Spiritual Direction Training

Siloam: Full-time or Part-time Program for the Formation of Spiritual Directors

Siloam is a program for the formation of competent, experienced spiritual directors. The lecturers and supervisors at Heart of Life foster a discerning, contemplative approach whereby spiritual directors-in-formation become more and more attuned to the movement of God’s Spirit in themselves and in their directees.

The Program is open to women and men of varying faith and cultural traditions, who are drawn to listen deeply to their own hearts, and the hearts of others, and seek to discern whether they may be called to the ministry of spiritual direction.

The Program can be taken over one year full-time, or two years part-time (Mondays, 8.45am-5.30pm). There are generally eight participants in each program.

Students who meet the ‘previous degree’ and other criteria may undertake Siloam as a Graduate Diploma in Spiritual Direction through Yarra Theological Union/University of Divinity. Government Fee-Help is available (for tuition fees) to qualifying Australian citizens.

Siloam is the longest-running program for the formation of spiritual directors in Australia.  It was first offered in 1979 by Brian Gallagher msc, and Heart of Life has continued the Program since 1983 to this day, building a national and international reputation for excellence.

The Siloam Program is recognised by the Australian Ecumenical Council for Spiritual Direction as meeting its standards for the formation of spiritual directors in Australia. The program’s approach to formation is soundly experiential and is based on solid theological, biblical and social sciences theory and praxis. A discerning, contemplative attitude is integral to all seminars and practical work. Regular reflection, prayer time and a commitment to one’s own spiritual direction are essential to the Program.

Seminars offered in Siloam:
Grace & Conversion
Spirituality of Human Life Stages A & B
Discernment
Religious Experience
The Human Experience of God
Ecological Spirituality
Professional Standards in Ministry
Formation Team:
Paul Beirne
Carole Carmody rsm
Michele McCourt
Marlene McGrath
Lis Teggelove rsm

Click here to download 2021 Siloam brochure in PDF format.

Click here to download 2021 Siloam Application form, including Guidelines.

Applications for Siloam 2021 close on 30 November 2020.  It is recommended however that applications be submitted well in advance of this date, as places are limited.

Census Dates in 2021

16 March 2021 – for Semester One Units – Full-time students
17 August 2021 – for Semester Two Units – Full-time students
20 April 2021 – for Year-long Units – Part-time students