Spiritual Direction & Spiritual Companion

More and more of the Christian faithful in Eastern Oklahoma are seeking advancement in the spiritual life. To address this need, the Diocese of Tulsa & Eastern Oklahoma provides training in two distinct areas: the Spiritual Direction Certificate and the Spiritual Companion Certificate. Both certifications, in distinct ways, aim to train qualified persons in the art of directing and accompanying souls to the attainment of Christian perfection—in accordance with their particular state of life and in conformity with the intellectual and spiritual tradition of the Catholic Church. 

The Spiritual Direction Certification is open to clerics and qualified laypersons who are discerning the call to be spiritual directors. Participants will explore that call, engage in personal spiritual growth, and enhance the knowledge and skills needed for this ministry. A spiritual director performs a sacred ministry of the Church, in which he provides guidance to individuals who are striving after perfection. To do so, the spiritual director must be well educated and practiced in the sciences of asceticism and mysticism, and have a firm understanding of the demands and duties of various states of life. 

The Spiritual Companion Certification is directed towards clergy and lay people who desire to become intentional missionary disciples by encouraging others to a deeper life of prayer and commitment to the Church’s mission. A spiritual companion is not a spiritual director but rather accompanies people in a fraternal manner in their spiritual walk, offering encouragement and accountability.

Enrollment in the Spiritual Direction Certification requires the applicant hold:

1. a BA in Theology or Spirituality or some other related discipline from an accredited Catholic university/college 
2. another type of approved theological formation, e.g., diocesan diaconate program, secular institute formation, religious tertiary training, etc. 

Enrollment in the Spiritual Companion Certification requires no formal academic formation. Applicants should be 18 years of age or older, be in good standing with the Catholic Church, and be willing to adhere to canonical and diocesan norms, especially regarding Child and Youth Protection.

The Spiritual Direction Certification is an 18-month program, while the Spiritual Companionship Certification is a 12-month program. Classes will meet on one (1) Saturday a month from 
9-11:50 am. Each three (3) hour class will equal one (1) credit hour of formation.

Each class will require assigned readings, two hours of lecture, and one hour of active discussion or similar activity per per class session. At the end of each class, students will provide a written reflection to be graded by the instructor. The reflection’s length will be determined by the instructor. The pedagogy of each class may adapt to different professors and subjects.

Monthly classes will be held on Saturdays at the Chancery Offices in Broken Arrow, OK from 
9-11:50 am. The annual program retreat will be held at the Our Lady of Grace Retreat Center in Stillwater, OK.

Classes and instruction will be held in English. When possible, class texts will be available in both English and Spanish. A Spanish study group will be provided for Spanish speakers to supplement class instruction. Spanish mentors will be available for those who will be ministering to Spanish-speaking communities.

Program costs are $400 per participant—$200 is to be provided by the participant, and $200 is to be supplied by their parish sponsor.

VIEW THE COURSE CALENDAR

Applications for the new class will begin in January 2025

All Applicants are required to have the following:

1. A Letter of Intent, not to exceed 5 pages
2. A Letter of Recommendation & Suitability, to be provided by your Pastor

The following questions are to be addressed in your Letter of Intent:

• What is the role of the Spiritual Director/Companion in the life of the Church?
• What has motivated you to become a Spiritual Director/Companion?
• What unique gifts, talents, and prior formation do you possess that would make you a good Spiritual Director/Companion?

Please do not proceed with the application process until you have these documents ready.

Once you submit your application below, please email your supporting application documents to Mollie Seals, Program Coordinator. To preserve the integrity of your application, we recommend sending your documents as PDFs.

If you are accepted into the Spiritual Direction or Spiritual Companion Program, you will receive an acceptance letter sent in the beginning of June 2025. Payment via check will need to be mailed to: