1. Spiritual Direction is...
  2. Spiritual Direction is not...
  3. The "Trialogue"
  4. Inner Growth...
  5. Some Considerations

"I am the good shepherd" 
​(Jn 10: 1-18).

Spiritual Direction is...

the​ “loving companionship that assists others on their life journey, helping each  person to develop a closer relationship with God by discerning the action of the Holy Spirit in his or her life” (divineprovidence.org).
​Spiritual Direction within the Catholic Christian tradition originated as the desert fathers and mothers were asked for spiritual advice, was formalized during the monastic age, and following Vatican II became a regular and confidential meeting between a spiritual director (lay or religious) within the context of a prayerful and ongoing relationship. It is a safe place to grow humanly and spiritually, as the Lord meets the person where he or she is at. A good contemporary analogy for spiritual direction is that of a spiritual life coach.
​​

Spiritual Direction is not...

  1. Counselling (crisis problem-solving for severe emotional or relational issues),
  2. Medical care (cure of physical ailments as offered by doctors), 
  3. Confession (sacramental forgiveness for sins protected by the confessional seal), or
  4. Catechesis (the systematic transmission of the faith).
​
Although it is appropriate, at times, to discuss psychological, physical, and relational problems in the context of spiritual direction, the director is not a counselor, physician, or priest and does not provide such services. However, spiritual direction is appropriate when paired with medical care and/or counselling.  

"Growth is the only evidence of life"
(Bl. John Henry Newman).

​"Beloved,
do not trust every spirit but
test the spirits to see whether
they belong to God"
(1 Jn. 4:1).

The "Trialogue"

Spiritual direction is sacred time and conversation, functioning as a “trialogue.”
  1. The director is a compassionate, contemplative, objective instrument of the Lord who serves the directee by: listening to, praying for, walking with, accepting always, holding accountable, offering strategies, and speaking life and truth as led by the Spirit (Is. 61.1).
  2. As one option for spiritual growth, the directee chooses spiritual direction, which is most fruitful when the directee is prepared, shares openly, follows through on the Spirit’s inspirations, and is willing to stretch into the loving arms of the Lord.
  3. The Holy Spirit is the third Person as He is present where two or more are gathered in Jesus’ name. As temples of the Spirit, the director and the directee tune-in and discuss how the Spirit wishes to console, heal, and guide the directee.  
​

Inner Growth...
​often occurs at the intersection of wholeness and holiness, deep within the human person at the center of his or her being, the heart (Catechism of the Catholic Church #362-368). Spiritual direction facilitates intimacy with Lord, who meets each person in his or her “realness.” Therefore, inner growth may mean being Spirit-led to face one’s woundedness and then allowing the Lord to heal, free, and restore. This inner transformation brings a (re)discovery of true identity, that is, the heart-felt experience and freedom of self as God’s beloved son or daughter – unconditionally loved, entirely worthy, and held in His care throughout life. In short, Love heals, fills, and overflows.

"Where two or three are gathered in my name,
​there am I in the midst of them" ​(Mt. 18:20).

Some Considerations

"I have found heaven on earth,
​since heaven is God, and God is in my soul"
(St. Elizabeth of the Trinity).
  1. Compatibility between the director and directee is important as it is God who pairs the director and directee. The initial meeting is a a mutual opportunity to discern a "fit." Directees may be adult lay or religious men or women. High school boys or girls are welcome with written parental approval. Evaluation of the relationship is occasionally appropriate.
  2. Confidentiality is held strictly. The director will not reveal the content of the conversations with the exception of: a court order, when the directee’s safety or the safety of another is in question, or in the event of child or elder abuse. Legally, these instances require action on the part of the spiritual director. 
  3. Contributing allows the director to continue in ministry (covering the costs of supervision, ongoing training, insurance, travel, and secondary support of a family). Contributions may be made on a sliding scale according to family income ranging from $10 -$50 per session. College students are free!
  4. Courtesy regarding the sessions includes beginning and ending on time, meeting monthly if possible (although flexibility to meet more or less frequently can be arranged), and notifying the director in advance if there is need to cancel.  Note that the time frame for the Spiritual  Direction is seasonal: September through May to fit the school year.