have a full life, and they're just trying to learn, get this training in the time that they have. 00:18:28.850 --> 00:18:30.870 So we designed it in that way. 00:18:31.505 --> 00:18:31.825 Yeah. 00:18:31.825 --> 00:18:48.600 And, you know, I'll also highlight I I had a great conversation with one of our SDC, students at one of the residencies, and I had asked her about, sort of what what she would do between these courses when she had this sort of downtime. 00:18:49.380 --> 00:18:58.360 And, while they would usually schedule their holidays and their their vacations, during that downtime, so it's been very beneficial for them. 00:18:58.365 --> 00:19:05.345 She also had a chance to go back to the readings that were assigned to her and just reread them, and she could do it in a more of a leisurely pace. 00:19:06.045 --> 00:19:10.545 She didn't have the, the weight of her assignments due. 00:19:10.620 --> 00:19:19.100 So she could actually re revisit these these things and listen closely again to what God has been telling her on on these subjects. 00:19:19.100 --> 00:19:21.360 So this has been very beneficial for our students. 00:19:22.140 --> 00:19:27.645 And also highlight too, it's a great time for them to replenish their funds as they're as they're paying for their courses. 00:19:28.105 --> 00:19:32.365 So it does make it more financially feasible with these breaks between. 00:19:32.905 --> 00:19:33.405 Mhmm. 00:19:33.545 --> 00:19:37.945 Also, Greg, we do have a retreat requirement as part of the program. 00:19:37.945 --> 00:19:44.420 Some some of the students do their retreat spiritual exercises of Saint Ignatius in one of these breaks. 00:19:45.440 --> 00:20:00.245 And as you were saying, some of them just spend time go trying to go deeper into their the material that they received or we also run, like, a workshop, a practicum workshop, in these off times. 00:20:00.305 --> 00:20:08.880 So if someone wants to be getting more practicum hours, they can get supervision in that workshop, the practicum course. 00:20:09.280 --> 00:20:09.780 Great. 00:20:09.840 --> 00:20:10.660 Very good. 00:20:10.880 --> 00:20:17.780 So the next thing and we had talked a little bit about the residencies already, but just to reiterate, we have two of them. 00:20:18.160 --> 00:20:23.945 So your first residency will happen during your third term, for week seven. 00:20:24.005 --> 00:20:31.625 And then your second residency will happen during week, during your fifth term, and that will be week two. 00:20:32.885 --> 00:20:44.250 The residencies, just to go a little bit more to depth with these, however, these happen here on campus in Sterling, Virginia, and they officially begin on a Wednesday. 00:20:44.310 --> 00:20:47.290 That's sort of the the launch of the residency. 00:20:47.510 --> 00:20:47.750 Mhmm. 00:20:47.990 --> 00:20:49.450 I believe Wednesday evening. 00:20:49.590 --> 00:20:49.990 Mhmm. 00:20:49.990 --> 00:20:50.150 Right. 00:20:50.150 --> 00:20:50.790 That's right. 00:20:50.790 --> 00:20:52.410 So more in the evening hours. 00:20:52.845 --> 00:20:57.885 And, is that more Maria, is that serves as more of sort of a meet and greet for this Yeah. 00:20:57.885 --> 00:21:11.190 It's a very you know, like, a light dinner, meet and greet, just, and giving, you know, giving the binders to the students, kind of introducing the faculty so that the next morning at eight, we can start. 00:21:11.730 --> 00:21:12.550 Very good. 00:21:12.930 --> 00:21:13.430 No. 00:21:13.810 --> 00:21:14.290 Yeah. 00:21:14.290 --> 00:21:20.870 And, and and these residencies, as we mentioned, they're each for four days, so they conclude on a Sunday. 00:21:21.365 --> 00:21:22.585 And By lunchtime. 00:21:23.045 --> 00:21:24.325 Lunchtime, Sundays. 00:21:24.325 --> 00:21:29.305 And and, and we have mass here, for the students as well. 00:21:29.845 --> 00:21:30.085 Yeah. 00:21:30.085 --> 00:21:44.030 So it's very doable, Greg, for people that work, you know, in the sense that they don't have to take off tons of time because since we're so close to the Dallas Airport and also just a lot of major highways, we're pretty accessible. 00:21:44.170 --> 00:21:54.055 So we're hoping that we're not eating into too much of their work time or family time, you know, that they really could travel like a Wednesday afternoon and get here. 00:21:54.055 --> 00:21:59.035 And then on Sunday for the lunch, we pack it up. 00:21:59.095 --> 00:22:04.010 So if they wanna stay here and still visit, and eat it here, they can. 00:22:04.070 --> 00:22:14.250 Or if they want to, you know, hit the road already or catch a plane, they can do that too because we know that Monday comes soon, and they probably need to be back with their families or their job. 00:22:14.715 --> 00:22:15.215 Mhmm. 00:22:15.675 --> 00:22:16.075 Yeah. 00:22:16.075 --> 00:22:31.690 And and I'm glad you brought that up too because having the residencies carry over into the weekend, also just makes it a little bit more accessible for those that do have their responsibilities to work or, or those things related. 