Spiritual direction school preparing for third cohort

Edmonton school helps Christians rediscover spiritual direction

“the purpose of spiritual direction is spiritual formation,” explains Ron Klok, cofounder of The Studion School in Edmonton. This means learning to be attentive and responsive to God’s love and leading, discerning what God is doing and understanding yourself better. Spiritual directors help individuals understand what God may be telling them during a life experience and emphasizes their prayer life, says Klok.

He cofounded the school (www.TheStudionSchool. com) in 2015 with Heather Cowie, a pastor, spiritual director and counsellor in Calgary. It offers a two-year, part-time program in spiritual direction. Its next dozen-student cohort is scheduled for October 2020.

“The care and cure of souls has always been part” of the Church’s mission, says Klok, a Christian Reformed Church pastor. “The Church and Christian spirituality, when they’re done in healthy ways, have enormous benefits, even for mental health . . . . Spiritual direction is the paramount spiritual practice for making sure that happens.”

Students, who have ranged in age from 27 to 72, spend eight weeks (spread over two years) living together at a retreat centre in a combination of directed silent retreats and teaching sessions. Professional instructors teach topics that include the history of spiritual direction, different spiritual streams, prayer and meditation practices, grief, life transitions and spiritual growth, and spirituality and psychology. Students also receive personalized spiritual direction as part of the course.

The Studion School is accredited by The King’s University in Edmonton and is offered as a continuing education program. Students represent various Christian traditions and denominations including Anglican, Presbyterian, Reformed, Baptist and Catholic, and come from across Canada.