Apply now for RUAH XX or XXI Program

Richmond Hill will begin two new sessions of the RUAH School of Spiritual Guidance in September 2023: a weekend cohort for laypersons (RUAH XX) and a weekday cohort intended for clergy (RUAH XXI).

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.

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 weekend of the month for the layperson cohort, and the third week of the month for the clergy cohort (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 $2400 per year, which includes the group retreats mentioned above as well as three personal retreats per year. Some scholarship assistance is available; please state your need when you submit your application.

Application Process

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

• RUAH Information Packet
• RUAH Application Form (fillable PDF)
• RUAH Recommendation Form (fillable PDF) – 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.

The application deadline has been extended, an applications are being reviewed in the order they are received.

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/clergy RUAH Cohort: Brenda Giannini, Dean, bgiannini@richmondhillva.org
• Weekend RUAH Cohort: Elnora Allen, Dean, eallen@richmondhillva.org, 804-783-7903 x140