Spiritual direction question

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Claire_from_DE

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I prayed for a spiritual director for many years. About a year and a half ago I was blessed when a friend offered to do it with me. She’s a mature Catholic who is certified in spiritual direction, is absolutely orthodox, and knows me well. I’ve known her for about ten years.

Is it common, when planning to go on retreat, religious seminar, or on a trip for any reason, other than short local jaunts, to submit your plans to your spiritual director? I’m quite willing to do this and do what she says. I’m just wondering if others do it.

Some time ago I was speaking with a priest who is her spiritual director and mentioned some trips I was considering. He surprised me when he asked, “Have you run that by your SD?” And of course he knew very well who that was.😉

So, for those of you who have a spiritual director, do you do this?

And do any of you have an SD who is also a close friend?
 
Claire_from_DE said:
I prayed for a spiritual director for many years. About a year and a half ago I was blessed when a friend offered to do it with me. She’s a mature Catholic who is certified in spiritual direction, is absolutely orthodox, and knows me well. I’ve known her for about ten years.

Is it common, when planning to go on retreat, religious seminar, or on a trip for any reason, other than short local jaunts, to submit your plans to your spiritual director? I’m quite willing to do this and do what she says. I’m just wondering if others do it.

Some time ago I was speaking with a priest who is her spiritual director and mentioned some trips I was considering. He surprised me when he asked, “Have you run that by your SD?” And of course he knew very well who that was.😉

So, for those of you who have a spiritual director, do you do this?

And do any of you have an SD who is also a close friend?
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This is normal in spiritual direction. I think you will find this link and the related posts helpful.

What is spiritual direction?

Pax
 
It not necessary to inform your director if going to a lecture, workshop or taking a scripture class or something like that. I would inform her if you are going on retreat since she may have some suggestions. When I go on retreat it is a completely private and silent retreat so I ask my directors guidance as to what to focus on. If it is a directed retreat then just letting her know you are going is enough since you will be directed on the retreat. Just as a courtesy I would let her know if you were going on vacation.
 
Joannm said:
It not necessary to inform your director if going to a lecture, workshop or taking a scripture class or something like that. I would inform her if you are going on retreat since she may have some suggestions. When I go on retreat it is a completely private and silent retreat so I ask my directors guidance as to what to focus on. If it is a directed retreat then just letting her know you are going is enough since you will be directed on the retreat. Just as a courtesy I would let her know if you were going on vacation.
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True - “necessary” is the key word. However, the greatest benefits from spiritual direction come out of the habit of setting aside self will and in submitting oneself to another…very humbling.
 
Claire_from_DE said:
I pra
Is it common, when planning to go on retreat, religious seminar, or on a trip for any reason, other than short local jaunts, to submit your plans to your spiritual director? I’?
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certainly it would be wise to tell your director about a retreat or religious conference, or a pilgrimage, because those are precisely the kinds of situations where she can give good guidance. If your other travel plans will bring you into situations that might require direction (for some that might even include family visits) or simply affect your appointment schedule you might also mention that as well.

There is a dimension of humility and allowing oneself to be guided in choosing retreats, seminars, conferences, bible classes, even spiritual reading, that is very valuable in direction.
 
puzzleannie said:
certainly it would be wise to tell your director about a retreat or religious conference, or a pilgrimage, because those are precisely the kinds of situations where she can give good guidance. If your other travel plans will bring you into situations that might require direction (for some that might even include family visits) or simply affect your appointment schedule you might also mention that as well.

There is a dimension of humility and allowing oneself to be guided in choosing retreats, seminars, conferences, bible classes, even spiritual reading, that is very valuable in direction.
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Said like a 32k post professional…
 
I run everything that involves something to this nature by my SD. Not because I cannot make the decision myself, but becuase there is something wonderful and helpful about what He has to say and to advise. Also as previous posters has said it is a great practice in humility, of which I am in much need of, and also of obedience. I pretty much run a lot of things by him. And I have found this out, never once have I got burned by following his advice or his counsel [now this is not to say that I just blindly follow his advice either]. I have only gotten burned when I did not follow his advice. [He’s a priest by the way]. Heeding counsel has brought many blessings into my life.

My SD is a close friend because of the time we have gotten to know eachother. I do not think that you could not become a friend with your spiritual director over time.

Little One0307
 
Little_One0307 said:
I run everything that involves something to this nature by my SD. Not because I cannot make the decision myself, but becuase there is something wonderful and helpful about what He has to say and to advise. Also as previous posters has said it is a great practice in humility, of which I am in much need of, and also of obedience. I pretty much run a lot of things by him. And I have found this out, never once have I got burned by following his advice or his counsel [now this is not to say that I just blindly follow his advice either]. I have only gotten burned when I did not follow his advice. [He’s a priest by the way]. Heeding counsel has brought many blessings into my life.

My SD is a close friend because of the time we have gotten to know eachother. I do not think that you could not become a friend with your spiritual director over time.

Little One0307
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Sounds healthy to me.
 
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