I do not seem to understand

[LoveMercyGrace]

Within the church, who is the appropriate person to seek spiritual direction from,

Would it always be the priest? Would it be inappropriate to talk to ones sponsor?

Or is it just…we go to church to worship and praise and take of the sacraments, but

for all the rest we do as Jesus says in Matthew 6:6?

Would it be correct to say we go to church solely to partake of the sacraments

and this is why we do need to go to church but our spiritual direction and questions

should either be asked of Jesus in prayer, or in books etc or …like a public forum?

Thank you in advance~

 

[Oneofthewomen]

We are all called to help one another on the journey.

One’s sponsor is a good place to start.
Spiritual direction is a wonderful gift that is not limited to priests alone.
In my area we have many deacons, sisters and lay people who are also spiritual directors.

I would start by talking wiht your sponsor, or someone involved in your formation program (RCIA?)

Peace be with you on your journey!

 

[JRKH]

Within the church, who is the appropriate person to seek spiritual direction from,

Would it always be the priest? Would it be inappropriate to talk to ones sponsor?

A spiritual director really can be anyone who is orthodox in their beliefs and who you trust. A sponsor can certainly fit this bill as can a priest. There are also people specially trained in spiritual direction and a person might inquire about that.
As a general rule…your priest/confessor is probably the best place to start…depending on the things to be discussed.

Or is it just…we go to church to worship and praise and take of the sacraments, but

for all the rest we do as Jesus says in Matthew 6:6?

Would it be correct to say we go to church solely to partake of the sacraments

and this is why we do need to go to church but our spiritual direction and questions

should either be asked of Jesus in prayer, or in books etc or …like a public forum?

Thank you in advance~

Most definitely no - we are not to simply do a Mt 6:6 journey, though certainly this is important.
Jesus established a Church for the purpose of mutual support and to allow us to “test the spirits” so that we can assure that we are truly being led by the Holy Spirit and not some other.
That said - Most of us find it helpful to use a combination of (name removed by moderator)ut from private prayer, to spiritual reading, to discussions.

Peace
James

 

[Linusthe2nd]

Within the church, who is the appropriate person to seek spiritual direction from,

Would it always be the priest? Would it be inappropriate to talk to ones sponsor?

Or is it just…we go to church to worship and praise and take of the sacraments, but

for all the rest we do as Jesus says in Matthew 6:6?

Would it be correct to say we go to church solely to partake of the sacraments

and this is why we do need to go to church but our spiritual direction and questions

should either be asked of Jesus in prayer, or in books etc or …like a public forum?

Thank you in advance~

Questions regarding personal problems of conscience, problems of a moral nature, especially of personal problems dealing with sexuality should not be placed in a public forum, they should be discussed only with a priest or someone he may suggest. More general questions, can be discussed with ones sponsor if you judge that person to be well informed. Most diosceases have spiritual directors available. You might inquire about that.

As a rule of thumb, if the Catechism does not answer your question, then you should probably talk to a spiritual director or a priest. Linus

 

[Jennifoo]

:tiphat: Welcome to CAF. The Church is the Mystical Body of Christ, and Saint Paul states that we are to “build each other up in love.” I’m not sure how much instruction you’ve had in the Faith, but Catholics belong to both the Universal Church and to a local church referred to as a parish. Your parish is your spiritual family-your immediate relations, so to speak. We gather together for the Sacraments, of course, but as a family. This is why parishes have special breakfasts, dinners and various get-togethers.Your diocese and the rest of the Church on earth is your extended relations. It’s a very special bond-sad to say that some don’t really appreciate it.
:bluelite: As for spiritual direction, you can get that from more than one source. Good Catholic books, especially from Father Thomas Dubay, Father Benedict Groeschel, and Saint Francis de Sales to name but a few. There are lots of good Catholic films, dvds, including series on spirituality, that can be so helpful. EWTN is great for really learning your Faith. If you feel the need for a spiritual director, you can ask a priest, but some may truly not have the time, and not all are gifted with this charism. You could ask a monk, religious sister, or a good devout layperson. Pray about it first. A lot. Hope this helps.