Spiritual Directors

[LiveforChrist]

Hey Everyone,

I’ve heard that having a spiritual director is a good thing to have, but I am curious… Who quilfies as a spiritual director, and if I do find myself one, what would I talk about with him/her?

Thanks and God Bless,
LifeForChrist

 

[po18guy]

Your Priest is the first one to go to for spiritual direction. If he does not or cannot offer direction, he may refer you to someone else. It can be clergy or religious, occasionally even a lay person. You want to make the fullest use of the charisms that you received from the Holy Spirit, as well as deepen your relationship with the Lord. It takes someone to discern, along with you, what your charism(s) is and how to deepen that relationship.

 

[charliedrake]

Be careful who you choose, there can tremendous difference between Priests just as a profession therapists,

 

[LiveforChrist]

Be careful who you choose, there can tremendous difference between Priests just as a profession therapists,

See, that’s another problem I have… My parish has two priests assigned to it, (cause we are clustered with two other parishes.) it’s hard to choose between the two. :sad_yes:

 

[SuscipeMeDomine]

Hey Everyone,

I’ve heard that having a spiritual director is a good thing to have, but I am curious… Who quilfies as a spiritual director, and if I do find myself one, what would I talk about with him/her?

Thanks and God Bless,
LifeForChrist

Choosing a spiritual director can be difficult in two ways. One is that it can be hard to find someone who is available for direction and the other is that it can be difficult to find someone who is qualified.

As far as qualifications, anyone can call themselves a spiritual director. Unlike someone who claims to be a doctor, the state doesn’t offer a license with certain minimum requirements. Unlike someone who claims to be a priest, the Church doesn’t require approval from the bishop or other requirements.

Priests may or may not be available for direction. And they may or may not be good directors even if they are priests. Seminaries don’t offer courses in spiritual direction.

If I were looking for a new director, I would probably start by talking with my pastor. I wouldn’t necessarily think that he would be available – in fact, I know for certain that his practice is not to offer direction for parishioners so as not to be accused of playing favorites. But he might know of someone who would be available. If he didn’t have any suggestions, I’d be inclined to check with a nearby monastery, convent, retreat house, etc.

Once you find someone who is available, it would be worth a conversation or two to see if it seems like a good match and if this is someone who can help you to lead a more God-centered life.

 

[LiveforChrist]

Ch in fact, I know for certain that his practice is not to offer direction for parishioners so as not to be accused of playing favorites.

Aww seriously? I can’t think of anyone I’d trust enough to talk to besides my pastor…

 

[jfmarm81]

I was curious about this too so I’m glad you posted the questions…One of the priests at my parish completed a spiritual director course. He is a smart and learned man and I had been thinking about asking him to be my spiritual director but I was a bit more curious as to what they do and all that. I’m glad to have stumbled onto this thread…

 

[InLight247]

The purpose of spiritual direction is no less than making saints. It helps us work toward holiness and get closer to God. You can talk to your spiritual director about any your life concerns, how the life incident affects your spirituality and your relationship with God. You may discuss any of your reflections, the spiritual book you recently read, your prayer life, your relationship with other people, things you feel you have made progress, or any area you like to improve etc. If the spiritual director is a priest, you may give your confession at the end. You listen and follow the spiritual director’s advice and keep on working toward holiness, get closer to God. Hope this helps.

 

[KCT]

It’s nice having a neutral 3rd party who can see things in my life I might not. Much more objective and can cut through the malarkey!