1. Spiritual Direction
2. Interior Growth
3. Sacred Encounter
4. Covenant Considerations
2. Interior Growth
3. Sacred Encounter
4. Covenant Considerations
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 meeting with a trained spiritual director (lay or religious). It is a “one-on-one relationship between a director and a directee in which the directee’s relationship with God is the fundamental point of reference” (Frs. Acklin & Hicks, OSB). While spiritual direction is not counselling, coaching, confession, healing or deliverance, these related issues may occasionally surface in the context of spiritual direction. Because God is not abstract but real and personal, He meets us within and without, in prayer and work, in solitude and in relationships, in sacraments and present moment, and in our history and ongoing discernment (Acts. 17: 28). Since relationship with God is the reference point, learning to deepen into that union through regular and deep prayer, living asceticism to mysticism, and participation in sacramental life underpins it all. Spiritual direction, then, is a safe place to unpack how His thirst for us meets our thirst for Him, and we mature gradually (Jn 19, 4). |
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"(Christ) departed from our sight that we might return to our hearts and find him there" (St. Augustine of Hippo). |
Interior Growth
occurs at the intersection of wholeness and holiness, deep within the heart or center of the human person (CCC #2562-2563). Spiritual direction facilitates intimacy with the Lord and "ultimately helps us place ourselves before God to allow His grace to act upon us" (Frs. Acklin & Hicks). Holy Spirit leads the directee through interiority and vulnerability to grace and agency, bringing about true identity with the heart-felt experience and solid foundation of self as Father God’s beloved son or daughter. This is the still point of real discernment, fertile soil of transforming union, and origin of authentic mission. In Jesus Christ, we find our unique blueprint, the only Way, Truth, and abundant Life, which the enemy of our souls tries to steal (Jn 14: 6; 10: 10). Because “grace builds on nature”, we come to him as we are, offering simple praise and worship, resting in divine providence, taking up our daily cross, putting on the armor of God, sacrificially serving those around us, employing diligence in the practical aspects of life and pursuit of virtue, acknowledging our wounds and sins, believing in the face of doubts, beginning again and again, and knowing we are all called to mystical union. We come to know ourselves in Him and find the Love that heals, fills, and overflows in the journey towards eternity.
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Sacred Encounter
explains the dynamics of spiritual direction. The director seeks to be a contemplative 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 (and the spiritual director) as a time-tested discipline towards sanctification. Spiritual direction is most fruitful when the directee understands and is willing to maximize spiritual direction (consider purpose, explore interiority, speak vulnerability, walk pathway, and own coachability). Holy Spirit is the third Person and primary Director (Mt. 23: 10). The Triune God is present where two are gathered in Jesus’ name. As His temples, the director and the directee tune-in to the Spirit through awareness, surrender, and trialogue to explore His loving presence and invitation. Note, with the critical distinction between the seven Catholic sacraments (visible signs of God’s grace, instituted by Christ and entrusted the Church), spiritual direction is “quasi-sacramental” in the sense that the director, together with Holy Spirit, helps personalize and manifest the presence, truth and love of God (Frs. Acklin & Hicks, OSB). Thus, obedience is owed, not to the director, but to Holy Spirit at work before, during, and after the session. In spiritual direction there is a beautiful interplay of the directee's freedom, the Holy Spirit's prompting, and the director’s accompaniment.
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Beloved, do not trust every spirit but test the spirits
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Covenant Considerations
Compatibility between the director and directee is mutually discerned in the initial consultation and first six sessions. Directees must be adults (18 years or older), but may be lay or religious, men or women. An occasional evaluation is appropriate. In-person or by zoom. Confidentiality is held strictly, with the exception of a court order, when the physical safety of the directee or another is in question, or in the event of child or elder abuse. Per best practice of all counsellors, coaches, and spiritual directors, I utilize director supervision to best serve my directees. Contributing a stipend allows ministry continuation. While no price can be placed on sharing the Gospel, I serve in full-time ministry, necessitating remuneration for life expenses from those I regularly serve. Stipends can be made on a sliding scale of $40-80 per session to accommodate all (credit/debit only). Scholarships possible; gratuities welcome; clerical, religious, and consecrated discounts anticipated. Courtesy includes punctuality, preparedness, monthly meetings of 45-50minutes (although there is flexibility to meet more or less frequently or for more or less time by arrangement), and advanced notification for rescheduling. For my part, I commit to serve you, to the best of my ability, and with His heart and Spirit.
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Grant my soul peace. Make it your heaven...May I be there, whole and entire, completely vigilant in my faith, entirely adoring, and wholly given over to your creative action (St. Elizabeth of the Trinity). |