Spiritual Director

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I’ve heard getting a spiritual director is an immense help in enhancing your spiritual life and discernment. I have no idea where to look or how to find one. I’ve tried Siri, she’s not much help. She justs suggests a good restaurant. Anyone out there have one, or know where to find one?

:getholy:
 
I’ve just been through finding a new spiritual director after my long-time director moved to another area.

My advice:
  1. Pray. If the Holy Spirit wants you to have a director, you’ll have one.
  2. Be persistent. You may check with one person who isn’t accepting new directees or check with another who isn’t available at a time you can meet. Ask for more recommendations and keep following up.
  3. Be willing to be inconvenienced. You may not be able to find a good director nearby so figure out how far you’re willing to travel to meet with someone.
  4. Be willing to be surprised. You may have an image of a perfect director based on age, vocation, sex, etc. But perhaps the right director for you at this time is a different age or has a different vocation.
In general I would suggest checking with your pastor as a first step. He likely will not be available, but he may know who is. You may also check with a local convent, monastery, or retreat house. Even if they don’t offer spiritual direction, they may be able to make suggestions.

I would recommend avoiding generic directories including the one from Spiritual Directors International. Your soul is too important to trust to a name on a list, and there’s not necessarily a vetting process before people get their names listed.
 
I would take it that you have a regular confessor. If you don’t, seek one out. If you do, ask him. Many confessors, already knowing the state of their penitents’ souls, are willing to expand their role into spiritual direction. If he is not able to due to his pastoral charge or some other issue, ask him if he would make a recommendation. Many retired priests are very willing and able to direct souls and have the time to do it, but they don’t advertise the fact. The same is true with many religious.
 
SuscipeMeDomini has saved me some typing by providing the advice I would give.

Finding the right SD can take a long time. Please do not let this discourage you.

God bless! 🙂
 
Check with your diocesan office.

My dioceses use to have a list of available spiritual directors.

Jim
 
There is a section in my church’s weekly bulletin that list’s some numbers for directors within the parish, so it doen’t have to be so elusive. I second just approaching someone at your parish (Pastor, Deaon, administrator…etc). I’m thinking of seeking one out myself so this thread is pretty apropos. 🙂
 
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