Are you called to the ministry of Spiritual Direction?
Sunday, July 9, 2023 to
Saturday, July 15, 2023
VMESC offers a three-year formation program in spiritual direction. This program is designed to accommodate those who cannot afford the time for a lengthy residential program, yet desire time to explore the dimensions of this ministry and to discern their call to the ministry of spiritual direction. In addition to a one week resident stay for each of the three years, participants are asked to write four short reflection papers each year and participate in experiences which are part of the spiritual direction ministry. This program hopes to provide the space, time and structure where the Spirit can deepen and fine-tune the gifts of the candidates.
The program is structured around a 3-year cycle of themes:
Christ the Word
Discernment
Contemplation
Resident Week:
July 9 to July 15, 2023
July 7 to July 13, 2024
July 6 to July 12, 2025
Faculty:
Ardath Blake, HM has received training and supervision in spiritual direction through St. Beuno Spiritual Exercise Centre, Asaph, Wales UK; the Center for Spirituality and Lay Ministry of Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Ct and at Loyola House in Guelph, Ontario. Ardath also has a MA in Theology and MS in Education and experience in parish pastoral ministry.
David Roncolato, Ph.D. received training in spiritual direction at Creighton University, the Ignatius Jesuit Centre in Guelph Ontario, and most recently the formation program offered through the Villa Maria Education and Spirituality Center. He has offered adult spiritual direction for three decades. David completed his Ph.D. in Catholic Systematic Theology at Duquesne University. He lives in Meadville with his spouse, Rev. Sarah D. Roncolato, pastor of Stone United Methodist Church. David is the director of civic engagement and professor of Community and Justice Studies at Allegheny College.
To begin the application process, please contact
Sr. Ardath Blake at 724-964-8920, ext. 3444 or
ABlake@humilityofmary.org
Applications due by June 16, 2023.