00:22:32.470 --> 00:22:32.710 Mhmm. 00:22:32.710 --> 00:22:36.570 And as Maria mentioned, the campus is very close to Dulles Airport. 00:22:37.350 --> 00:22:40.745 I think we're about a five, ten minute drive from there. 00:22:40.745 --> 00:22:41.065 Yeah. 00:22:41.065 --> 00:22:42.285 Like, six, I think. 00:22:42.345 --> 00:22:42.585 Yeah. 00:22:42.585 --> 00:22:46.685 Something like and we're always hearing airplanes over us, so that's how close we are. 00:22:46.745 --> 00:22:47.065 Mhmm. 00:22:47.225 --> 00:22:50.605 But it's very convenient for the students that are coming in for the residences. 00:22:51.970 --> 00:22:55.250 Well, yeah, Greg, and just before we go on, I'd love those two pictures there. 00:22:55.250 --> 00:22:59.430 Those are pictures of some of the residency groups as they've come through. 00:22:59.570 --> 00:23:07.465 So you can just see the diversity of the groups, you know, priests, religious, laypeople, men, women, all different ages. 00:23:07.465 --> 00:23:09.885 It's really it's really great richness. 00:23:10.345 --> 00:23:10.845 Yes. 00:23:11.865 --> 00:23:12.365 Yes. 00:23:13.705 --> 00:23:19.145 So the next thing and and we had talked a little bit about this as well, but this is term based. 00:23:19.145 --> 00:23:23.910 So, again, you're taking one course per term for eight weeks. 00:23:24.450 --> 00:23:35.270 And, usually, when it comes to the time commitment, from what we've seen, students are typically, committing somewhere between six to nine hours per week. 00:23:35.715 --> 00:23:47.495 So if this is something that you're considering doing, it's always important to look at your current schedule, look at your responsibilities, and see if if, fitting in nine hours is something that would work for you. 00:23:48.170 --> 00:23:51.950 So at some point, I hope to speak with you one on one, and we'll talk more about that. 00:23:52.890 --> 00:24:02.805 And, and then we also mentioned the breaks between there's roughly nine to ten, weeks of breaks between these, except for in the summer. 00:24:02.805 --> 00:24:06.905 There's gonna be a little bit of a shorter one between the summer and the fall term. 00:24:07.445 --> 00:24:12.405 And then, in total, the program would be completed in two years. 00:24:12.405 --> 00:24:15.625 That would include those breaks between your terms. 00:24:17.020 --> 00:24:17.340 Yes. 00:24:17.340 --> 00:24:26.560 And if anyone needs to take a leave of absence at any time, Greg, each student is allowed three leave leaves of absence, in their time in the program. 00:24:26.620 --> 00:24:28.860 So it can extend up to three years. 00:24:28.860 --> 00:24:39.255 We really don't, allow someone to spend more than three years in the program, but it could be up to three years if you're taking some leaves of absences or LOAs as we call them. 00:24:39.555 --> 00:24:40.055 Mhmm. 00:24:40.195 --> 00:24:40.515 Yeah. 00:24:40.515 --> 00:24:44.680 And I'm glad you brought that too, just because that that does happen. 00:24:44.680 --> 00:24:55.020 Students, they need to take a leave of absence because of an emergency or they had something very important planned that they need to make sure they can, they can do. 00:24:55.720 --> 00:25:02.185 I'll even mention very quickly because you might be thinking this sort of thing right now, for our guests. 00:25:03.445 --> 00:25:31.275 Let's say that your residency were to fall in the, let's say, the summertime, and you know that you have something that would prevent you from, from proceeding with that residency, if it makes more sense for you to take a leave of absence and then pick up that residency, that that third term or that fifth term, whichever residency that is for, for the next start date, for the next term, then that's something that can be done as well. 00:25:31.275 --> 00:25:34.655 So there is some flexibility that we offer to the students. 00:25:35.355 --> 00:25:35.755 Yes. 00:25:35.755 --> 00:25:36.255 Exactly. 00:25:39.320 --> 00:25:41.420 Now let's talk about the cost. 00:25:42.280 --> 00:25:50.700 So the first thing I'll mention is, as we mentioned, there are six courses, and it is 778 per course. 00:25:52.465 --> 00:25:57.925 And I'll also mention very quickly that we do have opportunities to reduce the cost by 10%. 00:25:58.865 --> 00:26:01.605 But as a baseline, it's $7.78. 00:26:01.985 --> 00:26:05.525 And then the cost per residency is 1,000. 00:26:06.100 --> 00:26:09.960 So you'll have, 1,000 for each of your residencies. 00:26:10.420 --> 00:26:13.160 And this is gonna cover your lodging. 00:26:13.380 --> 00:26:14.820 It will cover the materials. 00:26:14.820 --> 00:26:16.680 It's gonna cover most of your meals. 00:26:16.980 --> 00:26:26.505 So the only thing that you as the student would be responsible for would be, your travel as well as three of your dinners. 00:26:26.985 --> 00:26:33.625 So let me take a moment to talk about the potential of reducing your cost by 10%. 00:26:33.625 --> 00:26:36.045 This would pertain to the cost per course. 00:26:37.020 --> 00:26:41.840 We do have the ability for a 10% tuition reduction. 