Spiritual Direction

1. Spiritual Direction
2. Inner Growth
3. A Trialogue
4. Some Considerations

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.” 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: the Lord meets each person where she is at only to call her higher in love.

I am the good shepherd...My sheep hear my voice; I know them and they follow me (Jn 10: 1-18).

Inner Growth

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 Chruch, 362-368). Spiritual Direction facilitates intimacy with Lord and "ultimately helps us place ourselves before God to allow His grace to act upon us" (Fathers Acklin & Hicks). The Spirit leads the directee to healing and freedom in the Lord through interiority, bringing true identity, that is, the heart-felt experience of self as God’s beloved son or daughter. This is the still point of real discernment, fertile soil for transforming union with the Lord. In short, Love heals, fills, and overflows in the journey towards eternity.

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

A Trialogue

or sacred conversation between three persons explains the dynamics of spiritual direction:

The director is a compassionate, contemplative, objective instrument of the Lord who serves by: listening to, praying for, walking with, accepting always, holding accountable, offering strategies, challenging sometimes, and speaking life (Is. 61.1).
The directee chooses spiritual direction as a time-tested spiritual discipline for growth. Spiritual direction is most fruitful when the directee is prepared, shares openly, and follows through on inspirations. Integration of faith and life along with growing depth occurs (Lk. 25: 13-35).
The Holy Spirit is the third Person and primary Director (Mt. 23: 10). He is present where two are gathered in Jesus’ name. As His temples, the director and the directee tune-in to see how the Spirit wishes to challenge, console, heal and guide the directee.

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

Some Considerations

Compatibility between the director and directee is important as it is God who pairs them. The initial meeting is a a mutual opportunity to discern "fit." Directees may be adult lay or religious men or women. Annual evaluation of the relationship is occasionally appropriate.
Confidentiality is held strictly. The director will not reveal the content of conversations with the exception of: a court order when the directee’s safety or another's safety is in question, or in the event of child or elder abuse. Legally, these instances require action on the part of the spiritual director.
Contributing with a free will offering allows the director to continue in ministry (covering the costs of supervision, ongoing training, insurance, travel, and secondary support of a family). Suggested contributions may be made on a sliding scale according to family income ranging from $20 - $50 per session.
Courtesy regarding the sessions includes beginning and ending on time, meeting monthly (although there is flexibility to meet more or less frequently per arrangement), and notifying the director in advance if there is legitimate need to cancel. Spiritual direction during the summer and holiday seasons is "lighter" because of family responsibilities.
Clarity comes with recognition that spiritual direction isn't counselling, coaching, medical care, or confession, although it is appropriate and normal, at times, to discuss psychological, physical, and relational problems in the context of spiritual direction. While the director is not trained as a counselor, physician, or priest, spiritual direction works well when paired with these.

we walk by faith