We are delighted that you are applying for the Certificate in Congregational Spiritual Direction through the Iona Collaborative at Seminary of the Southwest. Please make note of the important deadlines and documents for your application on this checklist.
Important Dates
- February 1, 2027
- April 2, 2027
- Week of April 26
- May 14, 2026
Applications Open
Applications Due
Interviews by Appointment
Applicants Notified
Eligibility
Preference will be given to applicants from Iona member Episcopal dioceses, but we will consider applicants from non-Iona Episcopal dioceses and other denominations. We encourage everyone to apply.
Cost
The cost for this program is $2,500. Thanks to generous grant funding, applicants serving in the Iona network of member dioceses will be eligible to apply for full or partial scholarships.
Those eligible for a full scholarship:
- Lay leaders in bivocational churches in Iona dioceses
- Bivocational priests in Iona dioceses
- Deacons working in bivocational churches in Iona dioceses
- Diocesan canons/staff working with bivocational churches in Iona dioceses
Application and Supporting Documents Due April 2, 2027
All supporting documents should be emailed to Katherine Buzzini.
- Complete the Online Application Form
- Resume or CV (emailed)
- 2-page Spiritual Autobiography (emailed)
PROMPT: In no more than 2 pages, please describe who you are spiritually. How does your religious and personal background contribute to who you are today? How has your spiritual journey thus far led you to want to be a congregational spiritual director?
- Letter of Recommendation (emailed)
- Please provide a letter of recommendation from your vestry, rector, bishop, or diocesan staff supervisor. This letter does not have to be a commitment to be your Practicum site from that church. This letter should be a letter of support for your continuing education in this ministry.
- Lay Leaders: This letter can come from the rector or a priest in charge, or the vestry.
- Rectors: Your letter can come from the vestry or Sr. Warden.
- Deacons or other clergy: Your letter can come from the rector or vestry.
- If you work for a diocese and hope to practice congregational spiritual direction as part of your paid work, your letter can come from either your bishop or the supervisor for your work with congregations.
- Please provide a letter of recommendation from your vestry, rector, bishop, or diocesan staff supervisor. This letter does not have to be a commitment to be your Practicum site from that church. This letter should be a letter of support for your continuing education in this ministry.
Please Note: You will be asked to finalize your Practicum site during Foundations 1 in Fall 2027. We understand that churches will need clear information about what is expected from a Practicum site before they can commit.
