Spiritual Direction Problem

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the_kings_daughter

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What is the proper thing to do should one’s spiritual director be moved? My spiritual director is a priest at our parish, and I just realized tonight that I would not know what to do should he be moved to another parish out of state. Thank you for your imput!
 
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As I see it, one should not develop too strong of a bond to any given spiritual director or priest. If that bond progresses too far, it can disrupt both the believer and the priest. Worst cases become a near occasion of sin - not saying that is occurring here. Things change and we must be ready to change with them. Humans form bonds that are good within family and among friends, but can develop to a point at which they become unhealthy.

Psychologically, we can attach to persons or even things, but our prayer life should need only as much direction as necessary, or we risk becoming spiritually and possibly psychologically dependent upon that advisor. That might easily lapse into an unhealthy bond. It is well known that injured soldiers bond - even fall in love with - the nurses who attend to them. This same relationship can take place between counselors, doctors, priests and those whom they serve. I would carefully ponder this.
 
Thank you for your advice! No worries, though, as an unhealthy bond is most definitely not the case 🙂 I suppose I was asking more to find out if switching spiritual directors would somehow “restart” my journey/progress a bit, as my new director would not know my soul as well, and if anyone else has an experience in this sort of thing. Thank you!
 
Rather, in the manner of Saint Paul, you take the foundation that has already been laid down and build upon that.

EDIT: I view spiritual advice as similar to jump-starting a dead battery in your car. It gets you going, but if your car must be jump-stated every day, that indicates that some diagnostics are in order.

Indeed, we do everything good via the power and working of the Holy Spirit. If we seek a strong relationship with the Holy Spirit we will receive illuminations in prayer - both small and breathtakingly large - that can lead to a much more profound and meaningful prayer life.
 
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I am dealing with a similar situation. FWIW, I have resolved to “ween myself off” of my current director, through some phone calls etc. while I start looking for a suitable new director.

But it is not unheard of to have “remote” spiritual direction… it is easier now with the internet as well!

-K
 
Thank you so much for sharing! 🙂 I’ll keep you in my prayers! Advent blessings~
 
the_kings_daughter said:
My spiritual director is a priest at our parish, and I just realized tonight that I would not know what to do should he be moved to another parish out of state.
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Is he a secular/Diocesan priest? If so, to move to another Diocese is a process outlined in Canon Law. It does not just happen:


Priests are transferred within a Diocese, the schedule is up to the Bishop. Here it every year or so for Associates or Administrators, every 5 (no more than 10) for Pastors.

Live in the now, appreciate the direction now. When/if a change comes in the future, you will then work that out.
 
Thank you for your advice!

He is not a Diocesan priest, but a priest in a fraternity and could be moved hypothetically anywhere. He has already been at my church for some time, and I am just asking this because I recently began seeking direction from him as I am discerning a vocation. 🙂
 
Ahhhh. Do not fear, the order you are discerning will have a Vocations Director and will make sure your spiritual discernment is covered 🙂
 
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