Spiritual Director

[owr39]

Hello everyone, I was wondering if anyone can offer some advice as to how I’d find a spiritual director. I’ve used a website that gave me locations of some who are around me, and it seems to be defunct. I’ve even emailed a few priests, but unfortunately didn’t get a response. Any information would be appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[Casilda]

I have been searching for about four years now. I also tried contacts through a ‘website’ only to find they are not Catholic but ‘spiritual’ and that can lead off the path where I want to be. Not good.

I have instead devoted time to researching pilgrim or retreat centers, monasteries, etc in hopes of one day contacting a spiritual director. Until then I read about the saints, the Doctors of the Church, there is sure footing there.

 

[SuscipeMeDomine]

First, you pray. The Holy Spirit is the true spiritual director.

Then I’d recommend talking with the pastor of your parish. Even if he’s not available himself, he may know of people nearby. If you have a convent, monastery, retreat house, or similar place nearby you might check with them as well. You might also check with your diocese. Often they focus on spiritual direction for those discerning vocations, but they may know of people who are more generally available.

I would not be inclined to rely on a web site to find a spiritual director. The biggest one I know of has no minimum requirements in order to be listed. You send your money in and they list you.

 

[MaryHelp777]

If you are really stuck,

Talk briefly with an understanding priest after confession,
They may not have time though,

Any religious orders near you?

Say to your local priest, that you were wondering was he free for spiritual direction once a month

 

[PapyrusDouay]

First, you pray. The Holy Spirit is the true spiritual director.

Then I’d recommend talking with the pastor of your parish. Even if he’s not available himself, he may know of people nearby. If you have a convent, monastery, retreat house, or similar place nearby you might check with them as well. You might also check with your diocese. Often they focus on spiritual direction for those discerning vocations, but they may know of people who are more generally available.

I would not be inclined to rely on a web site to find a spiritual director. The biggest one I know of has no minimum requirements in order to be listed. You send your money in and they list you.

This. This is pretty much exactly what I would have written.

Try calling your pastor, and speaking to him directly on the phone, or setting up an appointment to speak with him in person. Let him know what you’re looking for, maybe why as well. Pastors are very busy people though, so he may or may not be able to personally be your spiritual director. Chances are, he’ll have some recommendations or suggestions.

If you have a confessor you go to regularly you can ask him as well. Some people like to integrate spiritual direction and confession. Others believe they should be separate. You’ll find folks span both sides of the fence on that, so it would really be up to you.

If there’s a Catholic high School or College near you, look there, especially if they are administered by a religious order. Often the order will have a senior/ retired community there or nearby who are available for spiritual direction as a way to stay active ministry.

 

[SuscipeMeDomine]

Good thought about asking at a Catholic high school or college. Finding an older religious can be a real blessing – they have a lot of grace and wisdom to impart.