This Course is the Entrance-Gate Course SF 000 – The Initiation into Spiritual Life. We strongly recommend this course as a starting point for a committed spiritual life. (General Presentation of Spiritual Formation)

SF000 Course Syllabus

Note: Solid Foundations can be taught in two formats, either as 8 days of six hours each or 21 classes of two hours each. Both formats are shown below.

Part I: Introduction and Lectio Divina

I – Day One

1- Introduction and description of Spiritual life, its goal and its stages.

2- Our Lady and her place in our Spiritual life.

II – Day Two

3- The Roots of our Prayer: Dogma and Spiritual Life.

4- Lectio Divina I : how to listen to God each day through the daily readings of the Bible.

III – Day Three

5- Lectio Divina II : Continuation of the presentation. Discernment and difficulties.

6- Guided Lectio Divina.

7- Reading the Bible “in the Spirit”. How the Fathers of the Church read the Bible.

Part II: General Laws of Spiritual Life

IV – Day Four

8- The spirit in Spiritual Life. The Theological Acts: Faith, Hope and Love.

9- The Ups and downs. The mechanism of Temptation. Learning to adjust to the Grace of God.

V – Day Five

10- Christ in Spiritual Life. The Transfiguration in Spiritual Life

11- The Holy Spirit in Spiritual Life.

Part III: Prayer of the Heart

VI – Day Six

Presentation of the Prayer of the Heart: Introduction. History. The Method

12- Introduction: a) God’s Love for us. b) To Love God with All our Heart: our emotions.

13- a) The Prayer of the Heart : History. b) The Method.

14- a) The Method, b) Distractions.

VII – Day Seven

The Prayer of the Heart I: Using the General Help of the Grace of God

15- a) Presenting St. Teresa of Avila. b) Recollecting the mind Way of Perfection 26.

16, 17- The recollection movement. “Prayer of Recollection.” Way of Perfection 28-29.

God at the centre of our being. Thoughts vs. God’s grace in our spirit Ascent 29.

VIII – Day Eight

The Prayer of the Heart II: God’s Response: The Particular Help

18, 19, 20- God’s Action in the Prayer of the Heart. “Prayer of Quiet.” Way of Perfection 30-31

21- General advices. Conclusion.

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Article: General Presentation of Spiritual Formation

Article: Is the Solid Foundations Course for Everybody?

You may want to watch the initial lessons from a previous version of the Course (please click here).

In-Person Course – San Antonio TX USA

For the in-person Solid Foundations Course in San Antonio, Texas,  starting on February 8, 2025, 10am – 3pm CST, please email us here with a brief comment on what draws you to take this course or call us at 1-210-201-4637. (See course flier here) “Our prayer is that the faithful of the Archdiocese of San Antonio will receive many graces and blessings from participation in the Solid Foundations course.” Most Reverend Gary W. Janak, Auxiliary Bishop, Archdiocese of San Antonio.

See Video Presentation on Radio Guadalupe with Dr. Leonora Butau

In-Person Course – Knock Ireland

Venue: Knock House hotel, near the Shrine. Ballyhaunis Road, Drum, Knock, Co. Mayo, F12 R6Y5, Ireland. There is a restaurant at the hotel or you can bring a packed lunch. Dates: The Course will take place on the following Saturdays, 9.30 am – 5.00 pm : 23rd March, 20th April, 18th May, 21st Sept, 19th Oct, 9th Nov, 7th Dec 2024, 25th Jan 2025 It is possible to follow the Course live from abroad. Tel/Text: +353 87 365 6400 Robert Nugent.

Pre-recorded Course

If you wish to take this course as a pre-recorded, on demand course, please follow these steps:

To enrol, please send us an email detailing why you are interested in this Solid Foundations Online Course. Please email us here. Once we respond, and after paying the fees, you will receive the access the Course playlist. The videos will be for your personal and exclusive use only. During the Course, you will be able to ask the Lecturer questions by email. You will also have the option of receiving additional support through one-on-one online sessions.

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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.

Contact us at: contact@schoolofmary.org