Alternatives to a spiritual director

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It sounds like you have the right attitude about this, looking for the good in the people you’re talking to, even when the outcomes haven’t been maximally helpful for you.

I can understand and relate to not being able to articulate a coherent response on the spot, especially when upset.

I would affirm you in gathering your thoughts, and reaching out again to follow up and let this helpful pastor know that you’ve thought about what he’s said, and you’d like to take action on it, but here are your challenges ____ and here’s what happened when you tried before ____ and can he please help you connect with this resource he’s said you need?

I pray that God accompanies you on your journey. These times of persevering in seeking Him, and seeking to conform ourselves more closely to Him even amidst challenges and a lack of external resources, are often times when God is doing extra work to grow us internally. I know that’s been the case in my life; I trust that God is doing beautiful work in you, too, even if it’s too hard to see right now from inside the situation.
 
Hey I’m sorry you gotta go through this. I know it’s hard when you just want some help and can’t find it.

 
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I am so sorry to heart that–please know you are in my prayers!!

As to your problem, hear me out: is there an FSSP parish near you? The Fraternity priests are always willing to speak with you and offer spiritual direction (so long as they are able), and they are so very knowledgeable about the Faith!

Also, try not to be upset with your priest–if a priest feels that he is unable to help you in the way you need, or if he does not feel that he is in a position to offer spiritual direction, he is obliged to tell you to find a spiritual director other than he. The book “Spiritual Theology” has some wonderful advice for what to look for in a spiritual director.

Finally, here is a link to a podcast that might help: Blubrry PowerPress Player! The part you might want to hear begins at 6:38.

Blessed Advent to you!
 
Sorry to hear of your trouble.

It does not need to be a priest from a “list” from the diocese. Find a priest you trust, who is well educated, and who is at least reasonably old (not under 30 or so, ordained at least 5 years or so, and preferably older than yourself), and just ask if he would meet once a month for a little while to help you sort through some spiritual problems.

-K
 
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Thank you all for your responses, and for giving me a chance through reading and replying to put my thoughts in order. I was hoping there would be an alternative I just didn’t know about yet, but all of your responses centered around direction, so it seemed I couldn’t really get around it.

Blessedly, my pastor is quite accessible, so I had a moment today to mention that I’d tried to find a director several years ago and couldn’t come up with anything. When I asked if he’d help me find one, he said he’d try and help me out a little while we work on finding someone. I have an appointment with him tomorrow.

Thank you again. I’ll pray for you in adoration tomorrow.
 
You might try to find some one willing to offer direction over the phone or by video chat.

You might also consider secular therapy. A neutral third party may help address your concerns, even if they are primarily spiritual in nature.
 
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