Spiritual Direction in Essex and East London
After a number of years being 'directed' some may feel called to look at becoming a spiritual director themselves. There are a number of courses available in the South East:
The Essex and East London Course in Spiritual Direction is an ecumenical course for mature Christians. It is a five term course with twenty participants and a core group of six. These twenty six people are from different strands of Christianity, both lay and ordained.
The present core group come from the Methodist, Roman Catholic and Anglican churches.
The course has been running, with different core groups, for some fifteen years with the aim of developing Christian souls to the point where they can act as Spiritual Directors and help others discern where the Holy Spirit is leading them. The course aims to cover all areas of spirituality and is heavily experiential, requiring a high degree of openness and willingness to share.
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 2012 to March 2014. It includes three residential periods and fourteen whole days. Residential periods will take place as follows: 18-20 Sept 2012; 16-17 Jan 2013; 17-19 Sept 2013. Course Days are usually on the first Thursday of each month. 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 Course is planned and facilitated by a Core Group who bring the experience of having previously
Application forms, must be completed and returned by 7th March 2012, are obtainable from:
Course Administrator – Fran McEvoy –
E-mail: franmcevoy@hotmail.com
Prospective candidates will be invited for interview. Those selected will be asked to confirm their place by the end of May 2012. 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 Diocesan House of Retreat at Pleshey on 2nd & 3rd May 2012
The total Course Fee: Fees may be paid in five termly instalments of £180 or by monthly standing order at £50 per month (£900 in total). Ministerial grants may apply. Fees include all accommodation, food and refreshments
If you have any questions These can be discussed confidentially with Fran McEvoy (see above)
Consultants to the Core Group: