Becoming a Spiritual Formator
“I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing!” (Lk 12:49) Learn to teach the Solid Foundations Course (SF000).
Course Summary
You have taken the Solid Foundations Course (SF000). The practices of Lectio Divina and Prayer of the Heart continually fan into flame the gift you have received (see 2 Tim 1:6) Your heart is burning within you (see Lk 24:32) You greatly value the Solid Foundations Course, and feel the Lord is inviting you to teach it to others. Now this is finally possible!
The Benefits of the Course
a) The depth of personal formation received in this course will considerably enrich your spiritual life and will also radically help deepen your understanding of the Solid Foundations course.
b) Teaching is an act of spiritual mercy. Sharing this practical knowledge facilitates the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of your brothers and sisters and helps you contribute to their salvation. In this way you will form others as you have been formed. The need for growth and greater understanding is vast and urgent.
c) Teaching is caring for our brothers and sisters. Therefore it engenders a greater charity in you, a spiritual growth. Also, teaching is often the best way of developing your own personal knowledge and understanding on the topics presented.
Aims of the Course
The course will illustrate the use of the tools of the Spiritual Formator. For each subject addressed in the Solid Foundations Course, the formation will provide the necessary knowledge and theological science behind it. The secrets and art of teaching spiritual life will be explained. The challenges faced by those who teach will be addressed. This way the future formators will be empowered and helped to shape their future teaching.
Into the Future
After the course, should candidates desire to start teaching, they will have to undergo a Practicum in which they will be supervised, supported, and evaluated as they begin to teach. Pending the successful completion of the Practicum, they may start teaching under the auspices of the School of Mary or feel confident to teach in their own setting.
“Contemplating and Teaching How to Contemplate”: becomes the new motto. In fact, teaching how to contemplate is the most useful and empowering way to help spread the Good News of the Lord. Transmitting the art of teaching spiritual life is the most exciting and challenging task of this new Millennium!
Interested in Training to Teach Solid Foundations (SF000)?
Please complete the form below with an explanation of your motivation (what draws you to this opportunity?). We will then be in touch to arrange an interview.
Becoming a Spiritual Formator:
Curriculum Overview
First Part: 4 Lessons
The First Part presents the first four subjects addressed in the Solid Foundations Course:
1- Goal and Stages of Spiritual life
2- Our Lady in Spiritual Life
3- Dogma and Spiritual Life
4- Lectio Divina: a- Method b- Difficulties c- Reading in the Spirit d- Practice.
Second Part: 12 Lessons
The Second Part presents the subjects of the second part of the course:
1- “Spirit” or “Heart” in Spiritual Theology
2- The Theological Acts: a- Faith b- Hope c- Love
3- The Ups and Downs
4- The Mechanism of Temptation
5- Synergy with the Holy Spirit
6- Jesus in Spiritual Life (Transfiguration, Spiritual Theology)
7- The Holy Spirit in Spiritual Life.
Third Part: 18 Lessons
The Third and final part is essentially dedicated to the Prayer of the Heart:
1- Loving God with all our heart
2- Jesus the Groom
3- History of the Prayer of the Heart
4- The Method
5- Distractions
6- God is in the centre of our being
7- Teresa of Avila texts:
a- Recollecting the mind b- Prayer of Recollection c- Prayer of Quiet
8- Conclusive Advice
*Each lesson is 2 hours
Course Length: 38 hours
Jean Khoury
Jean Khoury is a French Catholic Theologian, specialising in Spiritual Formation, with more than twenty-five years of experience with Consecrated and Lay people. He obtained his Bachelors Degree in Philosophy and his Masters in Spiritual Theology from Toulouse (France) and the Teresianum (Rome). He is presently completing his Ph.D. in Spiritual Theology at the Angelicum (Rome). Jean’s formation was greatly enhanced by the Discalced Carmelite Fathers. He has lectured in Spiritual Theology in different universities with a practical focus. Many of his articles, studies and books have been published internationally. In 2003, Jean felt compelled by Our Lady to found the “School of Mary”, a catholic school for the teaching of deep Spiritual Life for adults. Lectio Divina and Contemplative Prayer are amongst the most important forms of prayer addressed. Jean gives Spiritual Direction on a regular basis and also gives retreats. He is married, has a daughter and is based in London.
The need for Masters in Spiritual Life or Spiritual Formators is necessary now more than ever... The Spiritual Formator emerges and stands alone as a specific vocation in the Church that deserves all of our attention and effort. Its influence on the Church, especially over the Prophetic Function will be immense. Progress in Spiritual Life will allow the lives of many persons engaged in the spiritual journey to reach completion and to bear amazing fruits for the Church and the world."
- Jean Khoury, Founder of the School of Mary