00:26:42.860 --> 00:26:54.005 Now what this would mean is that let's say that you belong to a faith community or you you're you're a member of your parish or you're a member of an apostolate. 00:26:54.705 --> 00:27:00.725 So whatever it may be, if we were to receive a letter of good standing so let's say it's a parish. 00:27:00.785 --> 00:27:11.400 If we were to receive a a letter from your parish, stating that you've been a member with them and that you're in good standing with them, then with that letter, we can reduce your tuition by 10%. 00:27:11.400 --> 00:27:16.860 So this is a great way of bringing the cost down and making it a little more affordable for you. 00:27:18.065 --> 00:27:19.845 And this brings us to the end. 00:27:20.545 --> 00:27:28.245 So one thing I will highlight, we we still have an upcoming start date, which is gonna begin on August 17. 00:27:28.385 --> 00:27:32.480 That will be our, our fall semester, and we're still enrolling for that. 00:27:32.480 --> 00:27:34.900 We still have some seats open for this cohort. 00:27:35.440 --> 00:27:40.100 Now is a great time to begin applying, because those seats are filling up. 00:27:40.160 --> 00:27:48.175 But if you're really looking to to begin the process in starting your classes, I would begin that application process today. 00:27:50.235 --> 00:28:00.250 If you look at the bottom, bottom red box, you'll see that, typically, there's a $25 application fee, but we can waive that for you. 00:28:00.250 --> 00:28:01.710 We'll make this a free application. 00:28:02.730 --> 00:28:09.550 All you'll need to do is put in the code SDC REGFREE. 00:28:09.945 --> 00:28:21.325 And that way, if if you're really looking into starting for this upcoming fall semester, you can begin that process, and we can do this as a free application for you. 00:28:22.100 --> 00:28:25.860 So, along with that, my contact information is right here. 00:28:25.860 --> 00:28:28.420 Again, my name is Greg Shapiro. 00:28:28.420 --> 00:28:34.600 I'm the admissions adviser, and my email is gshapiro@divinemercy.edu. 00:28:34.740 --> 00:28:39.195 And my telephone number here is (703) 705-9118. 00:28:39.195 --> 00:28:40.975 You can go ahead and screen grab that. 00:28:41.115 --> 00:28:44.095 I would love to hear from you and to cover the information. 00:28:45.275 --> 00:28:50.815 So, with all of that, what I'd like to do now is open up the floor to all of you as the guests. 00:28:51.660 --> 00:28:53.180 I'm sure that you have some questions. 00:28:53.180 --> 00:28:56.000 You might wanna get a little bit more clarity on some of these topics. 00:28:56.460 --> 00:29:00.960 And so Maria and I are here to, to answer those questions. 00:29:01.980 --> 00:29:16.165 So, it looks like we have one question from a Maria, and she asked, is it correct to say that spiritual directors can't offer counseling, but counselors could also offer spiritual direction? 00:29:16.945 --> 00:29:19.900 How would one choose between the two? 00:29:20.520 --> 00:29:23.000 Maria, you are an experienced spiritual director. 00:29:23.000 --> 00:29:24.700 I'd love for you to answer this one. 00:29:25.560 --> 00:29:26.280 So yes. 00:29:26.280 --> 00:29:33.755 I mean, not necessarily you spiritual directors are not trained to be counselors nor are they licensed to be counselors. 00:29:33.975 --> 00:29:34.475 Right? 00:29:34.775 --> 00:29:37.595 So they can't offer, counseling. 00:29:38.375 --> 00:29:46.555 And, and a counselor could be trained as a spiritual director and could, give spiritual direction. 00:29:46.940 --> 00:29:59.600 But we'd like to say in the in the in the certificate is that you really have to separate the moments if you're trying to do two things, you know, because of the fact there could be confusion. 00:30:00.295 --> 00:30:02.555 Counseling is different than spiritual direction. 00:30:02.615 --> 00:30:05.435 As you know, we talked about what spiritual direction is. 00:30:05.735 --> 00:30:12.395 Counseling does have the it's, it's really focused on the human growth of the person. 00:30:13.210 --> 00:30:27.425 Of course spirituality plays into that religion plays into it, but it's really, it's really about that human functioning and really spiritual direction is focused on the relationship of the person with the board with, right. 00:30:27.425 --> 00:30:32.565 And so, and spiritual direction is not a problem solving ministry. 00:30:32.705 --> 00:30:35.585 It's a walking with someone as they walk with the Lord. 00:30:35.585 --> 00:30:42.980 Whereas counseling really does have some problem solving, You know, it's trying to help a person so that their human functioning becomes better. 00:30:43.520 --> 00:30:45.380 So it does go into that. 00:30:46.240 --> 00:30:47.380 So there are differences. 00:30:48.320 --> 00:31:04.165 And since our goal with the certificate is really to form professional, spiritual directors that are, that know well their field and, and are able to, give this service to others. 00:31:04.165 --> 00:31:06.025 That's really what we try to do. 00:31:06.165 --> 00:31:07.945 So I hope that's answered the question. 