All Souls Interfaith School of Spiritual Direction
September 6, 2025 @ 9:00AM — June 12, 2027 @ 5:00PM Eastern Time (US & Canada) Add to Calendar
All Souls Interfaith Gathering: 4066 Shelburne Rd Suite 2 Shelburne, VT 05482 Get Directions
Apply Now to be Part of the Class of 2027!
The All Souls Interfaith School of Spiritual Direction is an interspiritual course of study for those called to provide spiritual companionship or those who are yearning for answers to their spiritual questions and want to do something meaningful with this yearning. Encompassing the beliefs of Buddhists, Christians, Jews, Muslims, and many other faiths, the school is open to ordained and non-ordained persons. Students participate in two years of class sessions, both didactic and experiential. Spiritual leaders from many disciplines make up the faculty and share their insights, wisdom, and experiences. One important aspect of the school is the development of a community of participants who learn together and support one another.
Click here to submit an application.
Classes are held monthly on the second Saturday of the month. The program includes a required weekend retreat each year. The school meets at All Souls Interfaith Gathering at 4066 Shelburne Road, Suite 2, in Shelburne, Vermont.
The All Souls Interfaith School of Spiritual Direction is a two-year program that equips its graduates to serve as spiritual companions and to deepen their own spiritual lives. Class members are asked to share their own experiences and concerns as an important part of the learning process. Texts are selected for each class and an addional reading list is available. One important aspect of the School is the the development of a community of learners and the sharing of support.
The School will begin on September 6, 2025 and classes will occur monthly on the second Saturday of each month, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. for two ten-month sessions (September through June). There is also a required weekend retreat each January.
The School is open to all persons regardless of race, ethnicity, religious beliefs, or sexual/gender identity. A completed application and a $50.00 application fee must be submitted with your application.
A genuine commitment to attending all of the sessions is important. Each student is permitted two excused absences per year; additional absences may require repeating a year. It is expected that every student has a personal spiritual director who has completed a recognized training program in spiritual direction for the duration of the program. For those who need one, All Souls will assist in finding an appropriate director. It is recommended but not required that students have a previous history of personal work with a spiritual companion, therapist, or coach prior to enrolling in the School.
How to Apply
Fees for the course are $1,000 per year including Saturday sessions and handouts. This tuition also includes attendance at the annual retreat. Not included is the cost ($110) of required books. A payment plan, if needed, can be worked out at the time of the interview. Scholarship assistance may be available.
Click here to fill out an online application form. Please mail your $50 application fee to our office at 4066 Shelburne Road, Suite 2, Shelburne VT 05482, or use the ticket option to pay for application.
Enrollment Options
Students may enroll in one of two tracks. A decision about which track you are pursuing must be made by September of your second year in the program.
- Certificate in Spiritual Direction – At the conclusion of this program you will receive a certificate demonstrating that you have fulfilled all requirements, including practicum hours, to serve as a spiritual director or spiritual companion.
- Certificate in Interfaith Studies – For students who determine that they do not wish to serve as a spiritual director after graduation, all course requirements are completed except the practicum. Students graduate with a certificate of completion in interfaith studies.
Some practicum hours will be provided as part of the class sessions. During the second year of the program, students will be required to provide spiritual direction and review these sessions with a faculty member. Further information about the practicum process will be provided in class sessions.
Reading and Homework
All students, regardless of study track, will be provided with reading assignments and homework related to the topic for each session. A bibliography of required and recommended readings will be provided prior to the first class.
Program – Year 2025-2026
(Year One for Class of 2027, Year Two for Class of 2026)
Meeting Times: Classes meet on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Monthly Focus Area: Monthly focus area topic is subject to change.
September 13 - Journaling: A Spiritual Discipline
Introduction to All Souls Interfaith School; the Spiritual Autobiography is due
October 11 - Personality Type and Spiritual Companionship
November 8 - The Practice of Lectio Divina and Christian Traditions
December 13 - Earth-Based Spirituality: Druid and Celtic Insights
Jan. 9-10 - Weekend Retreat: Spiritual Disciplines & the Spiritual Companion
February 14 - Buddhist Spirituality
March 14 - Practicum
April 11 - Native American Spirituality
May 9 - Loss and Grief: Tools for the Spiritual Companion
June 13 - Mindfulness as a Spiritual Practice
June 13 - Graduation of Class 2024-2026
Program – Year 2026-2027
(Year One for Class of 2028, Year Two for Class of 2027)
Meeting Times: Classes meet on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Monthly Focus Area: Monthly focus area topic is subject to change.
September 12 - Interfaith and Interspirituality – What is It? Introduction to All Souls Interfaith School; the Spiritual Autobiography is due.
October 10 - The Enneagram and Spiritual Development
November 14 - Human Sexuality and Spirituality
December 12 - Discernment and the Quaker Clearness Committee
January 8-9 - Weekend Retreat – The Spiritual Companion: Roles & Practice
February 13 - Hindu Spirituality
March 13 - 12-Step Spirituality
April 10 - Spirituality of Islam
May 8 - Jewish Spirituality
June 12 - African American Spirituality
June 12 - Graduation of Class 2024-2026