Resources

Weeklong Summer Conference to be Held at Saint Vincent

Seminary faculty members Father Thomas Acklin, O.S.B., professor of theology, and Father Boniface Hicks, O.S.B., director of spiritual formation, will conduct a weeklong summer conference, Spiritual Direction I: Art of Accompaniment, June 24-28 on campus. The event is being sponsored by the Seminary Institute for Ministry Formation, which is an extension of the Seminary’s commitment to the formation and education of priests, laity, and religious.

To register visit: imf.saintvincentseminary.edu/SD1.

The IMF is designed to help all people understand and experience God’s grace and respond to this gift of Grace in service, in ministry. Using new technology and traditional methods of learning and gathering, the IMF brings together seekers, friends, and expert contributors to help inform our hearts and minds and guide our response.

Download the brochure here

The conference is an outgrowth of a book the two priests authored, Spiritual Direction: A Guide for Sharing the Father’s Love. Father Boniface, who is also programming manager for We Are one Body Catholic Radio, notes the course is a way for participants to pray better, to grow closer in their relationship with God, and to help others on their spiritual journeys to become better Christians.

The course will consist of five hours of daily instruction, as well as times for one-on-one meetings with the instructors. While housing and meals are part of the registration, there is also a day rate for commuters. Participants will have the opportunity to take part in Daily Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, Sacramenetal Confession and prayer. There will also be sufficient time for walks, silence and reflection to help participants integrate the teaching offered during the course.

Topics include:

  • The need for Spiritual Direction in our time;
  • Our one-on-one relationship with God;
  • One-on-one human relationships;
  • The interior life;
  • The importance of vulnerability;
  • A listening that reveals and heals;
  • Communicating the Father’s Love;
  • Introduction to development in the life of prayer;
  • Some psychological insights for spiritual direction;
  • The qualities of the spiritual director;
  • Introduction to supervision and self-awareness;
  • Saints for spiritual directors.

To register visit: imf.saintvincentseminary.edu/SD1.