Spiritual Direction Institute

Forming Clergy, Religious, and Laity in the ministry of Spiritual Direction to serve in their parish or faith community, and in other places of Christian ministry. 

Since 1985, the Spiritual Direction Institute, begun by the Diocese of Galveston-Houston Office of Continuing Christian Education and led first by Sr. Mary Dennison, rc followed by Sr. Ann Goggin, rc, has offered a three-year formation and training program. The greater Houston area has greatly benefited from the spiritual presence and skilled servant ministry its hundreds of graduates have contributed in a variety of settings.  Operating for over 35 years under the auspices of the Cenacle Retreat House, the program now resides at the Emmaus Spirituality Center. 

The Spiritual Direction Institute offers the three-year formation program to clergy, religious and laity who feel called to the ministry. It is structured to promote student growth and competency in the areas of:  theology, prayer, spirituality, and the skills necessary to accompany and foster spiritual growth in others.  The program is interdisciplinary, experiential, and process-oriented. 

Each class is developed and given by a team providing professional and theological input.  Using the shared Christian praxis method where applicable, students are helped to integrate the new content with their own experience.

Those who satisfactorily complete the program will receive a certificate of completion.

Applications for 2022 are now closed.

Updated applications forms will be available February 2023.

Complete the application form here.  Then print the sponsor form and the evaualtion form below and give them to your references. They should completethem and email them to [email protected] or snail mailed to Emmaus Spirituality Center 12645 Memorial Drive F1 - 720, Houston, TX 77024

Don't forget to click on the Registration link to pay your $50.00 registration fee.

Application Form

Sponsor Form

Evaluation Form

Registration Fee