Spiritual Accompaniment WT-SSTA-SA
1. Spiritual direction – terminological issues and definition.
2. The biblical foundations of spiritual direction.
3. Guidance from the Church’s Magisterium.
4. Anthropological foundations.
5. The necessity of seeking spiritual direction on the path to sanctification.
6. The nature and scope of the spiritual director’s authority and the status of the person being directed.
7. Assistance in discerning God’s will.
8. Spiritual direction and confession.
9. Spiritual direction in the service of discovering one’s vocation.
10. Spiritual direction in the life of St Ignatius of Loyola and according to Ignatian spirituality.
11. Spiritual direction according to St John of the Cross.
12. Spiritual accompaniment – contemporary concepts.
13. The practice of spiritual direction
14. Spiritual direction and elements of psychology and psychotherapy
15. Risks and distortions in spiritual direction
(in Polish) Grupa przedmiotów ogólnouczenianych
Course coordinators
Subject level
Learning outcome code/codes
Type of subject
Preliminary Requirements
Learning outcomes
W 1. Possesses in-depth knowledge of the place and role of spiritual accompaniment in the process of spiritual development. Understands the specific nature of this element in terms of both content and methodology. Is able to develop it creatively in educational and community activities (in Polish and international contexts).
W 2. Possesses a structured and in-depth knowledge of the theology of spiritual direction and the methodology of its practice
W 3. Is familiar with the processes and conditions of spiritual development, as well as the risks associated with it in the context of spiritual direction.
U 1. Possesses the ability to search for sources, analyse them and make appropriate assessments in the light of the Church’s teaching and theological studies. On this basis, they form critical judgements.
U 2. Is able to acquire knowledge and develop research skills based on international literature and the latest theological scholarship. Is able to apply the knowledge acquired to academic and research development.
U 3. Is able to apply the knowledge acquired in a creative manner in the Catholic Church’s work in formation, evangelisation, pastoral care, catechesis, mission or ecumenism.
K 1. Demonstrates a critical perspective on their own state of intellectual and personal maturity in relation to the knowledge they are acquiring.
K 2. Understands and recognises the necessity of intellectual and religious-spiritual development in the context of spiritual guidance. Is able to apply the knowledge acquired competently in individual and social relationships. Is able to critically evaluate emerging ideas and attitudes regarding the education of others. Undertakes inspiring initiatives in this regard.
Assessment criteria
Assessment of class participation and individual work: 20% of the final mark
Class attendance: 10% of the final mark (up to 3 unexcused absences are permitted)
Final examination paper: 70% of the final mark
- Pass – the student is able to correctly define the essence of spiritual leadership and is familiar with the basic concepts and trends in its development
- Good – the student is able to carry out basic research analyses based on biblical, anthropological and theological foundations. They are familiar with and can present the main theological currents.
- ‘Very Good’ – the student is able to precisely define the terminology and research materials relating to the theology of spiritual direction. They undertake and conduct independent research using interdisciplinary methods. They recognise and anticipate the potential application of their research findings in life and formation.
Bibliography
Aschenbrenner G. A., The Examination of Conscience, Loyola Press, Chicago 2007.
Barry W., Connolly R., The Practice of Spiritual Direction, New York 1982
Foster R. J., Celebration of discipline: The path to spiritual growth. San Francisco 2018.
Gary W. Moon, Spiritual Direction: Meaning, Purpose, and Implications for Mental Health Professionals, Journal of Psychology and Theology 30(4), pp. 264-275.
Merton T., Spiritual Direction and Meditation, 2013.
Mother Teresa of Calcutta: Come Be My Light: The Private Writings of the Saint of Calcutta, Imagine 2009.
Richard P. Hardy, Spiritual Accompaniment in the Carmelite Tradition, Dharmaram Journal of Psycho-Spiritual Formation, vol. iv, no. 1, January 2013, pp. 11- 26.
Notes
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Term 2026/27_Z:
It is essential to have a basic knowledge of general theology at Master’s level. This relates primarily to biblical and anthropological foundations. It is also important to have a basic understanding of human developmental pedagogy and psychology. |
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: