Individual Spiritual Direction
Spiritual direction is a contemplative and confidential practice started in the Church centuries ago. Spiritual direction was created for people who desired a deeper intimacy with God. A spiritual director commits to being attentive with you as a support and a companion along your journey to God. The practice is God-oriented rather than goal-oriented, reflecting your relationship with God rather than fixing a particular problem. Typically a directee will meet with his or her director monthly or biweekly for an hour. Some Spiritual Directors on our team provide one-off spiritual direction sessions, recognizing that some people may prefer just a single session.
"Something in our nature necessitates external support for our development. God designed us on purpose to be dependent on others for our spiritual growth"
-St. Teresa of Avila
Group Spiritual Direction
Four to six people meet together once a month with a spiritual director, inviting them to share their own personal and authentic spiritual journeys and to seek transformation for the sake of others. The purpose of these groups is not counseling or therapy, but rather spiritual formation as each person becomes more likened to the image of Christ in their work for others. Thus, the intention of group spiritual direction is to help individuals grow in their faith, become more aware of God in their lives, and to love others more fully. Through practices like listening and prayerful observance, the group comes to an awakening of the soul. This awakening then leads to a life that is both purposeful and intentional.
The format is simple. The groups starts with a time of silence. Then one person is invited to share for about 10 minutes, speaking without interruption. After that there is a time of prayerful silence as the group members reflect on what they heard and listen for the voice of God on behalf of the person who just shared. This is followed by a response time where group members offer what came from the silence. At the close of the person’s presentation and the group’s response, there is another time of silence, during which each person prays silently for the person who just presented. Each person will have an opportunity to present.
Spiritual Exercises
The Spiritual Exercises are comprised of meditations, prayers, and contemplative practices developed by St. Ignatius Loyola to help people deepen their relationship with God. These exercises have also been adapted to meet the needs of people in modern times, being offered in a group format.
If you desire to deepen your relationship with Jesus, the Spiritual exercises can be a transforming journey. We are knowledgeable in both Larry Warner’s book, Journey with Jesus, an adaptation of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius, as well as Father Joseph Tetlow's St. Ignatius’s Spiritual Exercises, Choosing Christ in the World.
Emmaus walk
Solvitur Ambulando.. "it is solved by walking."
Instead of sitting inside, take a walk with a spiritual director. The Emmaus Walk is an intentional time of talking, listening and connecting with the Triune God in the beauty of creation.
The enneagram
Used to help personal transformation as well as collective, the term "Enneagram" stems from the Greek words ennea (nine) and grammos (a written symbol). Thus, the Enneagram symbol is nine-pointed, representing the nine distinct strategies for relating to the self, others and the world.
Our Enneagram-type test includes a profile that outlines your unique way of thinking, feeling and acting as well the insights into your inner motivation and worldview. Being able to know one's Enneagram type leads to not only a deeper understanding of one's self, but also to a recognition of Enneagrams types in others, translating to better communication in both the personal and professional realm.
2nd half spiritual direction
Explore the unique challenges that you face during the second half of life. A spiritual director will help you navigate challenges such as aging, loss, retirement, purpose and death.
spiritual formation classes
What is Christian Spiritual Formation?
Silence and Solitude
Self Care as a Spiritual Practice
Scripture Meditation
Prayer as Listening
An Invitation to a Deeper Spiritual Life
Discerning God's voice in the midst of silence
Lectio Divinad
A Rule of Life
silent retreats
A time of reflection and peace
Creating Space
An introduction to six facets of the spiritual disciplines as seen in the life of Jesus. The focus of the group will be to create space in your days to practice the presence of God. It will be a time for encouragement and renewal as relationships are deepened with others and with God. This practice is based on the book, Streams of Living Water: Celebrating the Great Traditions of Christian Faith by Richard Foster.