2025-2027

Spiritual direction is an ancient practice of accompaniment that honors the divine light in each person, helping the seeker to further awaken to the mystery called God in his or her unique and sacred journey. The spiritual direction relationship is grounded in contemplative practice and includes deep and attentive listening for movements of the Holy Spirit in relationship with self, others, and creation.

THE FRANCISCAN SPIRITUAL DIRECTION TRAINING PROGRAM

Our two-year program is inspired by our passion for the ministry of spiritual direction. Participants are guided by an experienced team who will welcome them as colleagues to create an atmosphere of mutual ministry and learning. Emphasis is placed upon the role of the spiritual director as companion rather than leader in helping others to recognize and follow the movements of grace in their lives.

We explore in depth our core topics, which include Self Knowledge, Contemplative Attitude, Practices of Prayer and Silence, Listening and Speaking Skills, Psychological Knowledge, Discernment, Intimacy, Social Justice, Historical and Biblical Contexts, and Freedom.

ADMISSION

We welcome all with personal experience that includes a practice of daily prayer and at least three to five years experience of being in spiritual direction. Candidates are required to submit a completed application and two letters of recommendation, and to attend a personal interview.

Ideal candidates bring life experience that reflects a deep grounding in their relationship with God, have received affirmation of this call from others in their community, and desire an experiential and academic program in a contemporary Christian context while being open to learning from other faith traditions and practices.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

Requirements for graduation include; monthly spiritual direction, attendance and participation in all classes and small groups, required reading and reflection papers, class presentations, monthly meetings with two directees and an individual supervisor beginning the interim summer through graduation, and attendance at two weekend retreats in each of the two years of the program (total of four weekend retreats over the course of two years).

A Certificate of Completion will be awarded upon completion of these requirements.

PROGRAM SCHEDULE FOR YEAR ONE (*Year Two dates will be provided in the Spring of Year One.)

Classes are primarily held on Saturdays, 9:30-3:30 online, with exceptions noted below.

September 13, 2025

TUITION AND FEES

$50 one-time non-refundable application fee.
$1250 per semester** of each of 4 semesters across the two-year program.

Tuition includes two weekend retreats each year and one-on-one supervision during the practicum.

Books generally cost less than $75 each semester.

** First semester tuition due by September 12, 2025. Click here to make a payment.

ADMISSIONS PROCESS

To start the admissions process, please complete this online form.

Upon submitting the completed form, we will be in touch with you; then the application form and the form for recommendation letters will be provided to you.

Program contact:

Jennie Isbell Shinn, Director of the Spiritual Direction Training Program

[email protected] or by phone at 857-206-7201.

Franciscan Spiritual Direction Training Program
100 Arch Street, Boston, MA 02110

Here’s What Our Graduates Have Said About Us
“The teachers in the program helped us to gain the skills we needed, and the
content was rich. The greatest gift I received, however, was the result of the
sharing of teachers and students towards a deeper and more intimate relationship with God.” Jim Morris

“Enlightening!” John Barrett

“It has been a life-changing journey.” Cynthia Tokos

“This training has nurtured my call to the ministry of spiritual direction. I am excited to accompany others on their spiritual journey.” Alice Poltorick

“The Spiritual Direction training program at the Shrine has exceeded my already high expectations. I have felt God’s Presence more deeply, grown in knowledge and skills, and found real joy with my classmates in this ministry.” Mary Iannuzzi

LEADERSHIP TEAM

Jennie Isbell Shinn, M.A., M. Div., Program Director ~ Since 2007, I have provided spiritual accompaniment to people through individual and group spiritual direction, adult religious education programs and many kinds of retreats. In addition to these ministries, my current portfolio of work includes providing massage therapy to hospice patients and caregivers and service on many committees tasked with discernment support. I have degrees in the humanities and Christian Spirituality, and I love poetry, dreams, praying out loud, embodied practices, and tea. I am a member of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers).

Lucretia B. Yaghjian, M.Div., Ph.D. ~ I am a graduate of the Franciscan Spiritual Direction Program at St. Anthony Shrine and joined the FSDB leadership team in 2018. I trained previously in spiritual direction at Weston Jesuit School of Theology where I received the Master of Divinity degree. As a former college professor with a Ph.D. in English Literature, I taught theological writing for 25 years at Weston Jesuit, Boston College, and Episcopal Divinity School, Cambridge, and continue to embrace writing as a spiritual practice. I offer spiritual direction at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Parish, Acton MA, and work with FSDP Year One students at St. Anthony Shrine.

Br. Bob Frazzetta, OFM, M.A. ~ I am a graduate of Fordham University’s Advanced Certificate in Spiritual Direction program with degrees in Religious Studies (Emmanuel College) and Theology (St. Elizabeth University). I taught Music and Theology in schools in East Boston and New Jersey. I am presently Director of Liturgy at the Shrine as well as a member of the Spiritual Direction team.

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