Should I be looking for another spiritual director?

Q: Dear Father John, I was wondering if you could give me a bit of perspective. I recently asked a director to help me in my discernment of religious life.  After he agreed I wrote out a summary of the context for my perceived call along with a list of my vices/faults, graces/strengths, etc. The arrangement was that after reading the letter, we would talk, with the idea that I would write... Read More

CSD Book Club – Navigating the Interior Life (Week 6 of 6)

Exterior Piety vs. Interior Joy  Millions stand within just a few feet of the grace necessary to ascend to the heights of heaven in this life (with limitations, of course) and to meet the smile of God face-to-face in the next. Many of these souls attend Mass weekly, or even daily, and they are engaged in devotions like praying the Rosary, Adoration, and regular Scripture reading. The great... Read More

CSD Book Club – Navigating the Interior Life (Week 4 of 6)

Mother Mary Many persons delude themselves maintaining that they reach union with God without having continuous recourse to our Lord who is the way, the truth, and the life. Another error would consist in wishing to go to our Lord without going first to Mary…Protestants have fallen into this last error. Without going as far as this deviation, there are Catholics who do not see clearly enough... Read More

CSD Book Club – Navigating the Interior Life (Week 3 of 6)

Spiritual Reading As part of any spiritual growth program, the seeker must be prepared to focus energies toward the preeminent goal of dynamic union with Christ.  One critical aspect of this journey involves intellectual formation through spiritual reading and study, leading to a more mature ability to discern truth from error.   A life-habit of regular spiritual reading and study is a key... Read More

Is it ok to have a spiritual director that is not as advanced as I am in prayer?

Q: Dear Dan, my spiritual journey seems to be leading me deeper into contemplative prayer. Is it important for me to find a director who is experienced in contemplation, or is it okay for me to have someone who is compatible with me in other areas but not necessarily in this? A: Dear friend, you have asked several good questions. That said, there are also a few questions that need to be answered... Read More

CSD Book Club – Navigating the Interior Life (Week 2 of 6)

Without exception, the teachings of the saints and spiritual doctors of the Church agree: spiritual direction is among the most powerful tools to help us in the battle. Do you know any wise doctors who treat themselves when they face serious health challenges? Have you heard of any top athletes who don’t have personal trainers and coaches? Spiritual direction is the means through which the... Read More

Announcing Our Next Book Club Reading: Navigating the Interior Life – Spiritual Direction and the Journey to God

Today is the day!  I’m so excited to introduce Dan Burke’s new book, Navigating the Interior Life – Spiritual Direction and the Journey to God.  This book has been nominated for Best Catholic Book of 2012, and reading it will no doubt be an edifying experience. The following passage was taken from the back of the book: Spiritual Direction is.. Understanding the general direction... Read More

CSD Book Club

The Imitation of Christ (Conclusion) So we’ve reached the end of one of the most-read devotional books of all-time. Has it changed your life? It’s certainly had an impact here. Before we began reading, I was very much intrigued by The Imitation, knowing that this book has borne much fruit – a resource for many a struggling sinner like myself; but one that has helped guide those sinners... Read More

Top ten reading list for spiritual directors (Updated – 2013)

Q: Dan, now that you mention technical books on spiritual theology… I’m wondering what would be your top 10 list of books in that area. I’m especially interested in books that would be helpful for a priest that would like to engage more seriously in spiritual direction, or books that you would recommend to a seminarian or for a seminary course in the area of spiritual direction.... Read More

Can I be friends with my spiritual director?

Q: Dear Dan, I just read your post on spiritual friendship. I will be going for spiritual direction soon.  I have some concerns. From what I’ve been reading, and what I have been feeling (fear, anxiety, restlessness, doubt if I should go ahead), spiritual direction is a very intensely personal thing I have to go through with a stranger (a priest alright)  if I want to improve my spiritual... Read More

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