Skip to Content
Seton Hall University

iTHIRST Spiritual Companionship Training FAQs

  1. Do I need to be employed as a counselor/therapist or similar field to participate?
    You do not need to be a counselor/therapist or in any similar field to participate.  The only requirement is the desire to help those suffering from addictions and their families.
  2. Do I need to be Catholic?  Do I need to be a member of a Catholic church?
    While the program is based in the Catholic spirituality, you do not need to be Catholic to participate.
  3. Do I need to be an employee of a parish in order to participate?
    You do not need to be an employee of a parish in order to participate.
  4. Does a parish need to sponsor me to register?
    You do not need a parish to sponsor you for registration; however, a pastor will need to approve your working in his parish upon completion of the program.
  5. What is the iTHIRST Initiative?
    The iTHIRST Initiative is a three-pronged approach to empower the Church to become a resource for those who are suffering from addictions and their families by offering programs geared toward education/prevention, support for treatment facilities and the incarcerated, and aftercare and community building.  The iTHIRST Initiative is the 21st century manifestation of the charism of Fr. Thomas Judge, founder of the Missionary Servants, which was to aid the poor and the abandoned.  In 2017, iTHIRST was adopted as an official Mission of the Missionary Servants of the Most Holy Trinity.  For more information, visit:  https://ithirstinitiative.org/
  6. Are there pre-requisites required prior to enrolling?
    No, there are no pre-requisites to enroll in the iTHIRST training.
  7. Do I need to complete an application to enroll?
    No, registration is available on the Seton Hall University Continuing Education and Professional Studies webpage.
  8. Is there homework involved in this program?  If so, how much outside class time is expected to be spent on this? 
    The only homework required is to read ahead in the workbook. 
  9. When do the classes run (dates/times)?
    Classes will vary with each cohort; however, they typically run 2 evenings per week for 8 weeks (16 sessions). Times of classes are based on EST.
  10.  Are the classes held in-person or virtually?
    Currently, classes will be held virtually via the Zoom platform.
  11.  Are the classes recorded for future viewing?
    No, classes are not recorded.
  12. What if I miss one of the classes? Is there a make-up date? 
    Make up sessions are available if you are unable to attend one of the scheduled classes.
  13. What if I miss more than one class?
    Participants will have an opportunity to make up three classes with the instructor.
  14. Will there be an exam at the end of the program?
    There will be a certification examination given to be completed within 15 days of the course completion.
  15. What do I receive upon completion of the program?  
    A certificate of completion will be issued by Seton Hall University's Division of Continuing Education and Professional Studies. Participants will be recognized as Certified iTHIRST Spiritual Companions by the iTHIRST Initiative and by Seton Hall University.
  16. Will I receive credits for this program?
    4.8 Continuing Education credits are issues at the successful completion of the 48-hour program.  The CE units are professional ed units, not academic credits.
  17. How do I become involved with organizations to help others after completion of the training?
    After the completion of the program, the instructor will organize meetings with your fellow classmates to discuss challenges and opportunities along with other students who have enrolled in the program. Networking opportunities will be available within these groups.  
  18. What is the cost for the course? 
    The cost of the course including course materials is $675.00.
  19. I am an alum of Seton Hall University – do I receive any discounts?Special discounts are available for Seton Hall University alum; contact 973-275-3577 or email CEPS@shu.edu for further details.   
  20. What form of payment is required? Do you offer a payment plan?
    The registration system accepts various forms of credit/debit card payments; we do not offer payment plans.
  21. Are there textbooks or course materials that I need to purchase for the program?
    Students are provided a course workbook which is included in the cost of the program. Shortly before the beginning of the course, the workbook will be mailed to your mailing address listed on your registration.