Online Anamcara Application 2022-2024

If relevant, provide the following employment data:

Please note that no information from this application will be shared with your employer.

List the year of graduation, institution which awarded your highest degree, and its location:

Religious/Spiritual History:

Ordination History (where applicable)

PART 2: HISTORY WITH SACRED ART OF LIVING CENTER & PROGRAM* PREREQUISITES

Please check the following Sacred Art of Living Center programs which you have attended. If you recall the year and/or location that you attended, please note this next to the program. Where relevant, also indicate if you may have completed course work similar to those offered by Sacred Art of Living Center.

Sacred Art of Living & Dying Education Series

Enneagram Study Programs

An introduction to Enneagram theory is required prior to the start of the Anamcara Program; Applicants may attend one of the programs offered by Sacred Art of Living Center or their equivalent. Please check the boxes that apply.

PART 3: ISSUES RELATED TO THE ANAMCARA

Should you be accepted into the Anamcara program, there will be opportunities to consider many venues and applications for the Anamcara experience in a professional or lay capacity. The following questions will help the Acceptance Committee better understand your interests and abilities; they will also assist in the design of Training Modules for Year Two of the program.

The professional focus presumes that a certified health care professional or faith community leader would incorporate and apply the skills of the Anamcara training in their place or role of employment.

A central requirement for the Anamcara Apprenticeship is the creation and execution of a Practicum Project as part of each training module. The Practicum for Year One focuses on the inner life. Year Two would apply one or more skills taught in the Training Modules in a real-life context.

The nature of the Anamcara Apprenticeship also requires that apprentices participate in a Céili Dé group during the intervening months between Opening and Closing Retreats. While Sacred Art of Living Center will assist in networking to create local circles of trust, there is no guarantee that such a group will be available in every prospective region or community. In the latter case, virtual communities will be created. This questionnaire can assist in determining whether a Céili Dé may be forming near you.

At the heart of the Anamcara tradition is a quality called “soulfulness.” Anamcara apprentices will be asked to consider what it means to be faithful to a spiritual path [not necessarily formal religious membership]─ including some form of regular contemplative practice that respects their spiritual orientation.

Section B: Reflection Essays

INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE REFLECTION ESSAYS

Respecting the essentially spiritual nature of the Anamcara tradition, the application process does not focus on issues of personal worthiness, professional credentials, or academic achievement. Readiness to become an Anamcara apprentice is based on vocation, life experience, spiritual maturity, and community needs.

-- The following essays are an opportunity to reflect on and articulate your deepest motives and reasons for applying to the Anamcara Apprenticeship. The term “essay” is used here in a unique sense, namely, a very short yet well thought-through response to an important question.

-- Remember that the Anamcara experience is as much about your own spiritual journey as it is about how you work with those whom you serve.

-- It is recommended that you take each question to prayer or contemplation before writing.

-- Do not be concerned about impressing those who will read your answers. Ultimately, a straightforward response from your heart is more valuable than a calculated answer.

-- VERY IMPORTANT! Do NOT submit “essays” that are longer than 50 words per question.

ESSAY TOPICS

Please write the answers to these essay questions in the space below. The box will expand to fit your maximum 50 word answer.

Section C References

REQUIRED REFERENCES

Applicants for the Anamcara Apprenticeship are required to include two [2] references at the time of application submission. References should include:

1) A PERSONAL REFERENCE─ i.e. Someone within your more immediate circle of family or friends who is willing to support your application to the Anamcara Apprenticeship─ in terms of the commitment to time and energy that will be required.

2) A PROFESSIONAL REFERENCE─ i.e., Someone who is willing to provide an endorsement for your participation in the Anamcara Apprenticeship. Only submit the name of a person with whom you have worked professionally, served in a volunteer capacity, or whom you might approach to professionally support your Practicum Project. This reference should be a professional in a related field who can testify to your ability to complete the requirements for the Anamcara Apprenticeship.

IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS

-- Please provide a copy of the Reference Form, or a link to the digital form, to the persons whom you have listed as references.

-- It is recommended that you also provide your references with a copy of the Fact Sheet for the Anamcara Apprenticeship or a link to the Fact Sheet document on the Sacred Art of Living website and your completed application. This will help to orient your references as to the nature, requirements and your goals concerning the Apprenticeship.

-- Instruct your references to return their completed forms to Sacred Art of Living Center. This can be done by scanning and emailing the completed Reference Form or by submitting the online form available on this site (see the button below this form titled “Reference Form”). Make sure that you impress the importance of sending the reference form as soon as possible.