Spiritual Direction

Spiritual direction is (can be):

• An experience that over time, helps you become more attentive to God’s presence and action in your life
• Facilitates the growth of your relationship with God and can lead to a greater appreciation for the role of the sacraments in your life.
• A contemplative approach rather than a psychological approach
• Facilitates the formation of your growth (and/or development) in both the human and divine likeness of Christ
• A process of seeking to understand and follow God’s will in all aspects of your life
• Most particularly relating to your life of prayer and service, but not exclusively
• Something that flows from and enriches  your religious experience
• A discernment of the movement of the Holy Spirit working in your life
• A relationship of trust that involves a commitment to be open and candid.

Spiritual direction is not:

• Directive in terms of telling a person what to do
• Psychological counseling (as noted above)
• Pastoral or crisis counseling
• Life coaching
• The sacrament of penance. However, if your spiritual director is a priest, you may discuss with him how the sacrament of reconciliation may fit into the direction setting.
• Primarily advisory (although some suggestions might be offered)
• Primarily informative (although there can be “teachable moments”)
• Relinquishing of personal responsibility
• Always comfortable