00:31:10.410 --> 00:31:12.510 And you have some great questions here. 00:31:13.370 --> 00:31:15.130 I'm glad that you're all so engaged. 00:31:15.130 --> 00:31:19.710 So Amy asked, is payment due in full or per class? 00:31:20.810 --> 00:31:21.930 Very good question, Amy. 00:31:21.930 --> 00:31:24.835 So sometimes students might pay in full. 00:31:24.835 --> 00:31:26.055 That's not very common. 00:31:26.995 --> 00:31:32.115 They, I I think that might be an option, but, usually, students are paying per class. 00:31:32.115 --> 00:31:34.275 That's the most common that you see. 00:31:34.275 --> 00:31:35.715 It's gotta pay as you go. 00:31:35.715 --> 00:31:43.730 As they as the way that it works, Greg, is as they register for classes, they're invoiced, for each class as they register for it. 00:31:44.270 --> 00:31:44.750 Yeah. 00:31:44.750 --> 00:31:45.950 In fact, yeah. 00:31:45.950 --> 00:31:47.950 And I'm glad that you you had mentioned that. 00:31:47.950 --> 00:31:55.815 So the invoice, I believe is sent to each student more or less about two or three weeks prior to the class beginning. 00:31:55.815 --> 00:31:56.295 Mhmm. 00:31:56.295 --> 00:32:01.835 And then the student has thirty days, after being invoiced to pay in that balance. 00:32:02.055 --> 00:32:02.555 Mhmm. 00:32:02.695 --> 00:32:03.195 Exactly. 00:32:04.615 --> 00:32:14.000 And so Jean asked, where are the, I suppose she means, where are the Ignatian retreats held? 00:32:15.020 --> 00:32:22.800 So for that requirement, you'll see on our website, this the list of requirements, to graduate from the program. 00:32:23.065 --> 00:32:27.565 That requirement is to do at least a three day Ignatian spiritual exercises. 00:32:28.105 --> 00:32:35.405 And we ask the students to find them really, you know, so the students come from all over The United States and Canada and sometimes even other countries. 00:32:35.465 --> 00:32:35.785 Right? 00:32:35.785 --> 00:32:55.895 So we ask them to find an option that works, and we really do ask them to finish to do that requirement by the time that they finish the third course because we want them to have that knowledge as they're going into discernment and deeper into the spiritual life and knowledge of the spiritual life. 00:32:55.895 --> 00:32:56.135 Right? 00:32:56.135 --> 00:33:03.940 So sometimes students will reach out to me and be like, I'm not finding a retreat so I can help a problem solve that and try to see something, you know? 00:33:04.880 --> 00:33:06.900 But usually they're able to find something. 00:33:06.960 --> 00:33:13.380 And, I mean, basically, what the requirement is is at least a three day Ignatian spiritual exercises. 00:33:14.080 --> 00:33:28.395 So in that also falls if you wanna do a five day, if you wanna do an eight day, or maybe you've done, the nineteenth annotation or you're doing the nineteenth annotation, the spiritual exercises in daily life, all those things would count too. 00:33:29.760 --> 00:33:30.000 Yeah. 00:33:30.000 --> 00:33:43.220 And it looks like she had a a, second part to her question, which I think you answered very well, Maria, which was, can she asked, can I find my own Ignatian retreat, or do you have a specific location you prefer? 00:33:43.745 --> 00:33:48.145 And, and like you said, this is something that that students will find on their own. 00:33:48.145 --> 00:33:50.545 They might be very close by. 00:33:50.945 --> 00:33:56.085 So you do have the the liberty to find the one that's, that you that you prefer. 00:33:56.385 --> 00:33:56.885 Exactly. 00:33:58.260 --> 00:34:05.400 There's another question, which is, what is the most typical time frame from start of the program to finish? 00:34:05.860 --> 00:34:14.635 So, the program is a it's designed as a two year program, and so you're taking one course per eight week term. 00:34:15.015 --> 00:34:24.075 Though it can be extended depending on the student, depending on if they if they, take leaves of absence or an LOE LOA. 00:34:24.535 --> 00:34:35.250 If they decide to take a leave of absence for a good reason, if they're if they they need to travel for something or if they if it's a health related issue, you have that availability. 00:34:35.470 --> 00:34:40.450 And then whenever you're ready to come back to the program, we would just get you reinstated back in. 00:34:41.070 --> 00:34:41.390 Yeah. 00:34:41.390 --> 00:34:49.245 So, Greg, they also sometimes it can be extended a little bit past two years if they're having problems getting their practicum hours. 00:34:49.245 --> 00:34:55.005 They've got six months from the time that they finish the last course, to finish their practicum hours. 00:34:55.005 --> 00:34:59.830 A lot of students actually as they're finishing the last course, they're finishing their practicum hours. 00:34:59.830 --> 00:35:07.370 But there are people, you know, probably about 10%, 15% of the students that really do use that six months. 00:35:07.670 --> 00:35:08.170 Right? 00:35:09.990 --> 00:35:22.885 But I think in general, you know, from what I understand, if I'd probably say that probably be a good eighty, eighty five percent of the students finish within a two year period, you know, or a little bit more than two years. 