Explore Spiritual Direction
Spiritual direction is the practice of creating sacred space for another, a space of comfort and trust, where we can tell our stories. It is a time to reflect on how God is present in our lives and calling us to a deeper relationship. It is about how God is present in the ordinary - making our stories, sacred stories.
It is offered in both individual and group settings. Confidentiality is essential to both. Discussions in spiritual direction are held in strict confidence. Individual direction provides time to explore your faith journey in an in-depth manner within a one-to-one setting. In group spiritual direction, members share their stories in a small group (3-5).
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What is Spiritual Direction?
Spiritual direction is essentially companioning someone in his or her spiritual life. A spiritual director listens to the person’s life story and is attentive with the directee to God’s call and presence as it unfolds in the ordinary events of life.
The goal of spiritual direction is to deepen one’s relationship with God by learning to recognize divine grace in all aspects of one’s life. Through monthly conversations, a spiritual director serves as a guide and companion on the journey of seeking God.
Other ways of describing spiritual direction include holy listening, spiritual friendship, or sacred journeying. It is the art of listening with an ear for the movement of the Holy, or the Divine, in the context of a trusting relationship.
Source: Sisters of St. Benedict, Ferdinand, Indiana
Spiritual Direction is not ...
Pastoral counseling, problem-solving, therapy, or catechism. Directees are not “directed” or told to do anything.
The True Spiritual Director
The image of three chairs is often used as a reminder that God is the true spiritual director. Creating sacred space includes entering into the presence of God through prayer and silence.
Join a Spiritual Companion Group
You are invited to be part of a Spiritual Companion Group. Companion comes from 'panis', the Latin word for bread, or one who shares bread with another. A spiritual companion group allows you to walk with others in your journey of faith - to explore and share the bread of life with others.
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Groups are Forming Now
Holy Listening is another name for spiritual direction. It is ancient practice in which the faithful listen for the guidance of the Holy Spirit (the true spiritual director). Spiritual direction is practiced in both individual and group settings. Both types explore how God is present in our lives, how we are called to a deeper relationship and our response to that call.
Confidentiality is central to both individual and group spiritual direction. Discussions in spiritual direction (what is shared by a director or directee, or by a group participant) are held in strict confidence.
In group spiritual direction, members share their stories in a small group setting. Members share a common bond – a desire to deepen their relationship with God. They are present to each other through prayerful listening and share in a setting where silence is used to make room for God. Members commit to confidentiality and to pray for each other. The members become companions to each other in their journey of faith. Hence the name, Spiritual Companion Groups.
Holy Listening is an Opportunity to:
- Enrich your prayer life and spiritual practices
- Share your hopes, joys and stuggles and explore God’s dream for you
- Receive support on your spiritual journey from others
Holy Listening is NOT:
- Pastoral counseling
- Problem-solving
- Catechism or therapy
Events
Check here for information on upcoming retreats and other events to inspire and support you on your spiritual journey - opportunities to "breathe God's air."
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Resources for You
We all need food for the journey. Here are some resources to nurture the seeds of your faith.
View List of Resources
Find a Spiritual Director
Tom and Celeste Deardorff
Tom and Celeste are graduates of the Audire (Latin for 'listen') formation program, sponsored by the Central Florida Foundation for Spiritual Direction. They are members of Resurrection Catholic Church in Lakeland. As former leaders of an ecumenical bible study group, they gained an appreciation for the common ground found with all people of faith. They are available to journey with persons across Christian traditions and those who identify as spiritual but not religious.
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Spiritual Directors International
Spiritual Directors International has a tool to look for spiritual directors in your area.
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