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 emails every week or two,... 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 so that we can avoid common... 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. I would appreciate your input. A:... 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 life, but then, I cannot... Read More

Spiritual Direction On the Rise

Picture this: A person, young or old, is practicing the faith yet naturally wants to grow in his or her relationship with Jesus and become closer to God. Can the faithful — or should they — turn somewhere for guidance? They can. After all, didn’t Jesus send the disciples out two by two? Saints like Catherine of Sienna have said something in our nature necessitates external support for our development. She taught that... Read More

Navigating the New Year

Lay people often overlook a source of deep spirituality and safety. One of the spiritual secrets of those in the religious life is a kind of spiritual guardrail system that helps them to know the path of peace on a moment to moment basis. This wisdom-born approach has aided thousands of ordinary people to become saints and to experience the heights of union with the Lord in this life. One part of this system is called a “rule... Read More

Three Priests Talk About Spiritual Direction

Spiritual Direction is often misunderstood, misused, or overlooked. To help unmask the intrigue and bring it out of obscurity, I asked three priests–Fr. Mitch Pacwa S.J., Fr. John McCloskey III STD, and Fr. Wayne Sattler –to share their thoughts on spiritual direction. I will introduce each separately, and then offer their reflections. Father Mitch Pacwa S.J. is perhaps best known as a host on EWTN TV and radio.... Read More

Spiritual Mentorship Training Opportunity

Dear Friends, The following is an announcement for a unique opportunity for spiritual mentorship training this coming year. Please read it and pass it along to anyone you know who might be called to be a spiritual mentor or spiritual director. We are particularly interested in having deacons attend. I plan to be there this year in May. I hope to see you as well. Catholic Spiritual Mentorship Program “Encounter leds... Read More

Does emotional suffering hinder spiritual growth?

Q: Dear Dan, since many people may suffer from some level of emotional immaturity due to childhood experiences, what effect does this have on becoming spiritually mature? Problems such as shyness, depression, lack of self-confidence, sensitivity to criticism, etc. affect trust in God and being able to benefit from spiritual direction.  What advice would you give those are in such a situation who are seeking spiritual direction... Read More

Spiritual Direction Through the Wind and Waves – Book Recommendation

Though much has been written on the topic of spiritual direction, modern wisdom is hard to come by. I was delighted to stumble upon a more recent treatment of the topic written for spiritual directors. Through Wind and Waves – On Being a Spiritual Guide by Francis Fernandez-Carvajal is only the second book to make my list of must-reads for spiritual directors. There is no doubt that Father Fernandez-Carvajal has a deep... Read More

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