00:35:25.040 --> 00:35:25.280 Great. 00:35:25.280 --> 00:35:25.780 Okay. 00:35:26.480 --> 00:35:34.880 And, Cheryl asked, how can I go about getting the letter of good standing from my pastor to you? 00:35:34.880 --> 00:35:39.685 Can you simply send it via email, or what exactly must the letter contain? 00:35:40.385 --> 00:35:41.985 That's a great question, Cheryl. 00:35:41.985 --> 00:35:49.185 So what we prefer is that we get a letter, on letter ed and that it would come from your pastor. 00:35:49.185 --> 00:35:53.170 And this is, for example, if it's coming from your your parish. 00:35:53.950 --> 00:35:59.330 But it would be ultimately him stating that you've been a member with this parish. 00:36:00.270 --> 00:36:13.545 He would mention how long you've been a a member with this parish, and and he he could he could send it to us via snail mail if he prefers, but I usually see them come in via email. 00:36:13.685 --> 00:36:13.845 Mhmm. 00:36:14.085 --> 00:36:15.765 That might be more efficient as well. 00:36:15.765 --> 00:36:28.120 So the parishes are very accustomed to doing this type of letter because they have to do it for godparents, for people that are being baptized, you know, with someone that wants to be a godparent or, a confirmation sponsor. 00:36:28.420 --> 00:36:35.225 So they usually already have a template, but, basically, yeah, it's just that you are a member pair of that parish, that you're active member. 00:36:35.225 --> 00:36:35.725 Right? 00:36:36.265 --> 00:36:41.485 We also do require at the program letters of recommendation, and those are on the website. 00:36:41.545 --> 00:37:02.865 It's very clear that letters of recommendation, those will be a little bit different because we do ask you to get a letter of recommendation for your parish priest, but there, we want your parish priest really to tell us if he recommends you to be to partake in training for a spiritual director, if he's really recommending you to that ministry. 00:37:03.325 --> 00:37:10.385 Whereas a letter for of good standing is just, a typical one that the parishes do for a lot of different reasons. 00:37:11.130 --> 00:37:11.290 Yeah. 00:37:11.290 --> 00:37:11.610 Yeah. 00:37:11.610 --> 00:37:17.130 And, Maria, thanks for sort of providing that distinguishing these differences between the two. 00:37:17.130 --> 00:37:29.635 So, yeah, the the letter of good standing will be served to provide a tuition reduction, whereas the recommendation, that will be for the application process, which Yeah. 00:37:29.635 --> 00:37:31.095 That's really about the fit. 00:37:31.475 --> 00:37:31.875 The Right. 00:37:32.035 --> 00:37:44.320 Your fit for the program, you know, because we wanna hear from that faith community that you belong to, that they themselves are thinking that this, you know, it's one of the ways that the Lord speaks. 00:37:44.320 --> 00:37:54.635 He speaks in our heart, but he also speaks, through the people that we serve and that know us and whether they themselves would, would recommend us for this service. 00:37:55.095 --> 00:38:04.635 And that letter from the parish priest or the head of the faith community, that you belong to has just been a big gift for us. 00:38:04.695 --> 00:38:08.215 We didn't really realize what a gift it was gonna be when we created it. 00:38:08.215 --> 00:38:16.370 But, we it opens up this whole conversation between our students and their leader of their faith community. 00:38:16.910 --> 00:38:24.865 And, and and, you know, the faith, it it opens up this conversation where they talk about, this interest. 00:38:25.165 --> 00:38:31.005 And, and then a lot of times that leader of the faith community says, how can we help you? 00:38:31.005 --> 00:38:32.625 How can we support you? 00:38:32.765 --> 00:38:34.065 What would you wanna do? 00:38:34.125 --> 00:38:36.125 It even gets down to saying, oh my goodness. 00:38:36.125 --> 00:38:40.620 Tell me when you're ready to start seeing people so I can give you an office to see people in. 00:38:40.620 --> 00:38:42.540 Or, is there any way that we can help you? 00:38:42.540 --> 00:38:44.880 Would you like us to help pay some of the tuition? 00:38:45.340 --> 00:38:58.465 So it's kind of interesting, but, you know, sometimes we don't realize that we never talk to the head of our faith community about this interest or this desire that we feel like the Lord's putting in our heart. 00:38:58.465 --> 00:39:06.805 So we're kind of happy we have that requirement because it's it's it's born a lot of fruits for our students in a lot of different ways. 00:39:06.945 --> 00:39:07.445 Mhmm. 00:39:08.160 --> 00:39:08.400 Yeah. 00:39:08.400 --> 00:39:09.380 Very good. 00:39:09.920 --> 00:39:16.980 We have another question, which is, this guest asked, how does it work for Canadians? 00:39:17.440 --> 00:39:20.580 Is the certificate recognized in Canada? 