In the Ignatian tradition, spiritual direction is a core element of formation. Realizing that God's Spirit is the primary formator, a spiritual director accompanies individuals in their search for the holy, and for spiritual integrity. Spiritual directors help students integrate their personal and professional lives in the context of prayer and reflection.
JST students in all programs are encouraged to meet with a spiritual director. Resources are offered by the school to connect students with spiritual directors, and JST financially supports direction visits with those approved by the Director of Spiritual Formation, Stephen Szolosi.
Stephen provides incoming students with a roster of spiritual directors who are familiar with professional ministry and with the school. He also invites available spiritual directors and interested students to an introductory meet-and-greet. Some of these directors donate their services, and others are given a stipend by the school. Students are free to choose a director outside this list, but they must make compensation arrangements with that director.
Students may choose to begin the process of selecting a spiritual director by making exploratory meetings with several directors. Eventually a student will select a director to meet with regularly, roughly every three weeks. Stephen is available for support and consultation with this process, and with other formation support, during the school year.