Spiritual Direction Formation Programme
Two-year postgraduate formation in spiritual accompaniment
Course Overview
SDFP has been running since September 2019 and builds on an interpretation of the experience of journeying towards intimacy with God as expressed in the life of the Carmelite saints, and deriving principles from this for the growth and flourishing of the spiritual life.
The programme has its foundation in the spirituality of the Carmelite tradition. However, one does not need to be a Carmelite or even know much of Carmelite spirituality to be part of the Programme.
This is a two-year programme with a combination of both online and in-person teaching. Each year includes six online sessions, as well as two five-day intensives held at any of the following locations:
- 📍 Carmelite Priory — Oxford, UK
- 📍 Carmelite Spiritual Center — Darien, Illinois, USA
- 📍 Loyola Centre for Hope & Healing — Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria
Programme Highlights
"A spiritual director who intimately knows and loves Christ can help the directee to achieve that same love and intimacy"
— Pope Benedict XVI
Discover the SDFP Experience
Programme Overview
Student Experience
Course Types
Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip)
Students on this pathway are enrolled with St Mary's University in Twickenham. While all teaching, assessments and marking are carried out by CACS, St Mary's validate and award the programme. Upon completion, students receive a PGDip in Spiritual Formation and Accompaniment.
CACS Diploma
Functionally the same as the PGDip version, however you will not be enrolled with St Mary's and will instead be awarded a CACS Diploma upon completion of the course.
Auditing
Auditing students pay a reduced fee and are not expected to complete most assessments. We recommend this option only to those seeking personal enrichment, rather than training in spiritual direction.
Why Choose SDFP?
Ten distinctive features that set our programme apart
🌐 Hybrid Model
Blend of residential intensives and online learning — accessible for those with work and family commitments.
🎯 Focused Structure
Six modules over two years, taught by seasoned experts with sustained momentum for continuous learning.
🙏 Contemplative Focus
Prayer as intimate conversation with God — growing in contemplative awareness and holy listening.
✝️ Authentically Catholic
Grounded in Catholic worldview with emphasis on biblical principles and the living tradition of the Church.
🤝 Ecumenical Outreach
Christians of all faith traditions welcome — mutual enrichment from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
📜 800-Year Tradition
Learn from Teresa of Avila, John of the Cross, Thérèse of Lisieux, Elizabeth of the Trinity, and Edith Stein.
👨🏫 Seasoned Practitioners
All tutors, mentors, and facilitators are experts with many years of experience in spiritual direction.
👥 Communal Emphasis
Journey as a pilgrim community with covenant commitments — group spiritual companionship throughout.
🧭 Accompanier-Guided
Personal accompanier for one-to-one support plus small group guidance throughout the programme.
📚 Experiential Learning
Practical formation through personal reflection, communal activities, and assessed SD sessions.
Course Dates 2026-2028
In addition to the sessions above, you will also meet with your accompaniment and practicum groups (3-8 students) once a month during online session months.
Modules
To be awarded the PGDip, students must complete six modules split over two years:
Year One
- ✦ Theology and the Art of Spiritual Formation
- ✦ Carmelite Spirituality and Psycho-spiritual Themes
- ✦ Formative Reflection and Reflective Practice
Year Two
- ✦ Theology of Redemption and Dynamics of Spiritual Formation
- ✦ Carmelite Mystics & Emotionally Healthy Spirituality
- ✦ Resourcing Spiritual Formation and Reflective Practice
Delivery
The online programme is delivered through real-time video conferencing and a phased release of reading materials and videos via the CACS learning platform.
Each student is assigned an accompanier who provides one-to-one support, and will also meet regularly with their accompaniment and practicum groups.
Assessment
Modules are assessed through formative and summative components:
- • Literature reports
- • Essays
- • Group presentations
- • Portfolios & Journals
- • Self-reflective written assessments
- • Assessed spiritual direction sessions
Fees
*Small bursaries may be available for students from low-income households.
Application Process
Apply Online
Fill out the online application form
Interview
Meet with a course leader to ask questions
Deposit
Pay £200/$250 deposit (deducted from fees)
References
We contact your two referees
Acceptance
Receive acceptance letter confirming admittance
Enrolment
DBS/police check and St Mary's enrolment
Applications for September 2026 are now open
Join learners from over 15 countries across 3 continents in this transformative formation programme.
If you have any questions regarding the course, please contact:
Christie — Lead Course Administrator
Email: admissions@carmelite.org.uk