Spiritual Direction / Directors

  • Thread starter Thread starter anneline
  • Start date Start date
Status
Not open for further replies.
A

anneline

Guest
Hi,

I met with my spiritual director today for the first time since I became Catholic (a month ago). He prepared my husband and me to be received into the Church and always met with both of us together. I set up a meeting with him for spiritual direction and when he came to meet me he said “Okay, let’s go to the confessional.” I was kind of confused but of course I did it without question. We spent an hour talking and the whole time it felt like I was talking to the wall. I’m guessing he doesn’t meet with women alone in his office (it does have windows outside and to the public). Since I’m new to the faith I was wondering if this is standard practice. It definitely felt a little uncomfortable but I guess I don’t have a choice in the future.

I would appreciate hearing if anyone has had similar experiences.

Thanks!
 
My priest intentionally meets with women in the office and only when the secretary is working so there can be no cause for scandal. When he hears confessions scheduled outside regular hours for confession, he does so in the office instead of the confessional in the church for the same reason. I would suggest you speak with him about it, especially if you will meet with him alone again.
 
Priests of Opus Dei (IMO, the best spiritual directors ever!) never speak with women alone if it can be avoided. Spiritual direction is always in the confessional.

It would not surprise me at all if other priests chose this wise course of action as well.

Betsy
 
I have met with my spiritual director (my parish priest) in the Confessional before. The reason was, his office was being painted. He had me sit in the chair he occupies during Confession so it wouldn’t feel like Confession and moved the kneeler/screen so it didn’t feel cramped.
If he does this regularly I would just ask why you don’t meet in his office.

I don’t really see how meeting in the Confessional could reduce scandal if his office has windows 🤷.
 
Thanks for the responses.

Betsy, he is an Opus Dei priest so now this all makes sense…I’m so glad to hear other people’s similar experiences and it’s nice to know that this is standard procedure for spiritual directions.

Blessings to you all.
 
anneline said:
Thanks for the responses.

Betsy, he is an Opus Dei priest so now this all makes sense…I’m so glad to hear other people’s similar experiences and it’s nice to know that this is standard procedure for spiritual directions.

Blessings to you all.
Click to expand...
Awesome! You seem very blessed.
👍
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top