Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Q: What is the purpose of Spiritual Direction?
    A: The purpose of Spiritual Direction is to foster personal growth in holiness and to strengthen one’s relationship with God.
  2. Q: Is a Spiritual Director a coach/counselor or friend?
    A: Spiritual Director acts like a coach, providing guidance, affirmation, and teaching. A Spiritual Director also listens and provides support. As a friend, the Spiritual Director consoles and shares moments of joy.
  3. Q: What is the primary focus and aim of Spiritual Direction?
    A: The primary focus of Spiritual Direction is on the directee and their relationship with God. The aim is to deepen the directee’s prayer life through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the true Spiritual Director.
  4. Q: Why should I consider Spiritual Direction?
    A: We are all called to holiness, as stated in Lumen Gentium. Many saints, including St. Teresa of Avila, St. Mother Teresa, and St. John Paul II, had spiritual directors who helped them navigate their inner lives and draw closer to our beloved Christ.
  5. Q: Why was the People of Praise School of Accompaniment and Spiritual Direction (POP SASD) established?
    A: POP SASD has established its Spiritual Direction program to respond to the universal call for personal holiness and the increasing need within the Church for well-trained spiritual directors to assist individuals on their spiritual journeys.
  6. Q: How does the POP SASD provide support to an individual?
    ​ A: The POP SASD provides support to individuals seeking assistance in discerning God’s will. Our services include guidance on overcoming obstacles in prayer, clarity on how God may be working in one’s life, help in recognizing God’s presence throughout the day, and instruction on distinguishing God’s voice, among other reasons.
  7. Q: What happens during a Spiritual Direction meeting?
    A: Each spiritual direction meeting starts and concludes with a prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to guide our time together. During the meeting, the directee is encouraged to discuss their current spiritual state, including any struggles and progress in their faith. They can share recent experiences of feeling God’s presence and to explore how God may be at work amid their challenges.
  8. Q: How often should one meet for Spiritual Direction?
    A: Many directees find it beneficial to meet with their spiritual director once a month. However, the frequency of these meetings depends on the individual needs of each directee. Some may prefer to meet quarterly, bimonthly, or on an as-needed basis.
  9. Q: What is the schedule/program for the certification in Spiritual Direction?
    A:These sessions are highly intensive, requiring students to attend classes from morning until evening, including classes on part of the weekend. Weekday sessions typically are held from 8.00 am to 8.00 pm and approximately half day on 1 Saturday and 1 Sunday
  10. Q: Are these sessions intensive?
    A: There are no formal evaluations, such as tests or written papers; instead, the intensity arises from the daily schedule, personal prayer time, sharing of prayer experiences, and the healing action of the Holy Spirit.
  11. Q: Is there any evaluation?
    A: There are no formal evaluations, such as tests or written papers; instead, the intensity arises from the daily schedule, personal prayer time, sharing of prayer experiences, and the healing action of the Holy Spirit.
  12. Q: What is daily Prayer with Group Sharing?
    A: A key feature of the Spiritual Direction program is its emphasis on prayer.  Each day, students will be required to spend time in prayerful contemplation of the sacred scriptures for a special grace.  There will be group sessions for students to share on the fruit of their prayer.  The sharing in groups allow students to listen and reflect with a community of fellow seekers on their encounters with God in their prayer time. Over time, these group sessions tend to have a transformational effect on the participants.
  13. Q: What is a Supervised Practicum?
    A: A Supervised Practicum is undertaken between the second and third year of study. During this period, the student (in the capacity of Spiritual Director) meets with an individual (Directee) seeking spiritual direction once a week for four months. The student will receive supervision and evaluation before being granted certification.
  14. Q: Can a layperson be a Spiritual Director? I thought only priests could do that!
    A: A layperson can become a spiritual director. Spiritual directors may be priests, nuns, or laypeople. The key factor is finding a spiritual director with whom you can connect and who truly embodies the Catholic faith.
  15. Q: Is the program being offered online? 
    A: No, the program is only available in person at the People of Praise Community Centre, in Trinidad for two consecutive weeks in August.
  16. Q: Is there a minimum Education requirement for entry into the program?
    A: Yes, applicants must demonstrate competence and have spiritual experience.
  17. Q: Can you list or identify the areas of study, professions, or experiences one may require or have acquired to enroll in the program?
    A: No specific certifications are required to enroll in the programme but suitable academic, pastoral and/or ministerial background that lends itself to directing others will be an asset for approval into the programme.
  18. Q: If I am accepted and have paid but can no longer attend, what is your refund policy?
    A: This will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for details.
  19. Q: How many classes can I miss to be considered as completing the program?
    A: Attendance is crucial for program completion. However, in exceptional circumstances, you may miss no more than 10% or 10 hours during the two-week session.
  20. Q: If I live far from the school, is there accommodation available?
    This will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Do not hesitate to contact us.
  21. Q: Will transportation be provided?
    A: Transport will not be typically provided, so you will need to make your arrangements. However, this may be evaluated on a case-by-case basis upon acceptance.
  22. Q: If the programme is over-subscribed, will I be placed on a waiting list?
    A: Yes, if the programme is over-subscribed, applicants may be put on a waiting list, subject to approval and acceptance by the admission committee.
  23. Q: Will all meals be provided, or just some?
    A: Yes, all meals will be provided, including breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks with both hot and cold drinks.   Persons with special dietary needs should indicate same with their application.
  24. Q: If I have dietary preferences, will they be considered?
    A: Yes, upon acceptance into the program, we may consider some dietary preferences based on individual needs and our ability to accommodate same.