Sunday, August 30, 2026 - Saturday, September 5, 2026
Location: Maria Stein Retreat Center (map)

This certification program is designed to equip seasoned spiritual directors to serve as professional retreat directors within a retreat setting.  This Directed Retreat Practicum is a contemplative experience for you, the spiritual director, and is designed to deepen your inner formation and relationship with God. Throughout the practicum you will be supervised individually by experienced spiritual direction supervisors as well as peer supervision, as you accompany two retreatants. 

 The practicum consists of:

  • Directing two retreatants through daily individual sessions of 45-60 minutes

  • One hour of individual supervision each day


  • Two hours of peer group supervision each day

Prerequisites for Practicum Applicants:

  • Graduate of Wellstreams or other Spiritual Direction Training program


  • Have an ongoing spiritual direction practice for a minimum of three years with two or more directees


  • Have experienced spiritual direction in 5-to-8-day silent directed retreat

 Comments from past interns:

It was a week of sharpening my skills as a spiritual director and deepening my own relationship with God.  As I sat with my directees I had a clearer sense of God partnering with me and a growing awareness of my own inner movements and areas of unfreedom.  Most of all I savored God’s healing presence through the mysterious art of spiritual direction.”   ~Margot

I do not have words to express the depth of my gratitude for this experience. It has been one of the profound times of my life that I will cherish forever. ~ John

Practicum Fee: $1,350*

A $250 non-refundable deposit secures your registration; full payment is due by June 1.

*50% refund for cancellations before July 1. After July 1, we are unable to offer refunds. Fee includes private room, all meals, and daily spiritual supervision/training. CANCELLATION Policy

Space is limited and registrations are made in order received. (Financial assistance may be available.)

Soon after registration you will receive an email application and be contacted for one-on-one discernment.

If you have any questions, or concerns, please contact

Register and pay deposit - Opens February 6, 2026

The retreat takes place on the beautiful grounds of Maria Stein Retreat Center, a place shaped by prayer, silence, and a long Catholic tradition of listening for God. While rooted in the Christian contemplative tradition, this retreat warmly welcomes people of all spiritual paths, questions, and experiences. No particular beliefs are required—only an openness to listen, reflect, and be present. Nature itself becomes a companion, holding us as we explore how the Sacred is inviting each of us into deeper connection with the Divine Mystery and with our own true selves.

Maria Stein offers 87 acres of quiet beauty to explore, including wooded areas with paved walking paths, a pond, a grotto, a prayer house, a labyrinth, a chapel, and many comfortable outdoor sitting spaces. The land itself invites slowing down, breathing deeply, and remembering what nourishes the soul.