About Us
The Annand program offers resources that enable all YDS students to discover fundamentals of prayer and creative faith practices for spiritual growth. Seminarians have the opportunity to engage in individual or group spiritual direction with one of the many experienced lay and ordained Annand Program mentors. Mentors represent a variety of theological traditions and denominational backgrounds. Students can participate in facilitated small groups exploring such topics as vocational discernment, contemplative prayer, and faith practices of particular theologians. Annand spiritual retreats and quiet days are often led by members of religious orders. The program is named after former Berkeley Divinity School Dean James E. Annand, who envisioned a program that would add a spiritual grounding to students’ academic life.
