Application - Divine Mercy University

Spiritual Direction Certificate Program Application

Application for Admission - SDC

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NATURE OF THE SPIRITUAL DIRECTION CERTIFICATE at DIVINE MERCY UNIVERSITY

Students who fulfill all program completion requirements receive a Certificate of Completion. This Certificate is a declaration that the student has successfully completed the course of training, which includes content, skills mastery, and supervised practicum. Spiritual direction, unlike clinical professions such as psychology, counseling, or social work, does not have an officially recognized licensing board that acts as a legal and ethical gateway to the spiritual direction “profession”. It is a Christian ministry and a professionally unregulated field. Consequently, obtaining the Certificate of Completion does not mean that students automatically become an officially recognized Catholic or Christian Spiritual Director. It does mean that the student who has successfully concluded the program has attained the sufficient mastery of content, interpersonal skills, and initial spiritual direction practice that could be reasonably expected for someone beginning ministry as a spiritual director.

Each Church, diocese, parish, religious order, congregation, or other Church entity might have specific oversight and requirements for spiritual directors who wish to exercise within their ecclesiastical boundaries or jurisdiction. Students are encouraged to be in touch with their local pastors or faith community leaders regarding their participation in the program and inform themselves about any local church requirements.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Please note new application process for summer 2026

In order to be considered for admission into the Spiritual Direction Certificate (SDC) at Divine Mercy University, you must fulfill the following admissions requirements:

Complete and pass SDC 100 and SDC 200.
Complete application form submitted online and payment of application fee ($50.00).
Letter of recommendation from the applicant’s pastor or minister.
Letter from one’s own spiritual director using the form provided. A history of receiving regular spiritual direction is required to continue in the program.
A letter of recommendation from a person (peer, friend, colleague) who has known the applicant for at least 3 of the last 5 years.
After the review of these requirements, you will be contacted to schedule a virtual interview. Interviews generally take place during the term prior to the course start.

TERM DATES & APPLICATION DEADLINES

The Spiritual Direction Certificate has three start dates each academic year: August, January and May. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis with the deadlines as published herein.

Term dates and deadlines for 2026

Spring Term: January 7, 2026 - March 3, 2026 Deadline for applications: October 31, 2025

CLOSED

Summer Term: May 20, 2026 - July 14, 2026 Deadline for applications: March 13, 2026

Fall Term: August 20, 2026 - October 14, 2026 Deadline for applications: June 19, 2026

Applicants seeking admission to the certificate after the published final deadline has passed should contact Maria Brackett, the program director, at mbrackett@divinemercy.edu for further assistance and to inquire if additional spaces may still be available.

Note that seating is limited and cohorts may fill to capacity prior to published deadlines.

VI. Personal Background Questions

This section asks questions related to your personal background. Each question in this section must be answered.

Have you ever been convicted of a criminal offense (felony or misdemeanor, except minor traffic violations)? You will need to respond “yes” if you have entered into a plea agreement, including deferred sentence or deferred judgment arrangement, in connection with a criminal charge.

If you have been convicted of such an offense, please complete a statement or explanation including the nature of offense, date, court where conviction was entered and any other relevant information. Please attach statement to the application document.

Have you ever been convicted of a sexual offense, offense relating to children, or crime of violence (that is not covered in the question above)?

If you have been convicted of such an offense, please complete a statement or explanation including nature of offense charged, date, law enforcement agency making the charge, and any other relevant information. Please attach statement to the application document.

Have you ever been reported to a social services agency, law enforcement authority, child abuse registry or similar organization regarding abuse or misconduct involving children?

If yes, please attach statement to the application explaining the report; include relevant details such as dates, location, and description of disciplinary action if applicable.

Have you ever been reported or removed from employment, a ministry position, volunteer position, or any other position of authority, leadership or influence for inappropriate or unethical contact with another adult or child?

If yes, please attach statement to the application explaining the report; include relevant details such as dates, location, and description of disciplinary action if applicable.

Have you ever been dismissed from another academic program?

If yes, please attach statement to the application explaining the report; include relevant details such as dates, location, and description of disciplinary action if applicable.

Have you ever been refused admission to or dismissed from another academic program?

If yes, please attach statement to the application explaining the report; include relevant details such as dates, location, and description of disciplinary action if applicable.

VIII. Payment

To complete the application, there is a non-refundable Application fee of $25.00

Pay Now (Credit Card via Stripe)Mail a check made payable to: Divine Mercy University (Application will not be processed until payment has been received) to Divine Mercy University Attn: 45154 Underwood Lane Sterling, VA 20166Promo Code

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