00:39:22.325 --> 00:39:25.145 Maria, I think this would be a great place for you to to answer this. 00:39:25.365 --> 00:39:25.605 Yeah. 00:39:25.605 --> 00:39:26.085 I can. 00:39:26.085 --> 00:39:32.185 So for you all to know, spiritual direction is not a licensed field. 00:39:32.245 --> 00:39:32.485 Right? 00:39:32.485 --> 00:39:33.305 It's a ministry. 00:39:33.365 --> 00:39:34.745 It's not really a career. 00:39:35.845 --> 00:39:40.950 So there are no requirements as far as having a certificate. 00:39:41.650 --> 00:39:50.390 It's kinda becoming best practice now in the Catholic church and the and then the Christian world that that the people do get training. 00:39:50.450 --> 00:39:50.950 Right? 00:39:52.195 --> 00:40:03.015 So this question about is it recognized in Canada, well, there's not any, you know, there's not any stipulation that you need this type of thing. 00:40:03.475 --> 00:40:11.430 But what is happening is that, you know, ecclesial authorities are asking for a proof of some type of training. 00:40:11.970 --> 00:40:12.470 Right? 00:40:12.770 --> 00:40:15.750 And so this is what our certificate gives you. 00:40:16.450 --> 00:40:18.470 It get it's a certificate of completion. 00:40:18.935 --> 00:40:26.635 It means that you've done the training that you needed to be able to be, qualified to be a spiritual director. 00:40:27.015 --> 00:40:37.730 But to actually be sent as a spiritual director to minister to a certain group of people, we really leave that up to the local authorities and the the people that you will be serving. 00:40:38.590 --> 00:40:40.770 We just we just give you the training. 00:40:40.990 --> 00:40:42.770 So I hope that answers that question. 00:40:44.590 --> 00:40:44.910 Yeah. 00:40:44.910 --> 00:40:45.870 And that's a great question. 00:40:45.870 --> 00:40:59.365 I'm glad that you did ask that because I think many times people will look at this as, as Maria mentioned, a, sort of, a licensure preparation program or or something like that. 00:40:59.365 --> 00:41:04.260 And as Maria mentioned, it's not, there isn't really a certificate connected to them. 00:41:04.260 --> 00:41:08.520 This is more of a ministry or a discipline, and that's what we're preparing you for. 00:41:08.900 --> 00:41:09.220 Mhmm. 00:41:09.220 --> 00:41:09.460 Yeah. 00:41:09.460 --> 00:41:16.335 And since it isn't we wouldn't even be able to say that we were giving you a license in spiritual direction because that doesn't even exist. 00:41:16.335 --> 00:41:16.935 You know? 00:41:16.935 --> 00:41:17.535 That's right. 00:41:17.535 --> 00:41:28.355 You know, to get a license, it means that there has to be an entity outside of the educational institution that's actually licensing or, certifying people. 00:41:28.700 --> 00:41:38.540 And that doesn't really exist, in the Catholic world who know if it well, and in the Christian world, some universities have created that. 00:41:40.755 --> 00:41:47.415 But it's really doesn't exist outside of that network of those universities that have come together to create that. 00:41:49.155 --> 00:42:03.640 And we have one more question from Amy, and she asked, is there a directory offered by Divine Mercy University to assist, to assist spiritual directors connected with potential directees? 00:42:04.340 --> 00:42:16.305 So I I it sounds like Amy's asking about the students in the program that are preparing for their practicum if we, if we help in connecting them with potential directees. 00:42:17.885 --> 00:42:18.365 Yeah. 00:42:18.365 --> 00:42:27.340 So, Amy, we don't, because those directees will probably be be local to you or, people that know you. 00:42:27.340 --> 00:42:34.605 And also because of the nature of spiritual direction, people have to be kind of drawn to you. 00:42:34.605 --> 00:42:36.785 There has to be relationship of trust. 00:42:39.085 --> 00:42:45.105 So we don't really get involved in that, that networking to find those directees for you. 00:42:45.165 --> 00:42:47.505 But we do put means in the program. 00:42:47.565 --> 00:42:56.860 Like, after the first residency, we we ask you to start finding, people that you can just have, spiritual conversations with. 00:42:57.160 --> 00:43:12.215 So even from that time, we're asking you to have two or three people that you're having spiritual conversations with and something, sometimes those relationships just move right into, a spiritual direction relationship when you're ready to be able to do that. 00:43:13.635 --> 00:43:21.630 And then usually what happens is that your priest or your pastor knows that you're you're getting getting this training. 00:43:22.250 --> 00:43:35.965 Your friends start knowing, people start knowing, the word spreads, and, yeah, There's usually not a difficulty for our students to find spiritual to find directees at the end of the day when they get there. 00:43:36.985 --> 00:43:37.485 Yeah. 00:43:37.865 --> 00:43:54.400 And, you know, it it's interesting because there sometimes is that moment where the director and the directee are in that beginning phase where they're trying to understand each other and understanding their, their communication, their their ways of communicating with each other. 