Spiritual Companionship Program
The Spiritual Companionship Program is a 19-month program to train people to respond to the growing need for spiritual companions. It is designed to introduce the theory, spirituality, and practice of spiritual companionship for Christians today.
To be a Spiritual Companion means that you offer yourself as a fellow traveler and a guide along the journey of faith. This program is designed to teach those who may have the gift of offering spiritual guidance to others, but who have not had any formal training in spiritual companionship.
Upon completion of this program, Spiritual Companions will serve as a resource in their faith community for others desiring their help in discerning the work of the Holy Spirit in their life. When you fulfill the requirements of this program and complete it, you will receive a certificate of completion.
This program has been designed by those who are spiritual companions themselves, including:
Facilitators

Sr. Joetta Huelsmann, PHJC
Sr. Joetta has trained Spiritual Companions since 2009. Since then, six groups of fifty-six people have graduated.
She is the former director of John XXIII Retreat Center and now serves on the PHJC Provincial Leadership Team of the American Province. Sister Joetta has training in Ignatian Spirituality and is a graduate of the Shalem Institute of Spiritual Guidance.
Her master’s degree is in Human and Religious Studies and she holds bachelor’s degree in English with an Elementary Education minor. She has been a spiritual director for 35 years with experience in parish ministry as well. Sister Joetta is a member of the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ.
