ASS2: Spiritual Accompaniment Skills
Short Title:
Full Title:
Module Code:
Valid From:
Administrator:
Module Coordinator:
Spiritual Accompaniment Skills
Spiritual Accompaniment Skills
ASS2
NFQ Level:
9
ECTS Credits:
10
John Bennett and Mike Serrage
Description:
Module Aims
 To deepen knowledge of the theory and practice of providing spiritual
accompaniment for others.
 To lay the theological, scriptural and psychological foundations for spiritual
accompaniment
 To enrich understanding of the factors which help or hinder personal and
spiritual growth:
 To elucidate the relationships and distinctions between Spiritual
Accompaniment, Counseling and Psychotherapy.
To present a Code of Ethics for spiritual accompaniers
Learning Outcomes:
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to
ASS2-MO1: Practice listening and feedback skills in the context of spiritual
accompaniment
ASS2-MO2: Develop their sensitivity and skills in working spiritually with issues
such as gender, power, suffering, struggle, personal growth and transformation
ASS2-MO3: Employ practices of reflection in group settings
ASS2-MO4: Recognise stages of the spiritual journey in spiritual accompaniment
contexts
ASS2-MO5: Exercise ethical judgement in spiritual accompaniment contexts
PO1
PO1
PO1
PO4
PO7
Pre-requisite Learning
Module Recommendations
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not
enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section
None
Requirements
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not
enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section
None
ASS2: Spiritual Accompaniment Skills
Indicative Context
1. Maps of prayer and mystical journey
2. Theological foundations of religious experience
3. The art of discernment
4. Models of spiritual accompaniment
5. Images of spiritual accompaniment in the NT
6. Traditions of spiritual accompaniment
7. Divine presence in spiritual accompaniment
8. Uncovering and addressing restrictive spiritual frameworks
9. New horizons in spiritual accompaniment
10. Spiritual accompaniment, counselling, and psychotherapy relationship
11. Referral
12. Ethics for spiritual accompaniers
13. Supervision in spiritual accompaniment
Assessment Breakdown
%
Practice based demonstration of skills
Theoretical Paper
Coursework Breakdown
Type
Description
Workload
Type
Lecture
Independent Learning
Library
Assignment
75%
25%
Outcome
addressed
% of
Total
Assessment Date
Full-Time Hours per semester
Description
Lecturing input
Self-directed reading and revision
Self and tutor-directed reading of course material
Researching, structuring information, writing up
Hours
40
210
Total Workload
250
Resources
Essential Book Resources
Benner, D.G. Sacred Companion: The Gift of Spiritual Friendship & Direction. Downers Grove, IL:
InterVarsity Press, 2004.
Bakke, J. Holy Invitations: Exploring Spiritual Direction. Ada, MI: Baker Books, 2000.
Guenther, M. Holy Listening: The Art of Spiritual Direction. London: Darton, Longman & Todd, 1991.
Au, W., and N. Cannon. The Discerning Heart: Exploring the Christian Path. Mahwah, NJ: Paulist, 2006.
ASS2: Spiritual Accompaniment Skills
Frager, R., ed. Sharing Sacred Stories: Current Approaches to Spiritual Direction (New York: Crossroad,
2007.
Core articles to be explored in class will also be provided prior to each week of class.
Essential Article/Paper Resources
Other Resources
Buckley, S., and Mercy Center, eds. Sacred Is the Call: The Transformational Work of Spiritual Direction
Programs for Personal and Professional Growth. New York: Crossroad, 2005.
Bumpus, M. R. et al.,eds. Supervision of Spiritual Directors: Engaging in Holy Mystery. ‘Spiritual
Directors International’. Harrisburg, PA: Morehouse, 2005.
Desert Fathers. Sayings of the Early Christian Monks (Apophthegmata Patrum), ed. Benedicta Ward.
London: Penguin, 1993.
Ignatius of Loyola. Personal Writings (Penguin Classics), ed. Joseph Munitiz. London: Penguin, 2005.
Mabry, J. R. Noticing the Divine: An Introduction to Interfaith Spiritual Guidance. ‘Spiritual Directors
International’. Harrisburg, PA: Morehouse, 2007.
Michael, C. An Introduction to Spiritual Direction: A Psychological Approach for Directors and
Directees. Mahwah, NJ: Paulist, 2003.
Phillips, S. Candlelight: Illuminating the Art of Spiritual Direction. ‘Spiritual Directors International’.
Harrisburg, PA: Morehouse, 2008.
Wagner, N., ed. Spiritual Direction in Context. ‘Spiritual Directors International’. Harrisburg, PA:
Morehouse, 2006.
Vest, N., ed. Tending the Holy: Spiritual Direction Across Traditions. Harrisburg, PA: Morehouse, 2003.
Vest, N. Still Listening: New Horizons in Spiritual Direction Harrisburg, PA: Morehouse, 2000.
Waaijman, K. ‘Discernment: Its History and Meaning’. Studies in Spirituality 7 (1997): 5 – 41.
Wicks, R. J. Handbook of Spirituality for Ministers. Volume 1. New York: Paulist Press, 1994.
Wicks, R. J. Handbook of Spirituality for Ministers. Volume 2. New York: Paulist Press, 2000.
Winchell-Silver, A. Trustworthy Connections: Interpersonal Issues in Spiritual Direction. Lanham, MD:
Cowley, 2004.
ASS2: Spiritual Accompaniment Skills
Module Managers & Teachers
Module Coordinators
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Semester One
Semester Two
Module Teachers
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