Academics
OUR CURRICULUM
The People of Praise School of Accompaniment and Spiritual Direction aims at offering all our students a broad and balanced curriculum that provides rewarding and stimulating activities to prepare them for their best life.
Whether it is through books of faith or hands-on training, we make sure each student gets personal attention to cope and flourish in every life with the hopes for better and brighter future using a 3 phase program.
PRAYER
THE SPIRITUALITY AND PRAYER OF THE SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR
This introductory course offers a theological foundation for the universal call to holiness and a deeper relationship with the Holy Trinity. It explores various methods and approaches to discipleship, highlighting the rich tradition of spiritual direction within the Church.
ELEMENTS AND DYNAMICS OF SPIRITUAL DIRECTION AND PRACTICE
This foundational course introduces the principles and objectives of effective spiritual direction. The curriculum includes presentations and practice sessions that emphasize the methods and skills essential to the art of spiritual direction. Students will learn the fundamentals of conducting interviews, understanding interpersonal dynamics, and incorporating Scripture into their direction practice. The course also features practice interviews and role-playing exercises.
FOUNDATIONAL THEMES IN SCRIPTURE FOR PRAYER
Prayer exercises and group sharing based on eight scriptural themes, such as trust in God, discipleship, and responding to God’s love. The student prays for 2-3 hours daily and is encouraged to use a journal throughout both weeks.
A SURVEY OF THE MYSTICAL TRADITIONS OF PRAYER
This course provides an overview of Christian spirituality, highlighting how God chooses to reveal Himself. It emphasizes the mystical prayers of Teresa of Avila, John of the Cross, and Therese of Lisieux. The course explores different approaches to prayer from the mystical tradition of the Church and offers guidance for teaching those being directed to pray with sincerity and love, ultimately aiming for a deeper intimacy with God.
LIVING THE DISCERNING LIFE AND THE EXAMEN PRAYER
This course will explore discernment as a way of living the Christian life and reflecting on that life. It will be based on the Rules of Discernment and the Examen by Ignatius of Loyola and will discuss how to use both in Spiritual Direction.
Source: Alleluia School of Spiritual Direction (ASSD)
HEALING
ELEMENTS AND DYNAMICS OF SPIRITUAL DIRECTION AND PRACTICE
This course will include practical exercises and instruction on reflective responses and identifying feelings. Self-disclosure, genuineness, and compassion are studied as essential elements in the Spiritual Direction process, presented through lectures and role-playing.
FOUNDATIONAL THEMES IN SCRIPTURE FOR HEALING
Prayer exercises and group sharing focused on healing themes in the Bible. Students are encouraged to pray for 2-3 hours daily and to keep a journal. [Applicable for Both Weeks]
HEALING IN SPIRITUAL DIRECTION FAITHFULNESS SHOWING THE STEPS TO & INTIMACY
Spiritual direction is viewed as a healing process, which evolves through the relationship between the director and the directee, guided by the Holy Spirit. This discussion will also cover the differences between psychology, counseling, and spiritual direction. Additionally, it will address how to identify potential mental illness and the appropriate circumstances for referring individuals to professional help.
THE THEORY AND PRACTICE OF HEALING PRAYER
The course offers insights into various healing ministries in the Church today, such as Theophostic and Unbound. It examines the significance of past wounds and their impact on us as spiritual directors and our directees.
THE CONNECTION OF HEALING & DELIVERANCE TO THE PRACTICE OF SPIRITUAL DIRECTION
This course will explore discernment as a way to live the Christian life and reflect on that life. It will be based on the Rules of Discernment and the Examen by Ignatius of Loyola and will discuss how both can be used in spiritual direction.
THE APPLICATION OF SPIRITUAL WARFARE AND DELIVERANCE IN SPIRITUAL DIRECTION
This course examines spiritual warfare and deliverance through classic texts in the spiritual life, contemporary insights, and scriptural passages. It studies how Jesus confronted evil and provides tools for application in Spiritual Direction.
Source: Alleluia School of Spiritual Direction (ASSD)
GROWTH
AN INTRODUCTION TO GROWTH
We teach students about identifying our underlying sins, the significance of detachment in spiritual life, and how to practice the presence of God. We emphasize the importance of receiving supervision as a practicing director, highlighting the ethics of spiritual direction and the necessity of maintaining a personal relationship with a spiritual director.
ELEMENTS AND DYNAMICS OF SPIRITUAL DIRECTION AND PRACTICE
Topics of consolation and desolation, dryness, contemplative listening, and the obstacles to growth in prayer will be presented through lectures and role-playing. Teaching will also address issues that frequently arise in spiritual direction.
LIFE’S JOURNEY IN CHRIST & “THE PRESENT MOMENT” IN SPIRITUAL DIRECTION
This introductory course explains why the present moment is a gift from God to every believer as their moment of grace, and how the past and God’s promises shape each person’s journey to the Father.
CHRISTOLOGY
This course explores the personhood of Jesus as both God and Man. We will examine the question: Who is Jesus, and what has He done for me and for the world? The course emphasizes how believers can align themselves with the person of Christ, viewing this alignment as the essential model for “doing the will of the Father” as His sons and daughters.
MATURITY IN CHRIST, PART ONE: LIVING IN FAITH, HOPE AND LOVE
The course demonstrates how the supernatural gifts of Faith, Hope, and Love shape a Christian’s entire character and how one can grow in holiness and in the disciplined love of God and neighbor.
MATURITY IN CHRIST, PART TWO: EXERCISING THE GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
The course explores the lists of the gifts of the Holy Spirit found in the Pauline Letters. It demonstrates how a spiritual director can utilize these gifts in spiritual direction and offers guidance on encouraging the directee to be open to and actively use these gifts in their daily life.
FOUNDATIONAL THEMES IN SCRIPTURE FOR THE FRUITS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT & PERFECTION IN HOLINESS
Prayer exercises and group sharing focus on eight Scriptural themes, such as trust in God, discipleship, and responding to God’s love. The student is encouraged to pray 2-3 hours daily and to keep a journal. [Both Weeks]
Source: Alleluia School of Spiritual Direction (ASSD)
Get Started
The People of Praise School of Accompaniment and Spiritual Direction offers a certificate program in spiritual direction.
This two-year program consists of three sessions designed to equip candidates with intellectual knowledge, a foundation in contemplative prayer, and the practical skills necessary to become effective spiritual directors.
Successful completion of the program requires active participation in lectures, private prayer exercises, and group work. Candidates must attend all three sessions within six (6) years to receive their certificate.