Spiritual Direction

1. Spiritual Direction
2. Interior Growth
3. Sacred Encounter
4. Covenant 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).

Interior Growth

occurs at the intersection of wholeness and holiness, deep within the heart or center of the human person (CCC, 362-368). Spiritual Direction facilitates intimacy with Lord and "ultimately helps us place ourselves before God to allow His grace to act upon us" (Frs. Acklin & Hicks). The Spirit leads the directee to healing and freedom in the Lord through interiority, bringing true identity with the heart-felt experience of self as 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 short, Love heals, fills, and overflows in the journey towards eternity.

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

Sacred Encounter

explains the dynamics of the 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 as a time-tested discipline. Spiritual direction is most fruitful when the directee prepares, 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).

Covenant Considerations

Compatibility between the director and directee is important. The initial meeting is a a mutual discernment of "fit." Directees may be adult lay or religious, men or women. Annual evaluation is appropriate. In-person or by zoom.
Confidentiality is held strictly, 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. Per best practice, I utilize pastoral supervision myself.
Contributing a stipend allows the director to continue in ministry. Contributions may be made on a sliding scale of $40-80 per session (credit/debit only). Scholarships possible; gratuities welcome.
Courtesy includes punctuality, meeting monthly (although there is flexibility to meet more or less frequently per arrangement), and notifying the director in advance if there is need to reschedule or discuss discontinuing.
Clarity comes with recognition that spiritual direction is not counselling, coaching, medical care, or confession, although it is normal, at times, to discuss these related issues in the context of spiritual direction.

We. Walk. By. Faith.