Spiritual Formation

Spiritual Formation Certificate

The Spiritual Formation Program: Is This the Year You Should Start?

One of the most significant programs we do in Continuing Education is the Spiritual Formation Certificate Program. Started 10 years ago, this cooperative program with Columbia (Georgia) Theology Seminary has offered more than 600 laypersons and pastors the opportunity to enter more deeply into the life of the Spirit.

Completion of this challenging program involves participation in an Immersion Week Experience, six elective courses, a practicum, and a pilgrimage. Scheduled for five days, from Sunday evening through noon on Friday, the Immersion Week and the electives offer the possibility of in-depth study, prayer, and reflection with a group of like-minded journeyers.

If you have ever desired to spend serious time cultivating your spiritual life, you should consider this opportunity. A number of people have now completed the entire program, and praise for the instructors and the overall design is uniformly high! In my work in Continuing Education, I see regularly how meaningful and exciting the classes are. I had the opportunity to lead a pilgrimage group to Rome. Along the way, many participants spoke of the life-changing effects of the Spiritual Formation Program.

For a registration form, or for more information, contact the Continuing Education Department at 412-924-1345 or e-mail ConEd@pts.edu.

So…is this the year you should start?

James E. Davison '69

Director of Continuing Education

Spiritual Formation Handbook

Spiritual Formation Registration

Spiritual Formation Certificate Program Partnership

Please note, the Seminary also offers Pnuema, the spiritual direction and leadership certificate program. Visit the Pneuma website to learn more.

Upcoming Spiritual Formation Courses

30 Spirit-Led Living - The Way Forward

Timothy C. Geoffrion, co-founder and president of Faith, Hope, and Love Global Ministries / This class will draw on insights from the instructor's 500-mile pilgrimage across northern Spain, and his recent book, One Step at a Time: A Pilgrim's Guide to Spirit-Led Living (Alban 2008). It will offer an opportunity for spiritual renewal and guidance on how to know God better and to experience transformation in every aspect of our lives. Special consideration will be given to pastors and other spiritual leaders who want to help others grow spiritually as well. / Sun., Sept. 20, 7:00 p.m. - Fri., Sept. 25, 12:00 p.m. / $350 / 3.0 CEUs plus certificate credit.

Brochure

31 The Life and Thought of Thomas Merton

Bonnie Thurston, author, spiritual director, Merton scholar, ordained minister, and former professor of New Testament, PTS / This is an introduction to the life and thought of Thomas Merton with special attention to his teaching on monastic spirituality and the contemplative life. This program will be held at the Kearns Spirituality Center in the North Hills of Pittsburgh (www.divineprovidenceweb.org).  Price for room and board, which is reasonable, will be announced in the brochure for the program.  You are encouraged to stay on stie with the group; a modified monastic schedule will be kept, praying the Offices and keeping the Great Silence from after the evening session until morning prayer, roughly 12 hours. / Sun., Jan. 10, 7:00 p.m. – Fri., Jan. 15, 12:00 p.m. / $350 / 3.0 CEUs plus certificate credit. 

Brochure

32 Immersion Weekend: An Invitation to a Deeper Spiritual Life

Betty Voigt, spiritual director; with presentations by various faculty from PTS / This is the foundational course in the Spiritual Formation Certificate program. It consists of readings and lectures, discussion in groups, and personal reflection on your spiritual journey. Community and practical application of acquired knowledge are also a part of this experience. / Thurs., Jan. 28, 7:00 p.m. – Sun., Jan. 31, 3:00 p.m. / $350 (includes meals) / 2.5 CEUs plus certificate credit. 

Brochure

33 Christian Discernment (weekend)

Julie Johnson, Presbyterian minister, spiritual director, congregational consultant and retreat leader / Life is full of multiple choices and different pathways. With bewildering decisions to make, some will flip a coin and others will visit a psychic. Faith in Christ suggests a different approach. The Biblical tradition offers insight, and the Christian tradition can provide us with helpful examples. We can see how faithful disciples and unknown saints before us have turned to seek God's intention for their life and work. This class will study classical and contemporary models of Christian discernment for individuals and congregations / Thurs., April 8, 6:00 p.m. – Sun., April 11, 3:00 p.m. / $300 (includes meals) / 2.5 CEUs plus certificate credit. 

Brochure

34 Rome and Italian Pilgrimage Sites: A Spiritual Formation Pilgrimage

This trip has been canceled.  Check back here in July of 2010 for future trips.

Rebecca Cole-Turner, spiritual director, counselor, workshop and retreat leader / See description under Trips and Tours. / June 14- 24, 2010 / Space limited and priority given to participants in the Spiritual Formation Program / Precise itinerary and costs available in late summer 2009.

Brochure                             

Reading List

35 God's Abiding Presence in Suffering

Maureen Crossen, associate professor of theology, Carlow University / The cross of Jesus Christ is a persistent witness to the problem of suffering for believers and non-believers alike. Yet, hidden within suffering is the deep, abiding presence of the mystery and power of God. This course will explore the biblical roots and contemporary understanding of this presence and its power of hope, forgiveness, and reconciliation, which is made possible through suffering. / Sun., June 20, 7:00 p.m. - Fri., June 25, 12:00 p.m. / $350 / 3.0 CEUs plus certificate credit.  

Brochure

36 Benedict and Francis: Their Lives and Their Legacies

This program has been postponed until March 17 - 20, 2011

Bernard Tickerhoof, TOF, Institute for Contemporary Franciscan Life, St. Francis University, Loretto, Pa. / Two of the most significant figures in the history of Christian spirituality lived in central Italy. Not only are they important, but their lives are fascinating, and definitely instructive for our own understanding of faith in Christ. This course will explore their lives and rich insights into faith, and it will illuminate their overwhelming influence on later Christian history. Getting closer to Benedict and Francis is guaranteed to deepen your own walk with Jesus Christ in this world. / Sun., Aug. 15, 7:00 p.m. - Fri., Aug. 20, 12:00 p.m./ $350 / 3.0 CEUs plus certificate credit.