Spirituality Studies

We prepare future ministers to help people in the formation and growth of their relationships with God, self, others, and the world. Our programs in Spirituality Studies explore the richness of the Christian spiritual tradition—its historical and contemporary texts, practices, figures, and movements.

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Programs & Events

Concentrations

In the Th.M., S.T.L., and S.T.D. degrees, Christian Spirituality Studies can be chosen as a concentration. Students participate in critical study of the Christian spiritual tradition with an eye toward creative and constructive theological appropriation of these materials in ways that contribute to the church, the academy, and the world.

Post-Master’s Certificate in Spiritual Formation

Take the next step in your career and strengthen your ability to transform the spiritual lives of individuals and faith communities. Three themes—prayer and discernment, the art of spiritual direction, and working within faith communities—highlight the program. 

Certificate Programs & Non-Degree Coursework

Explore spirituality through one of our flexible 18-credit certificate programs. Certificates are offered for enrichment or enhancing your ministerial skills in the areas of Christian Spirituality, Ignatian Spirituality and Jesuit Studies, and Spiritual and Pastoral Care. You may also apply to STM as a non-degree student to further your education and professional development through spirituality offerings.
 

Intensive on the 19th Annotation

A one-week intensive on facilitating the Spiritual Exercises in Daily Life, also known as the 19th Annotation retreat. This program consists of morning classes that explore central dynamics of the Spiritual Exercises, with the afternoon focused on the practice of facilitating the retreat for others. The program is open to trained spiritual directors who have experienced the 19th Annotation themselves.
 

Supervision and Formation for Spiritual Directors

Engaging in the ministry of spiritual direction has a way of deepening the mysteries of the spiritual life along with all the questions and challenges that arise. Our new program, The Journey Continues, offers the opportunity to explore some of those questions and to further refine the skills to help others mine the riches of God's grace. Each two hour session will provide opportunities for supervision and continuing education.

Evelyn Underhill Lecture in Christian Spirituality

The annual Underhill Lecture is held each spring at Boston College in Gasson Hall. The lecture is named after the early twentieth century mystic Evelyn Underhill, author of the classic text Mysticism and numerous influential texts on the Christian spiritual life. Past Underhill lecturers have included Wilkie Au, Sandra Schneiders, Timothy Radcliffe, Elizabeth Johnson, Ilia Delio, and Rowan Williams. 
 

Selected Courses

Socio-Spiritual Care
Heather M. DuBois

Spiritual Sources of Catholic Education
Hosffman Ospino

Advanced Seminar in Spirituality Studies
Andre Brouillette, S.J.

Job and Suffering
Andrew R. Davis

Theology, Race, and Critical Race Theory
Benjamin Valentin

Discernment and Prayer in the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius
Barton Geger, SJ

Sample Faculty

Student and Alumni Voices

Get Involved

STM students can engage in retreats, spiritual direction, courses, and events offered by our partners in the Institute for Advanced Jesuit Studies, the Church in the 21st Century Center, and the Center for Ignatian Spirituality.
 

Spiritual Formation