ACTS Spiritual Companion Program
Oblate School of Theology has been in partnership with ACTS Missions, the governing organization for ACTS retreats since 1999. In response to the demands of the ACTS retreat process locally, nationally and globally the ACTS Spiritual Companion Program was developed and is now offered at Oblate School of Theology.
The “ACTS Spiritual Companion Program” (ASC) addresses the need in ACTS communities for trained spiritual companions for men’s, women’s and teen ACTS retreats. ACTS Spiritual Companions serve as spiritual leadership for teams in formation and are available to retreatants for limited pastoral guidance on the retreat weekends.
ASC is a one semester intensive program which provides men and women with the basic skills necessary to function in the role of spiritual companion for ACTS retreats.
This one semester program meets on one full Saturday a month and one Tuesday evening a month, and provides academic and practical instruction. There is also an opening and closing retreat for each cohort.
The Spring 2025 cohort begins in January and ends in May. Registration for the Spring 2025 ends December 1, 2024.
Applications and supporting documents must be submitted no later December 1, 2024.
The ASC Program is not training in spiritual direction.
All completed admissions applications and recommendation forms must be submitted on or before the application deadline.
1. Catholic in good standing with the church
2. Age 30 years or older
3. Has made an ACTS retreat weekend as a retreatant
4. Has served on an ACTS Retreat Team
5. Completed Admissions Application form
6. Recommendation form completed by the candidate’s pastor
7. Recommendation form completed by a leader in the parish
8. Recommendation form completed by a personal reference
9. Admission interview
10. Students may not participate on an ACTS team during the semester in which enrolled in the ASC program.
- Student must meet with a qualified spiritual director throughout the program on a monthly basis
- Class attendance and participation is mandatory
- Attendance and participation in program opening retreat and closing retreat is mandatory
- Two required books and additional articles, essays, church documents and videos
- Successful Completion of all required reading and assignments
- Attendance of an ACTS Missions Retreat workshop is one of the assignment
- If Teen ACTS is the purpose of your enrolling in the ACTS Spiritual Companion Program, then attendance at a Teen ACTS workshop will also be required, as well as a separate training day focused on Teen spirituality
- Students may not participate in ACTS retreats during the program semester.
One-line format: All sessions and retreats will be delivered on-line.
You will need access to a computer with audio and video capabilities. The use of a head set with microphone and sound works best.
All tuition and fees are subject to change for the 2024-2025 school year. Tuitions and fees do not include cost of books, materials and other costs involved in a student’s participation in the program.
- Admissions fee: $50.00 (non-refundable)
- Tuition: $1,235.00
- Payments should be made to Oblate School of Theology.
- Payment plans are offered to students.
- Archdiocese of San Antonio’s lay ministry assistance fund: https://www.archsa.org/academy/financial-assistance.
- Parish Assistance: Ask your pastor of the possibility of financial assistance from the parish.
- Oblate School of Theology: ACS Program Scholarship Fund – Download It Here
Registration for the Spring 2025
cohort is now open.
Registration deadline is December 1, 2024.
ACTS Spiritual Companion Program
For More Information:
Anthony “Tony” Deosdade
ACTS Spiritual Companion Program, Director
210-341-1366 x380
adeosdade@ost.edu