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Spiritual Direction
Cathy Olds
Coordinator Adult Faith Formation and Social Ministry
(480) 899-1990 ext. 130
Spiritual Direction encourages you to explore a closer relationship with God. In the midst of a busy life, many people find it difficult to notice God's action in their daily affairs. Yet, at the deepest level, all of us long for a more conscious experience of God's presence and love.
Discern God's Presence
In spiritual direction, you reflect deeply on the experiences of your daily life. Gradually, as you reflect, you may begin to recognize God's presence and grace in your life. You may come to realize how God's spirit is truly with you every day and everywhere. You discover that God has been waiting for you to seek this closer relationship.
Spiritual direction is really not about being directed. Rather, it is very much about being encouraged to draw closer to God. Spiritual direction invites you into this relationship not matter what your life circumstance or religious participation. God seeks you where you are.
Gifts of Spiritual Direction
You might come to spiritual direction for a variety of reasons, including to:
- Identify and trust your own experiences of God.
- Integrate spirituality into your daily life.
- Discern and make difficult choices.
- Share struggles, losses or disappointments.
- Find encouragement and affirmation.
- Grow in relationship with God, self, others and creation.
Meet with a Spiritual Director
The privilege and responsibility of a spiritual director is to journey with you as you deepen your relationship with God. The journey takes place in the context of confidential, one-on-one sessions with your spiritual director.
Most spiritual directors have extensive training and formation and are seasoned in the art of spiritual direction. Spiritual directors continue tending the spiritual life by engaging in ongoing education, confidential supervision, and also meeting regularly with a spiritual director.
You and your spiritual director will agree on a convenient location and time for meeting, usually once a month for an hour. Many spiritual directors request a nominal fee, some receive your free will donation, and others offer their time to you. Together you may agree upon what is beneficial for your relationship.
After three or four sessions, you will have the opportunity to evaluate the relationship. Whether your relationship with the spiritual director continues for many years or for only a short period of time, it is very important to be comfortable with the spiritual director you choose. What is shared between you is held in confidence.
Group Spiritual Direction
There are several groups here at St. Andrew that meet monthly or bi-monthly to listen and support one another on the spiritual journey. We meet in groups of men or women for about two hours praying together and using a variety of resources to help us listen to God and one another.
Contact Cathy Olds to find a spiritual director or for more information.