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 Fall 2024 cohort begins in August and ends in December. Registration deadline is June 1st, 2024. We are currently accepting applications for the Fall 2024 cohort.

Note: The ASC Program is not training in spiritual direction.

Admission Requirements

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.

Program Requirements

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.

Tuition and Fees

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.

Financial Assistance Available

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 Fall 2024
cohort is now open.

Registration deadline is June 1, 2024.