A Comprehensive Course in
Classical Christian Prayer and
Traditional Christian Spirituality

The School of Spirituality recognizes that the Christian life is a pilgrimage of growth and progress in holiness. S.O.S. exposes its participants to the treasury of orthodox, classical Christian spirituality as revealed in Holy Scripture and developed through the ages by the saints of the Church. Since each of us is a unique spiritual type, and responds to our Lord in an individual way, the S.O.S. takes the approach that it offers a way, a method, of enhancing the spiritual life.

S.O.S.'s goal is the laying of a firm foundation for spiritual growth based on the nine levels of spirituality found in the Beatitudes. S.O.S. will offer an introduction to the traditional methods of spirituality in nine sessions, divided into three sets of three sessions studying: the Purgative, the Illuminative, and the Unitive Ways.

The first three sessions focus on awakening the Soul to the nous, the spiritual mind and core of spiritual growth and transformation. In this awakening, the individual discovers what obstacles prevent the opening of the Soul to God's grace. This is the Purgative Stage of the Soul.

The next three sessions provide the tools of meditation, contemplation, and prayer, and make an assessment of spiritual gifts found in the Illuminative Stage of the Soul.

The final three sessions study the Unitive Stage and provide an understanding of sexuality and Christianity. They also prepare the individual for a personal ministry.

There is no mandatory outside reading, but several books are suggested during the school.