Apply now for RUAH 2025-27 Program

Richmond Hill will begin two new sessions of the RUAH School of Spiritual Guidance in September 2025: a weekday cohort (RUAH XXII) and a weekend cohort (RUAH XXIII).

Enrollment in RUAH is open to lay, professional, and clergy persons who might feel called to provide spiritual direction in their church, faith community, or as an adjunct minister at Richmond Hill. The weekday cohort is reserved for clergy, though clergy are welcome in both cohorts.

Schedule & Cost

This two-year program is composed of two 48-hour retreats and eight 24-hour retreats for each of two years. The retreats are held on the second week or weekend of the month (with a few adjustments for holidays and Richmond Hill’s schedule). The rhythm of life of the Richmond Hill Community is the context for these retreats. Prayer and faith sharing are a part of the discipline of all participants. Participants read at least one book each month on the upcoming topic of discussion.

Tuition is $2500 per year, which includes the group retreats mentioned, three 24-hr personal silent retreats per year, and monthly meetings with a spiritual director. Payment plans are available.

Application Process

Download and review the information packet, application form, and recommendation form.  

• RUAH Information Packet
• RUAH Application Form
• RUAH Recommendation Form – 3 references needed

In addition to the application form, you will need to submit a 3 – 4 page spiritual autobiography highlighting your journey with God, along with the three references. There is also a non-refundable $25 application fee. Please submit the application, spiritual autobiography, and application fee as soon as possible.  Upon receiving these, we will call you to schedule the required interview with two faculty members. (Instructions for submitting the application materials are included in the application form.)

We suggest that you give one of the three reference forms to your pastor, one to your spiritual director or mentor, and one to a friend or associate who knows you well. If you agree to waive your right to read the reference form upon completion, have the person mail or email the reference directly.  Otherwise, you may include the references with your application materials.

Priority consideration will be given to applications received by June 9, 2025, but we will continue to received applications until the program is full.

If you are unable to download the application above and would like to receive an application packet by mail, or if you have further questions, please contact:

• Weekday RUAH Cohort: Brenda Giannini, Dean, bgiannini@richmondhillva.org
• Weekend RUAH Cohort: Sylvia King, Dean, sking@richmondhillva.org, 804-783-7903