00:43:54.400 --> 00:44:06.965 And that's a very important part between the director and the directee, which is why it's so important that that you're doing this in within your community in the area that's near you. 00:44:07.840 --> 00:44:08.880 I'll even share. 00:44:08.880 --> 00:44:20.080 I remember five years ago five or six years ago, I I was seeking a new spiritual director, and I met with someone that I knew from, from the parish I was going to at the time. 00:44:20.080 --> 00:44:29.945 And, we had that sort of initial meeting where we just talked to each other and tried to understand where we were, and, I got to learn about him as a spiritual director. 00:44:30.645 --> 00:44:34.985 He got to learn about me as a person and, in my faith journey. 00:44:35.445 --> 00:44:46.060 And, he's he was great with his communication, and and I think he's from I I still know him today, and I think he's very well equipped with what he does. 00:44:46.060 --> 00:44:53.295 It just turned out we had very different ways of communicating and probably what we were, what I was looking for within spiritual direction. 00:44:53.595 --> 00:44:56.075 And so sometimes that might happen, and that's okay. 00:44:56.075 --> 00:44:57.535 There's nothing wrong with that. 00:44:58.555 --> 00:45:07.820 But I think those initial times where you get to actually speak with them and understand one another is such an important part within, within this ministry. 00:45:08.600 --> 00:45:09.100 Exactly. 00:45:09.720 --> 00:45:28.435 One thing that, you know, this brought up to mind to me, Greg, was, just to tell the whoever's on this conference call that we also, if you go to the Divine Mercy University website and go under alumni, there's actually an alumni directory there. 00:45:28.670 --> 00:45:44.955 And so all of our alumni from all of our programs, whether psychologists or therapists or spiritual directors, those that have wanted to be listed, on the website are listed for the sole purpose of people finding spiritual directors and counselors and therapists. 00:45:45.415 --> 00:45:47.815 So you can go there and you can see. 00:45:47.815 --> 00:45:50.775 So, it's another, it's a kind of flip side. 00:45:50.775 --> 00:45:55.335 The person was asking about finding directees and it made me think about finding spiritual directors. 00:45:55.335 --> 00:45:57.350 You know, How can I find a spiritual director? 00:45:57.350 --> 00:46:00.230 Well, that's a way, that you can find one. 00:46:00.230 --> 00:46:24.880 We do you know, we didn't mention this, Greg, but what are the requirements to get into the program is that you do have a history of frequent spiritual direction and that you are in spiritual direction and that, you will continue in spiritual direction throughout your time in the program, just because we really do think it's a an ethical obligation of a spiritual director to have a spiritual director and to be in search spiritual direction. 00:46:26.940 --> 00:46:27.260 Yeah. 00:46:27.260 --> 00:46:31.740 Well so it looks like we oh, excuse me. 00:46:31.740 --> 00:46:32.960 We have one more question. 00:46:33.180 --> 00:46:42.505 And the question is, I have not had a spiritual director, but have been very active in the church, apostolates, and Catholic formation. 00:46:43.125 --> 00:46:44.185 Is that a problem? 00:46:45.125 --> 00:46:48.825 So that was, you know, that was exactly what Maria was referring to. 00:46:49.580 --> 00:47:02.855 So what I would do is I would suggest if you haven't gone through spiritual direction, now would be a good time to begin that process, to seek out a spiritual director and, begin that journey. 00:47:03.475 --> 00:47:10.615 Understanding what spiritual direction looks like from the side of the directee, is very important. 00:47:10.995 --> 00:47:19.140 Not only is it important just in terms of the admissions process, but it's going to be very fruitful for you as well in your journey. 00:47:19.600 --> 00:47:20.960 So I would begin there. 00:47:20.960 --> 00:47:22.480 That's a great place to start. 00:47:22.480 --> 00:47:23.460 Very good question. 00:47:24.080 --> 00:47:24.320 Yeah. 00:47:24.320 --> 00:47:24.960 It is. 00:47:24.960 --> 00:47:27.860 And we'll pray that you find a great spiritual director. 00:47:28.275 --> 00:47:34.995 That's why one of the reasons this program ever came about because we realized there was a need for spiritual directors out there. 00:47:34.995 --> 00:47:43.220 And we wanted to, from our place, within education and our understanding of the human person to offer that. 00:47:43.520 --> 00:47:52.560 Pope Benedict, pope Benedict Emeritus, pope Benedict, says that every every Catholic should have a spiritual director. 00:47:52.560 --> 00:47:53.060 Right? 00:47:53.200 --> 00:47:57.765 So, we're like, oh, we need a lot more people out there and there. 00:47:57.765 --> 00:47:58.165 Right? 00:47:58.165 --> 00:48:19.580 Because of the the idea that we walk as a community with the Lord, and so many of the things that we do do is in a communal fashion, but the also the Lord walks with each of us and the particular gifts that each of us is to, the world and the gift that, we want to be for the Lord. 00:48:19.580 --> 00:48:23.215 It's it, it kind of needs that individualized attention. 