Two-Year Academy #43 - Redemptorist Renewal Center (AZ) and St. Benedict Retreat Center (NE)

NOTE: Applications for Academy #43 are no longer being accepted. The next Two-Year Academy, Academy #44 begins October 2026 and is currently accepting applications.  We also invite you to sign up to receive the Academy Bulletin monthly email newsletter to stay updated on dates for other offerings from The Academy for Spiritual Formation.

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Discover the Two-Year Academy: A Journey of Deep Spiritual Formation

Are you longing for a deeper connection with God? Does your heart ache for a more just and loving world? Do you seek a spiritual community that shares both desires? The Academy for Spiritual Formation is offering its next Two-Year Academy, a sacred journey of spiritual formation, grounded in ancient Christian practices and rooted in community, that encourages and empowers participants to live out their faith through acts of compassion, justice, and reconciliation.

What is the Two-Year Academy?

The Two-Year Academy is an immersive, cohort-based program designed to cultivate a closer relationship with God, self, others, and creation through a structured rhythm of communal worship, contemplative practices, thoughtful study, restorative rest and play, and deepening conversation. Over the course of two years, participants gather at a retreat center for five-day sessions eight different times (once per quarter), creating a sustaining rhythm of retreat and return that fosters spiritual growth and renewal.

The 43rd Two-Year Academy will be hosted in two different locations. Four sessions will be held in Tucson, Arizona, at the Redemptorist Renewal Center, and four sessions will be held in Schuyler, Nebraska, at the St. Benedict Retreat Center.

1. Nebraska              November 3-7, 2025         (Monday-Friday)
2. Nebraska              February 9-13, 2026          (Monday-Friday)
3. Arizona                   May 11-15, 2026                 (Monday-Friday)
4. Arizona                   August 31-Sept 4, 2026     (Monday-Friday)
5. Nebraska              October 19-23, 2026         (Monday-Friday)
6. Arizona                   January 25-29, 2027          (Monday-Friday)
7. Nebraska             April 5-9, 2027                   (Monday-Friday)
8. Arizona                   August 30-Sept 3, 2027    (Monday-Friday)

Why Join the Two-Year Academy?

• Deepen Your Spiritual Life: Engage in daily rhythms of prayer, worship, and spiritual practices that anchor your life in God’s loving presence.

• Learn from Experienced Guides: Study under the guidance of seasoned spiritual leaders, who will help you explore ancient and contemporary theological reflection and practice.

• Build Lifelong Community: Join a diverse and supportive community of fellow seekers, sharing in a journey that encourages mutual growth and accountability.

• Find Sacred Rest: Experience the rhythm of retreat as you step away from the busyness of everyday life to rest, reflect, play, and renew your spirit.

• Embrace Holistic Spirituality: Explore spiritual practices that nurture not just the mind, but the body and soul, leading to a balanced and holistic faith life

• Empower Transformative Action: As your spiritual life deepens, you’ll be empowered to embody your faith in the world—engaging in compassionate service, working for justice, and contributing to the healing of your community and the world.

What to Expect

Participants of the Two-Year Academy will experience:

• Intentional Spiritual Practices: Daily times of prayer, silence, and contemplation that create space for God to work deeply in your life.

• Rich Learning Opportunities: Engaging lectures and communal reflection on key themes of Christian spirituality, scripture, and theology.

• Personal Reflection: Time set aside for journaling, meditation, and personal reflection, allowing you to internalize and apply what you’ve learned.

• Community Life: Shared meals, worship, and small group sharing that foster deep connections with fellow participants.

• Spiritual Mentoring: Opportunities to learn from spiritually mature teachers and leaders who will accompany you on your journey, offering guidance and support.

Program Fees

$8,300 – Total tuition, room & board for entire two-year program (fees are spread out over the course of the two years):

$300 acceptance fee (non-refundable) due after applying and being accepted into the program to confirm your spot

$1,000 due at each of the 8 residential sessions ($525 for room & board + $475 for tuition)

Program fees do not include books and travel

Application fee (not included in program fees above and non-refundable): $50.00

Scholarships: Partial scholarships are available, and every effort is made to ensure that financial barriers do not stand in the way of your spiritual journey. A link to the scholarship application will be provided after being accepted into the program. The deadline for the scholarship application is October 1, 2025, for accepted enrollees. Contact [email protected] if you have questions about the scholarship process.

Who Should Apply?

The Two-Year Academy is open to all who are serious about and ready to make a strong commitment to their spiritual growth, regardless of where you are on your journey. As an ecumenical ministry, participants from any denomination or no denomination are welcome. Whether you are a pastor, layperson, or simply someone seeking a deeper relationship with God, this program is designed to meet you where you are and lead you into a more authentic and vibrant spiritual life.

Missed the Info Session?

Watch the recording of “If Not Now, When? A Time of Discernment for Those Interested in the Two-Year Academy” to learn more about Academy 43, meet the leadership team, and explore whether this sacred journey is right for you.

For any questions or additional information, please contact us at [email protected] or 615-340-7233. We look forward to walking this sacred journey with you.