Thinking About Spiritual Direction?

What Is Spiritual Direction?

"Spiritual Direction" is a relationship in which one believer accompanies another in the adventure of growing intimacy with God.

The focus of a spiritual direction relationship is the person's experience of the Holy One in his or her daily life and prayer. A director helps a person to pay attention to God's revelation and to respond to God.

Problems arise in each of our lives. These problems will inevitably affect our relationship with God and, therefore, will arise in the spiritual direction sessions.

Problem solving, however, is not the focus of spiritual direction. God, in the life of the individual, is.

Regular meetings with a spiritual director help a person to notice and savour God in one's self, in others, in events, and in one's life.

Who seeks Spiritual Direction?

If you answer yes to any of the following questions, then you may find a spiritual director helpful in your life.

• Do you find yourself desiring a deeper relationship with God?
• Is your search for God at a crossroad?
• Do you want to explore new ways to pray?
• Has prayer become difficult?
• Do you feel the need for someone to help in discerning the call of God to you?
• Do you desire a companion on the spiritual journey?

How will I benefit?

Regular meetings with a spiritual director will help you to:

• learn to listen to God,
• notice God in your life,
• notice God in the life of others, events and all of life.

Is there a fee?

Your director has completed a two-year course in spiritual direction and is a certified member of Spiritual Directors International.

There is a fee of $20 per session.

Special consideration may be given to those who wish to receive spiritual direction but have circumstances which make this fee prohibitive.

What happens during Spiritual Direction?

You can expect your spiritual director to listen attentively with reverence, to ask reflective questions and to help you notice movements in your life.

Spiritual direction is a sacred time in which you talk about your relationship with God, yourself and others.

Your spiritual director may also suggest additional resources for you, often scriptural.

We believe that God communicates through ordinary human experience.

You will be encouraged to pay attention so as to notice God's nudges, invitations, challenges and confirmations.

Learning to pay close attention to your experiences will help you notice God in your life.

How do I start?

If you find yourself wanting a deeper relationship with God, or want to explore all that God has for you in a new way, consider spiritual direction.

Please contact the St. John Brebeuf Parish Office to set up an appointment.