This course deals with the relationship between spiritual direction and the moral life. It comes out of the Catholic tradition, more specifically, from the moral and spiritual mindset of St. Alphonsus de Liguori, doctor of the Church, patron saint of confessors and moral theologians, and the founder of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer. It does not claim to be an exhaustive treatment of either spiritual direction or the moral life. Its purpose is to examine the relationship between the two and, in the spirit of Alphonsus, do so in a way that is simple, practical, pastoral, focused on the poor and marginalized, and easy to implement. It wishes to make sound spiritual direction accessible to as many people as possible and to offer it across boundaries that, more often than not, have kept people apart, rather than united. It is a practical primer for an approach to spiritual direction that looks to the future by reflecting on the past and learning how both impinge upon the decisions of the present.
Finding our Way to God: Spiritual Direction and the Moral Life
“In his book Finding our Way to God: Spiritual Direction and the Moral Life, Fr. Dennis Billy, C.Ss.R., clearly outlines the necessary elements of spiritual direction, providing the best practical description of the process of spiritual direction that I have ever seen. May this treasure be read and used by many in their search for deeper intimacy with God.” – Sister Marysia Weber, author of The Art of Accompaniment: Practical Steps for the Seminary Formator
“Participation in the course provided great benefits intellectually and spiritually that I can use in my ministry in religious education.” – Patricia Topper, first student to complete the course
Part 1: The Moorings in Spiritual Direction
Be sure to purchase this course before clicking on the videos!
After completing the videos and reading for this part of the course, click on any of the social media icons below and post a response to this prompt: Describe your understanding of spiritual direction and the impact you feel it would have/has had on your life. (75-100 words or as appropriate to the medium chosen)
Module 1 - What is Spiritual Direction?
Module 2 - The Relationships of Spiritual Direction
Module 3 - Integrating Spirituality and Morality
Module 4 - Listening
Module 5 - Prayer
Part 2: An Alphonsian Approach to Spiritual Direction
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After completing the videos and reading for this part of the course, click on any of the social media icons below and post a response to this prompt: How might the dynamics of Alphonsian mental prayer/meditation affect your approach to spiritual direction? (75-100 words or as appropriate to the medium)
Module 6 - The Spiritual Legacy of St. Alphonsus de Liguori
Module 7 - Interpreting St. Alphonsus Today
Module 8 - An Alphonsian Model of Spiritual Direction
Module 9 - The Qualities of an Alphonsian Director
Module 10 - A Session of Alphonsian Direction (PDF)
Part 3: Spiritual Direction and the Moral Life
Be sure to purchase this course before clicking on the videos!
After completing the videos and reading for this part of the course, click on any of the social media icons below and post a response to this prompt: What connections do you see between spiritual direction and the moral life that may be helpful to you in your work? (75-100 words or as appropriate to the medium)
Module 11 - The Moral Dimensions of Prayer
Module 12 - The Spiritual Journey
Module 13 - The Way of Virtue
Module 14 - The Gifts of the Spirit
Module 15 - Attending to the Virtues and Gifts in Spiritual Direction
Part 4: Dialoguing with Other Traditions
Be sure to purchase this course before clicking on the videos!
After completing the videos and reading for this part of the course, click on any of the social media icons below and post a response to this prompt: What role does spiritual direction play within your religious, philosophical, or ethical tradition? (75-100 words or as appropriate to the medium)