Long-Term Programs

Our long term programs are now taking applications. See below–

PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONS:

PRAYER PRACTICES CERTIFICATE PROGRAM 

…allows one to become familiar with many different ways to pray, become more grounded in one’s own prayer life, and increases skills for ministry to others. It runs September through April via Zoom. Need help with Zoom? Click here for instructions. To download Zoom go to zoom.us  Check our regular programs page –this program will be offered there.

LISTENING WITH THE SPIRIT

…a two year certificate program for spiritual directors, is presently being offered via ZOOM, and runs from September 2023 to May of 2025. We will begin taking applications again in fall of 2024 and conducting interviews beginning January 2025–for the 2025-2027 cohort. See below for links to program information. Once you read the OVERVIEW, you may call Sr. Lucy Wynkoop for more information at 360.438.1771. NOTE: A requirement of this program is to have been in Spiritual Direction (working with a spiritual director) a minimum of six months. There are a number of resources for finding a spiritual director, including The Priory Spirituality Center; a list of our St. Placid  directors is here: https://stplacid.org/spirituality-center/spiritual-directors/  

LWS links:

OVERVIEW OF LISTENING WITH THE SPIRIT (LWS) 2025-27
APPLICATION INTERVIEW LWS 2025-27  Please download the Application to fill out.
CALENDAR 2025-26 YEAR 1
CALENDAR 2026-27 YEAR 2  

Listening with the Spirit – by Amanda Carlson, LWS 2023-25

“As a student in the Priory’s Spiritual Direction Program–Listening with the Spirit, I’ve often wondered, “What’s the magic here that promotes such a natural and deep connection between the participants? Is it the nature of the individuals drawn to the program or the content and format of the classes?” Despite being conducted online, participating in LWS has been healing to tender wounds in my heart. I’ve been invited to bring my whole self to the process and have been met with generous acceptance. Even the application interview, which was also online with instructors Sister Lucy, Sister Monica and Dr. Mary Pandiani, I was surprised and a little embarrassed to weep my way through most of the conversation. To be held in their loving presence, and listened to with such tenderness was a balm I wasn’t expecting in an interview, but eagerly accepted. My heart was saying–yes, more of this please.

As we train to become Spiritual Directors, extending this safe space to others is exactly what we are learning to do. We are learning the work of listening with the love, non-judgement, grace and compassion of God, by receiving it. When one feels loved and safe enough to bring a wound, a fear or a doubt into the presence of another who is attuned to Spirit, deep healing results. After a year of our cohort practicing and experiencing this miraculous opening to, and sharing of love with one another, you can imagine the warmth and joy we all felt when we came together in-person at the Priory Spirituality Center last April. We were received as Christ by the Priory and one another and it was powerful in the gentlest way. We shared a day of gratitude, reflection, good food and hugs that all buzzed with joy. Again, my heart said yes, this, more of this.

What is the magic? Is it the combination of people or curated readings and discussion? Yes to both, because the intention of all the participants, content and leadership, is Love. As God designed it, as we receive, we can then give, and the magic multiplies.”

OASIS

…includes contemplative quiet, spiritual direction, spiritual nourishment and small group prayer. There are two retreats and six quiet afternoons. It begins each fall and is HYBRID–that is, you may attend In Person or via Zoom. To attend In Person, you must be COVID-19 Vaccinated and Boosted. OASIS 2024-2025 began in September. OASIS BROCHURE to *view online or print. Check our regular programs page –this program will be offered there.  *Use keys Ctrl+ to increase size for viewing.

InSpirit

If you are a trained spiritual director who wants to expand your skills or to continue your own formation, you may be interested in a program offered by SELAH. Called InSpirit, this is a program facilitated through Selah’s partnership with The Priory Spirituality Center. See InSpirit for more information. Registrations are open for fall.