Spiritual Direction & Spiritual Companion

More and more of the Christian faithful in Eastern Oklahoma are seeking advancement in the spiritual life. To address this need, the Diocese of Tulsa & Eastern Oklahoma provides training in two distinct areas: the Spiritual Direction Certificate and the Spiritual Companion Certificate. Both certifications, in distinct ways, aim to train qualified persons in the art of directing and accompanying souls to the attainment of Christian perfection—in accordance with their particular state of life and in conformity with the intellectual and spiritual tradition of the Catholic Church. 

The Spiritual Direction Certification is open to clerics and qualified laypersons who are discerning the call to be spiritual directors. Participants will explore that call, engage in personal spiritual growth, and enhance the knowledge and skills needed for this ministry. A spiritual director performs a sacred ministry of the Church, in which he provides guidance to individuals who are striving after perfection. To do so, the spiritual director must be well educated and practiced in the sciences of asceticism and mysticism, and have a firm understanding of the demands and duties of various states of life. 

The Spiritual Companion Certification is directed towards clergy and lay people who desire to become intentional missionary disciples by encouraging others to a deeper life of prayer and commitment to the Church’s mission. A spiritual companion is not a spiritual director but rather accompanies people in a fraternal manner in their spiritual walk, offering encouragement and accountability.

We are not accepting any applications at this time.

Enrollment in the Spiritual Direction Certification requires the applicant hold:

1. a BA in Theology or Spirituality or some other related discipline from an accredited Catholic university/college 
2. another type of approved theological formation, e.g., diocesan diaconate program, secular institute formation, religious tertiary training, etc. 

Enrollment in the Spiritual Companion Certification requires no formal academic formation. Applicants should be 18 years of age or older, be in good standing with the Catholic Church, and be willing to adhere to canonical and diocesan norms, especially regarding Child and Youth Protection.

Classes will be held at the St. John XXIII basement of the Sacred Heart Evangelization Center at the Parish of Christ the King, located at 1520 S. Rockford in Tulsa. The first class is scheduled for August 23, 2025 from 9 am to 12 pm. 

Classes and instruction will be held in English. When possible, class texts will be available in both English and Spanish. A Spanish study group will be provided for Spanish speakers to supplement class instruction. Spanish mentors will be available for those who will be ministering to Spanish-speaking communities.

Program costs are $400 per participant—$200 is to be provided by the participant, and $200 is to be supplied by their parish sponsor.

We are not accepting any applications at this time.