How do I get a Spiritual Director Outside of College?

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Melodeonist

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I am all done with college. I got my associates degree, and I have no desire to get a bachelors degree. I had a spiritual director from my community college’s newman club who I went to for a while, but we didn’t talk regularly. Where do I get a regular spiritual director?
 
How far are you from your college? If not far, I’d suggest reconnecting with your former spiritual director. I doubt your relationship would cease just because you’re not a student anymore. The Newman Center nearest where I’m from is geared toward students, but they maintain strong ties with alumni and the local non-student community as well.

Otherwise, you could ask your pastor if he has ideas. He may be able to do it himself, but could be too busy as a pastor. But he may know of some retired priests in the area, or be able to get you in touch with some religious communities nearby. I had a retired nun for a spiritual director for years. Some retreat centers have priests and religious brothers and sisters whose primary ministry consists of spiritual direction and leading retreats.
 
Seek advice from persons you judge to be spiritually mature, serious and possessing wisdom. It is a very serious matter, to seek direction from another human being - move carefully, and slowly. I would recommend that you first read spiritual writers who have wisdom, so you know what to listen for, and what to run from.

I’d recommend reading Fr. Garrigou-Lagrange’s writings, especially ch 17 of his 2-volume set, “The Three Ages of the Interior Life” - Ch 17, “Spiritual Direction” is the place on-line.
 
Not to hijack OP’s thread, but what would a spiritual director intial? Do you want someone like a Priest or could any moral upstanding Catholic do. I never really had one per say so always wondered that.
 
bassmansteiny said:
Do you want someone like a Priest or could any moral upstanding Catholic do.
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It’s good to have someone who is very attuned to the complexities of the spiritual life and knows what they’re talking about. Priests and religious are usually the best spiritual directors because of this. I’m not saying that laypeople can’t be spiritual directors, but without proper training and experience, most people wouldn’t be able to properly give spiritual direction.
 
First of all, pray that the Holy Spirit will help you find a director. It can be a difficult process.

Talk to your pastor (who may or may not be qualified or have the time). Ask around to see who might be recommended. You may have luck finding someone at a monastery or convent. Ask at a local retreat center. In each case direction may be something they offer or may know of someone they can recommend. Retired religious can be a treasure. You may find it necessary to travel some distance to see your director. Don’t write off anyone automatically without considering their gifts. You may find a good director among clergy, laity, religious, or who knows who.

Prayers on your search.
 
Theoretically, a spiritual director doesn’t have to be a priest or religious. Personally, I advocate for an upright priest or religious who has a solid interior life, and who has undergone some sort of training to be a spiritual director. Lay people can be spiritual directors, and there are some very good ones. But anybody can sign up for classes on how to be a spiritual director, so you should be prudent when looking.
 
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