Why Begin with This Course?
The Solid Foundations Course is designed as a starting point for anyone yearning to explore the depths of their spiritual life. If you’ve established the basics of faith – attending Sunday Mass and praying regularly – and now find yourself asking, “Is there more?” or “How can I grow closer to the Lord?” then this course is for you.
Who Will Benefit from This Course?
This course is ideal for those seeking to:
- Build a more profound and personal connection with the Lord.
- Lay a strong foundation for spiritual growth, guided by the wisdom of the Church’s great spiritual writers, including St. John of the Cross, St. Teresa of Avila, and St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus.
What You’ll Learn
The Solid Foundations Course provides practical knowledge and guidance to help you deepen your spiritual journey. You’ll gain insight into two transformative forms of prayer:
- Lectio Divina
- Learn to listen to God through Scripture.
- Discover how to integrate His Word into your daily life.
- Prayer of the Heart
- Connect with God on a deeper, more intimate level.
- Experience His nourishment and presence through contemplative prayer.
These practices extend and enrich the graces of the Mass, helping you “digest” God’s Word and live the Eucharist in your daily life.
Key Features of the Course
- Rich and Practical Content: A detailed exploration of spiritual growth and prayer practices.
- Climate of Prayer: Sessions foster silence, recollection, and deep reflection.
- One-on-One Guidance: Participants can ask questions and schedule private online sessions with the instructor.
- Certification: Completion certificates awarded – no exams, no essays, just commitment to the journey.
- Accessible to All: No prior courses are required to enrol.
Why Choose the Solid Foundations Course?
This course has been developed with the approval and blessing of H.E. Peter Smith, Archbishop of Southwark, UK. As with all School of Mary programmes, Our Lady, Mother of Jesus, is the Patroness of this course.
Course Cost
The course fee is $840 / £630 / €720. A discounted rate of $420 / £315 / €360 is available for those who need it. The School of Mary is committed to making spiritual formation accessible, so please reach out if further financial concerns arise.
How to Enrol
You can take this course as a pre-recorded, on-demand programme. To enrol:
- Send us an email explaining your interest in this course.
- After confirmation and payment, you’ll receive access to the course playlist.
- You’ll have the opportunity to email questions and request additional one-on-one support sessions with the instructor.
Course Syllabus at a Glance
Part 1: Introduction & Lectio Divina
- Introduction to Spiritual Life: Its goals and stages.
- Lectio Divina: Listening to God’s Word and applying it to life.
- Guided sessions and insights into biblical interpretation.
Part 2: General Laws of Spiritual Life
- Understanding the dynamics of faith, hope, and love.
- Recognising and navigating spiritual challenges.
- Exploring Christ and the Holy Spirit roles in spiritual transformation.
Part 3: Prayer of the Heart
- Introduction to contemplative prayer: History, method, and practice.
- Practical guidance on focusing the mind and heart on God.
- Exploring God’s action and response in prayer, including the “Prayer of Quiet.”
For a detailed syllabus, see here or contact us directly at contact@schoolofmary.org
Take the First Step Today
This course is more than an introduction – it’s an invitation to encounter God in a transformative way. Lay the foundation for a lifetime of spiritual growth and intimacy with the Lord.
To learn more about the in-person Solid Foundations course in San Antonio, Texas, please contact us at: contact@schoolofmary.org