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Course in Spiritual Direction

An experiential learning opportunity for those who listen and pray with others

Autumn 2007 – Spring 2009

 

About the Course 

Spiritual Direction

is a one-to-one ministry of prayer and listening. The Course in Spiritual Direction is an ecumenical one, sponsored by the Anglican and Roman Catholic bishops of the diocese, which has been offered for over ten years. It is open to lay and ordained Christians of all traditions. It takes place at the Retreat House in Pleshey, a quiet place, offering space for prayerful reflection and spiritual renewal.

The Aim of the Course

is to provide an opportunity for course members to grow in spirituality and personal development. Through shared experience, participants will be challenged to a deeper awareness and effectiveness as they help others discover what God is doing in their lives.

The Course Members

will be a group of up to twenty people who are engaged in one-to-one prayer or listening. They will be open to growth, willing to share at a deep level and ready to accept supervision. They should have a mature faith, be emotionally stable and be prepared to bring responsible and wholehearted commitment to the Course.

The Course Programme 

runs from September 2007 to March 2009. It includes three residential periods and fourteen whole days. Residential periods will take place as follows: 18-20 Sept 2007;     15-16 Jan 2008;  16-18 Sept 2008. Course Days are usually on the first Thursday of each month, with the exception of April and August. The Day begins at 9.30am and ends at 4.00pm.

Methodology 

Prayer, reflection, discussion and discernment will be used alongside input and practical exercises in this experiential course.

The course will explore 

the nature of Spiritual Direction; individual faith journeys and spiritual pilgrimage; listening skills; images of God; different traditions of spirituality; the interface between spirituality, gender, personality and human development; and the practical skills needed in Spiritual Direction.

The Course

is planned and facilitated by a Core Group who bring the experience of having previously participated in the course. They are:

• Philip Banks (Church of England)
  
• Linda Barnard (Church of England)
• Julie Cristin (Methodist Church)
• Hilary Davey (Church of England)
• Brian Devine (Roman Catholic Church)
  

Consultants to the Core Group:

• Canon Christine McCafferty founder member of the Course in Spiritual Direction
• Canon Roger Matthews Bishop’s Adviser for Mission & Ministry

 

Applications

Application forms, which must be completed and returned by 1st March 2007, are obtainable from:          

Course Administrator,

The Rev’d Hilary Davey,

3 Springhill Road,

Saffron Walden,

Essex,

CB11 4AH.

Selection 

Prospective candidates will be invited for interview. Those selected will be asked to confirm their place by the end of June 2007. The aim of the selection process is to discern whether the course is appropriate for the candidate at this time. Selection interviews will take place at the Brentwood Diocesan House of Retreat at Abbotswick on 25 & 26 April 2007.

Cost

The total Course fee is £660, which can be paid in five termly instalments. Ministerial grants may apply. 

If you have any questions 

These can be discussed confidentially with Rev'd Hilary Davey:

Tel: 01799 522616   email: hilarydavey@btopenworld.com . 

Further information about Spiritual Direction can be found at Spiritual Direction in Essex and East London

 

 

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