IMSD 601 – SPIRITUAL DIRECTION 1: ART OF ACCOMPANIMENT
Learn the basic dynamics of spiritual direction in this foundational course for those who wish to become spiritual directors. It is also a stand-alone course for those who wish to learn the “art of accompaniment”.
This course is an intensive, five-day course that will require your total dedication. You will receive five and a half hours of instruction per day. You will need evenings for homework and reading. On Wednesday and Thursday evenings, you will engage in an hour of spiritual direction practice. A Eucharistic holy hour is also provided for prayerful integration.
Location: Maryvale Retreat Center, 3150 116a Ave. SE, Valley City, ND 58072
Daily Class Schedule
Monday July 21 to Thursday July 24, 2025
Session 1: 9am-11:30am CDT
Session 2: 1:30pm-4:30pm CDT (with a break)
Friday July 25, 2025
Session 1: 9am-12:30pm CDT
Tuition and Fees:
| Level 1 (not for academic credit) | Level 2 (for academic credit) |
| $670 –Tuition ($335 per credit)
$150 – Sundry Fees (once per summer semester) |
$1,340 –Tuition ($670 per credit)
$50 – Application Fee (new students/non-refundable) $150 – Sundry Fees (once per summer semester) |
| Retreat Center Cost ($66-120 per night) | Retreat Center Cost ($66-120 per night) |
| Total $1,150-1,420 | Total $1,820-2,140 |
Space is limited! Reserve early! Please complete this INTEREST FORM if you are interested but not yet ready to register.
There is a two-step registration process for this course. Please follow the instructions below to secure your registration.
STEP 1: All students need to register through the Diocese of Fargo website: https://fargodiocese.org/aoa. You will pay for your room, meals, conference fees, and tuition (Level 1*) through this registration.
STEP 2: All students also need to register for the course with the IMF:
If you have previously taken an IMF course or any course through Saint Vincent Seminary or Saint Vincent College, you will be able to login to mysv.stvincent.edu and register through the student portal beginning April 8th.
If you have not previously taken an IMF course, you need to register as a new student. Click here for instructions on how to register. Please note that a first time registration is done using the secure program DocuSign because a social security number is required to register. You should complete this registration process as soon as you have registered on the Diocese of Fargo website. You do not need to wait until April 8th to register.
*Level 2 Tuition: Please note that Level 1 tuition is included in the Diocese of Fargo registration fees. Level 2 students will have a balance on their student account that will be paid through the Saint Vincent student portal.
Academic Credit: Level 1 and Level 2 Students
Students may participate in the Spiritual Direction Formation program at two different levels. Level 1—Non-Credit Participation (audit) or Level 2—Academic For-Credit Participation.
Level 1—Non-Credit Participation (audit). Level 1 students are required to complete most coursework, including full participation in the interactive online class sessions, reading assignments, and weekly assignments and discussion posts. Level 1 students typically are not required to write papers and take exams. Students who successfully complete the Spiritual Direction Program at Level 1 will receive a Letter of Program Completion. Successful completion at Level 1 requires a passing grade (70%) in all courses.
Level 2—Academic For-Credit Participation. Level 2 students must complete all coursework with a passing grade (70%) including exams and papers. Students who successfully complete the Spiritual Direction Program at Level 2 will receive a Certificate in Spiritual Direction.