The Diocese of Albany is pleased to offer formation and education classes for lay persons and ordained clergy through the ministry of Christ the King Center. We have a mix of courses developed locally and others offered in partnership with the Iona Collaborative through the Seminary of the Southwest. Our diaconal formation program is also supported through this ministry.
Registration is handled through Christ the King Center and can be found here
You will need to create an account (if you don’t have one already) and look for courses under Christ the King Center Retreats
Classes are offered in-person at Christ the King Center and many are available in a hybrid.
Some classes are offered Zoom only.
For more information about our school of formation contact Rev. Cn. Dr. Meaghan Keegan
Upcoming Course Offerings
Fall/Spring 2026-2027
ST1 Life in Christ: Ascetical Theology and Spiritual Practices
An introduction to the basic elements of Christian spirituality, emphasizing the nature of the spirituality of Christian Scripture, and an analysis of Christian experience in light of Biblical revelation and Christian tradition. The course explores the spirituality of the book of Common Prayer and a variety of spiritual practices by application to the student’s pilgrimage. This may be taken on its own and also serves as Year 1 for the 3-year EDoA Certificate in Spiritual Direction.
- This class will run from 9:30am – 11:30am one Saturday per month for 9 months.
- Class dates: September 26 – October 24 – November 28 – December 26 – January 23 – February 27 – March 27 – April 24 – May 22
- In-person is suggested, but hybrid is available
- Instructors: Patricia Mackey Stone, OblSB and Rev. Cn. Dr. Meaghan Keegan
- Tuition: $300
- SYLLABUS
ST2 Life in Christ 2: The Disciplined Spiritual Life
Life in Christ is a pre-requisite to participate in this class
How do we then live? As we mature in the spiritual life, there are deeper aspects of prayer and study that support our growth. Listening to the some of the masters of Christian living, we will explore the disciplines of prayer and study in the Benedictine tradition building on the fundamentals learned in Life in Christ.
- This class will from 6-8pm on the third Thursday of each month, September 2026 – May 2027
- Class dates: September 17, October 15, November 19, December 17, January 21, February 18, March 18, April 15, May 20
- Zoom Only
- Instructor: Patricia Mackey Stone, OblSB
- Class size limit: 10
- Tuition: $300
- SYLLABUS
SD1 Introduction to Spiritual Direction as a Vocation Part I
Life in Christ is a pre-requisite to participate in this class
An introduction to the basic elements of Anglican Spiritual Direction, elements of spiritual formation and the craft of supporting others as they mature in their Christian life. The course will include some lectures, sharing on the readings and reflections on readings and practices. Success is dependent on active participation, reading and writing. This class serves as Year 2 for the 3-year EDoA Certificate in Spiritual Direction or Part 2 of the Stanton Institute Diploma in Spiritual Direction.
- This class will run from 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm one Saturday per month for 9 months
- Class dates: September 26 – October 24 – November 28 – December 26 – January 23 – February 27 – March 27 – April 24 – May 22
- In-person is suggested, but hybrid is available
- Instructors: Patricia Mackey Stone, OblSB
- Tuition: $300
- SYLLABUS
SD2 Spiritual Direction Practicum
Life in Christ and Spiritual Direction as a Vocation – Part 1 are pre-requisites to participate in this class
In year three of the Spiritual Direction program, the student will meet monthly with a peer group for supervision and teaching as the student begins to direct at least two people throughout the year. This one-hour session will include review and discussion on ongoing direction as well as continued teaching and instruction in the art of spiritual direction. Students will work with seasoned directors and will continue their own direction as a part of their commitment to transformation. Students will determine their own study path and will be expected to share monthly with the group new insights and practices. This class is comprised of a two-hour on-line class each month that includes other experienced Spiritual Directors. Additionally, each person will have a one-hour individual meeting with one of the class instructors. This class serves as year 3 for the 3-year EDoA Certificate in Spiritual Direction.
- First session is held via Zoom ay 7pm on September 16th. Subsequent small groups will be formed based on class size
- Instructor: Patricia Mackey Stone, OblSB
- Zoom only
- No syllabus, books will be assigned each month by the instructor
- Tuition: $200
PR1 Foundations in Preaching
This course is designed to prepare those in diaconal formation, those seeking licensure as a lay preacher, and ordained clergy seeking continued education for preaching in a parish setting. Using the Iona Collaborative Course developed through the Seminary of the Southwest we will take a journey in homiletics, how to study and encounter the Word, and how to design, write and deliver a sermon. We will explore various styles of preaching and have an opportunity to practice and grow together in preparation for future ministry.
- This class will run from 9:30am – 12:00pm one Saturday per month for 8 months
- Class dates: October 3 – November 7 – December 5 – January 2 – February 6 – March 6 – April 3 – May 1
- In-person only
- Instructor: Rev. Cn. Dr. Meaghan Keegan
- Those seeking a lay license must have endorsement from a clergy member who will supervise them
- No Syllabus, assignments will be provided by instructor via Google Classroom as class progresses. There will be assignments and videos to watch at home during the month.
- Tuition: $200
E101 Walk in Love: Episcopal Beliefs & Practices
Based on the book sharing its name, this course provides an overview of the spirituality, worship, beliefs and structure of the Episcopal Church. Taught in 4-sessions, once a month for four months, the class will serve as both an introduction to the Episcopal Church and also prepare individuals for confirmation/reception if an individual desires to do so. Anyone desiring to grow deeper in their understanding on The Episcopal Church is welcome. Topics will cover Anglican spirituality, the sacraments and sacramental rites, marking time, basic beliefs, the Church, and more.
- The class will run from 1:00-3:00pm one Saturday a month for 4 months
- Class dates: October 3 – November 7 – December 5 – January 2
- In-person or Zoom
- Instructor: Rev. Cn. Dr. Meaghan Keegan
- Required Text: Walk in Love: Episcopal Beliefs & Practices by Scott Gunn and Melody Wilson Shobe
- Tuition $100