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The Episcopal Church
The
Diocese of
Deacon School
Spirituality Competencies
GUIDELINES FOR THE SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT AND DISCIPLINE
Of those in the diaconal formation process in the
Diocese of
The goal of the Spiritual Development and discipline training is to set the foundation for a lifelong pattern that creates opportunities for continuing individual growth. While in the school, the student will:
- Find a spiritual director who is not serving as mentor for this student, and is not of the same Parish as this student, and meet with that spiritual director once each month.
- A wonderful article about “Choosing a spiritual director” can be found :http://oklahomaocdsview.blogspot.com/2007/08/choosing-spiritual-director.html
- Expand your choices by including persons of other denominations and / or faith groups.
- The confidential nature of the relationship between you and your Spiritual Director of course means that there will be no reporting or sharing by that director with the school of ministry but your perception should include a view that your Spiritual Director is on a team with those at the DSM and your mentor who are your advocates that are willing to work with you to prepare for Ordination.
- Have a written rule of life that is reviewed annually (quarterly suggested if this is new) with the spiritual director to assess where changes or expansion are needed. It is suggested that the rule should include:
- Journal during this formation process. (You will not be asked to share this work.)
- A daily time with God
- Observe Sunday Eucharist
- As a personal discipline, observe either morning or evening prayer daily. Most clergy recommend both.
- Regular study of the Holy Scripture both privately and with a group.
- An annual confession and reconciliation with a priest.
- The candidate will find a prayer partner or two from outside the process and will meet with them to pray (suggested biweekly)
- During the process, have at least four silent retreat days, at least two of which are suggested guided days (resources available). [Consider two retreats of two days each as many of us require the first day just to quiet ourselves enough to hear God.]
- Write an annual letter to yourself in which you:
- Assess and discuss your growth, insight and the spiritual growing edges of which you are aware. Include any plans.
- Discuss and assess your commitment to spiritual growth.
- Discuss your measurement techniques for accountability and for how you are taking care of yourself.
- Share the letter with your spiritual director and your mentor and include your insights after this work is done in one of your Ember Day letters to the Bishop.
- Arrange for an Annual meeting with the Examining Chaplain responsible for Personal Spiritual Formation.
Questions? Contact: The Rev. Lynn Anderson, Deacon
Deacon’s cell: 706-836-0684 please call between
e-mail lynnqml@aol.com
Spirituality Competency, A journey
not a destination
These are the guidelines to help spiritual growth. This is a lifelong journey!
·
A Written Rule of Life (The yard stick)
·
Regular study of the Holy Scriptures
(both private and group)
·
A daily time with God
·
A monthly meeting with a Spiritual
Director
·
An annual confession and
reconciliation with a Priest. (strongly
suggested)
·
A quarterly Ember letter to the
Bishop
·
After ordination, an annual letter to
the Bishop on your Ordination date.
·
The candidate will find a Prayer
partner or two from outside the process and will meet with them to pray several
times a month.
·
Keep a spiritual journal and read
what you have written to look for patterns and growth.