Spiritual Direction Formation Program – Fairfield University

Application Process

Applications will be received and processed through Holy Ground of the Carolinas in Charlotte, NC. The Center is not affiliated with Fairfield University but serves as the local site in North Carolina for review and processing of applications and as a resource for program inquiries.

The application process is outlined below:

  • Mail your completed application and spiritual autobiography, along with a $50non-refundable processing fee [fee applies to tuition for candidates accepted into the program], payable to Fairfield University, to:

Holy Ground of the Carolinas

7810 Ballantyne Commons Parkway, Suite 300

Charlotte, NC 28277

  • Provide two letters of reference [sent by the author directly] from:
  • Your current spiritual director
  • A clergy member, minister or religious who has known you for at least two years
  • Letters of reference are confidential and are not letters of recommendation. Letters of reference should address:
  • How the individual[s] know you
  • How long they have known you
  • Clear statement as to whether they believe you would be a good candidate for this program and ministry
  • What qualities they have directly observed in youthat would support their reference
  • Advise those from whom you are requesting references that they should send their letters directly and confidentiallyto Holy Ground [see address on previous page]
  • Questions? Contact Eileen Crusan at 704-319-5536 or email at

APPLICATION: SPIRITUAL DIRECTION FORMATION PROGRAM

Please type or print [legibly] your responses to the information requested

Name:______

FirstMiddle Last

Address

______

Street Apt. No.

______

City StateZip Code

Country:

Phone: ______Primary Secondary

Email:

ALONG WITH YOUR APPLICATION DOCUMENTS, PLEASE INCLUDE A COPY OF YOUR MOST RECENT RESUME, INCLUDING YOUR ACADEMIC AND EMPLOYMENT HISTORY

References

We are requesting two [2] letters of reference, not recommendation.Letters of reference must come from your current spiritual director and a member of clergy, religious or minister who knows you and can vouch for your eligibility as a candidate in this program. Please advise the individuals that the letter should include the following information:

  • How the person knows you
  • How long the person has known you
  • In what capacity the person knows you
  • Qualities about you that the person has observed directly that support your candidacy for the program

Letters of reference must be mailed directly from the author to the Holy Ground of the Carolinas [see address below].

I acknowledge that all the information I submit as part of this application process is true and correct to the best of my knowledge.

______

SignatureDate

Spiritual Autobiography

Please supply a spiritual autobiography as part of the application process[see next page]. Please answer the questions and return this with your application.

Completing the Application Process

Return your completed application, current resume, spiritual autobiography and non-refundable application fee[payable to Fairfield University] in the amount of $50.00 to the address indicated below. Please notify your references to send their letters directlyto the address indicated below. You will be contacted regarding your candidacy and potential acceptance into the program.

Holy Ground of the Carolinas

7810 Ballantyne Commons Parkway, Suite 300

Charlotte, NC 28277

Spiritual Direction Formation Program

Spiritual Autobiography

Please respond fully to the questions/statements below.

1.Discuss you sense of call to this ministry.

2.How long have you felt this draw or call? What brings you to respond to it at this time?

3.Describe your current and historical affiliation with a church and/or faith community.

4.In your lifetime, consider the people who have helped you come to know and experience God. Who are they and how have they helped you?

5.What are your current and historical images of God?

6.Please describe your prayer life, currently and historically.

7.What formal study, training and/or experience do you have regarding this ministry?

8.Has anyone encouraged you to investigate and/or pursue this formation experience/ministry? If so, who and why?

9.Do you have any concerns or reservations regarding your potential participation in this formation program? Please explain.

8.Who is your current spiritual director? What is her/his training?

10.How long have you been in direction with this person?

11.What has your experience of spiritual direction been?

Complete and return with your application documents

©Fairfield University – Spiritual Direction Formation Program – 2013