00:48:23.435 --> 00:48:24.715 The Lord wants to meet us. 00:48:24.715 --> 00:48:32.235 He wants us meet us in confession and the sacrament of confession for Catholics on an individual basis, but also in spiritual direction. 00:48:32.235 --> 00:48:38.640 It's just an opportunity for, for, for us to see more clearly just where he is in our lives. 00:48:40.300 --> 00:48:40.800 Yes. 00:48:41.500 --> 00:48:42.000 Good. 00:48:42.780 --> 00:48:45.120 Well, again, thank you all for being here. 00:48:45.180 --> 00:48:49.685 I I'm I'm just glad that we were able to share this information with all of you. 00:48:50.065 --> 00:48:56.165 Once more, I'll just highlight that we still do have some open seats for our next upcoming start date. 00:48:56.705 --> 00:48:59.606 So this will be for, August 17. 00:48:59.950 --> 00:49:08.510 So if you're interested in applying and you you'd really like to begin the process, give me a call, send me an email. 00:49:08.510 --> 00:49:17.185 You're even welcome to text me if that's easier so we can establish that time, establish that communication and see if this is in fact, a good fit for you. 00:49:17.185 --> 00:49:23.045 And then if it is, then I'd be more than happy to get you moving forward with the full application process. 00:49:23.985 --> 00:49:28.165 So with that said a few more questions come in there, Greg? 00:49:28.225 --> 00:49:28.865 Let me check. 00:49:28.865 --> 00:49:30.645 There there might be one more. 00:49:30.900 --> 00:49:31.300 You know what? 00:49:31.300 --> 00:49:32.420 We do have a few more. 00:49:32.420 --> 00:49:35.140 We don't wanna keep them too much, but, to Yeah. 00:49:35.140 --> 00:49:35.300 Yeah. 00:49:35.300 --> 00:49:35.540 No. 00:49:35.540 --> 00:49:37.060 I'd be happy to to answer these. 00:49:37.060 --> 00:49:40.340 So, so follow-up question from the last one. 00:49:40.340 --> 00:49:42.520 So should I not apply at this time? 00:49:42.980 --> 00:49:50.285 If you have not gone through, spiritual direction for, I think we would say, roughly a year Mhmm. 00:49:50.445 --> 00:49:51.645 That that sort of stands. 00:49:51.645 --> 00:49:51.805 Yeah. 00:49:51.805 --> 00:49:53.885 Frequent spiritual direction for at least a year. 00:49:53.885 --> 00:49:55.085 We really want them. 00:49:55.085 --> 00:49:55.405 Yeah. 00:49:55.405 --> 00:49:57.025 So I would hold off on applying. 00:49:57.565 --> 00:50:01.640 And for now, I would just begin by seeking out a spiritual director. 00:50:01.940 --> 00:50:09.620 But, again, if you still have any questions and you still wanna have a conversation just to better understand it, you're more than welcome to give me a call. 00:50:09.620 --> 00:50:11.160 I'd be happy to speak with you. 00:50:11.380 --> 00:50:11.880 Mhmm. 00:50:12.435 --> 00:50:12.675 Yeah. 00:50:12.675 --> 00:50:13.475 And exactly. 00:50:13.475 --> 00:50:16.275 And I think there's some resources I think I've shared with you, Greg. 00:50:16.275 --> 00:50:26.855 There's a few websites where you could find spiritual directors if you're looking for a spiritual director besides what I've mentioned about the alumni, tab here at the universities on the university's website. 00:50:29.380 --> 00:50:36.520 So there there are other places that are that other websites also that you can find spiritual director a spiritual director. 00:50:38.420 --> 00:50:38.920 Mhmm. 00:50:39.140 --> 00:50:39.640 Yes. 00:50:39.915 --> 00:50:40.155 Yeah. 00:50:40.155 --> 00:50:40.655 Good. 00:50:41.275 --> 00:50:52.095 And, and one more question was, that I was just wondering if this webinar will be provided for those that may have shown up a little bit late. 00:50:52.555 --> 00:50:53.755 We can do that for you. 00:50:53.755 --> 00:51:03.270 So this has been recorded, so we'll make sure that for those of you that would like to, revisit the information, we can get that sent to you. 00:51:03.730 --> 00:51:05.650 But, of course, you're also welcome to give me a call. 00:51:05.650 --> 00:51:18.285 I'd be happy to just cover the information with you one, one on one basis and and, also ask you some questions just to better understand where you are in this and see if this is a a good fit for you. 00:51:19.305 --> 00:51:21.885 So, let's see. 00:51:22.185 --> 00:51:23.805 Looks like those are all the questions. 00:51:24.410 --> 00:51:26.330 So, again, these great questions. 00:51:26.330 --> 00:51:33.130 I'm so glad that you're all here, and, we will, you know, again, my contact information is here. 00:51:33.130 --> 00:51:38.670 So if you have any questions for me, please give me a call, email, text, whatever works for you. 00:51:39.075 --> 00:51:41.315 And, I hope we can be in touch. 00:51:41.315 --> 00:51:41.955 Thank you all. 00:51:41.955 --> 00:51:46.215 Thank you all for being here, and, have a great day, and god bless. 00:51:46.435 --> 00:51:46.675 Yes. 00:51:46.675 --> 00:51:47.555 Thank you so much. 00:51:47.555 --> 00:51:50.135 So good to to have this time with you all.