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?

Spiritual Formation Handbook

Spiritual Formation Registration

Spiritual Formation Certificate Program Partnership

Immersion Weekend Experience: An Invitation to a Deeper Spiritual Life (1112-37) 

Mary Lynn Callahan, Interim Director of Spiritual Life Ministries, East Liberty Presbyterian Church, Pittsburgh, Pa., and spiritual director; with presentations by various PTS faculty
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., May 3, 7:00 p.m. – Sun., May 6, 3:00 p.m., 2012 / $350 (includes most meals) / 2.5 CEUs plus certificate credit

Brochure and Registration Form                    Online Registration

The Ignatian Spiritual Exercises and Christian Discipleship (1112-42) 

Martha Robbins, Joan Marshal Associate Professor of Pastoral Care and Director of Pneuma at PTS
This course will explore (1) the overall content and structure of the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises; (2) the underlying dynamics and graces for each of the four major movements of the Exercises; and (3) how these facilitate a deepening Christian discipleship and participation in Christ's mission according to one's unique gifts and call. The structure and process of the course is designed to give participants a taste of the Spiritual Exercises through periods of instruction, prayer, silence, reflection, discussion, and worship. Hence, all participants are strongly encouraged to be in residence for the week at Kearns Spirituality Center, a ministry of the Sisters of Divine Providence, 9000 Babcock Blvd., Allison Park, PA / Sun., June 17, 7:00 p.m. – Fri., June 22, 12:00 p.m., 2012 / $365 (includes meals; lodging extra) / 3.0 CEUs plus certificate credit

Brochure and Registration Form                    Online Registration

Completed Offerings for 2011-2012

Women Mystics: Medieval and Modern (1112-03)

Susan Muto, Executive Director of the Epiphany Association, Pittsburgh, Pa., Speaker, and Author
This class will practice meditative readings from three great mystical writers, focusing on special themes in each: Julian of Norwich, and her gift of reconciling suffering and joy; Teresa of Avila, and her teaching on “formative detachment”; and Evelyn Underhill, and her emphasis on integrating contemplation and action. Women and men are welcome! / Sun., Sept. 18, 7:00 p.m. - Fri., Sept. 23, 12:00 p.m., 2011 / $350 / 3.0 CEUs plus certificate credit

Brochure and Registration Form         

Monastic Wisdom and Practice for non-Monks (1112-20)

Bonnie Thurston, Author, Educator, and Former Professor of New Testament at PTS
This class will offer an experiential introduction to monastic spirituality. While keeping the monastic day by alternating prayer, work and rest (including Great Silence at night), participants will explore monasticism's origins, history and vows, write their own "rules of life," learn to chant the Psalms, practice lectio divina and enjoy life in Christian community at Kearns Spirituality Center, a ministry of the Sisters of Divine Providence, 9000 Babock Blvd., Allison Park, PA / Sun., Jan. 8, 7:00 p.m. - Fri., Jan. 13, 12:00 p.m., 2012 / $350 (includes meals; lodging extra) / 2.5 CEUs plus certificate credit

Brochure and Registration Form    

Spiritual Renewal in the Second Half of Life (1112-29)

Tammy Wiens Sorge, PC (USA) Pastor, Former Denominational Associate for Spiritual Formation
This class will consider the invitation that the second half of life offers to rest from the frantic search for one’s place in the world and to enjoy a new level of spiritual awareness. Often preoccupied with issues of identity and vocation in the first half of life, in the second half we discover greater freedom to let go of superficial achievements and values so that we may invest ourselves in a deeper, more authentic relationship with God. / Thurs., March 22, 7:00 p.m. – Sun., March 25, 3:00 p.m., 2012 / $350 / 2.5 CEUs plus certificate credit 

Brochure and Registration Form