O U R M I N I S T R Y
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some reasons why I might seek a spiritual director?
You might come for a variety of reasons: To reconnect with or get closer to God; to integrate spirituality into your daily life; to discern and make difficult choices; to share your hopes, struggles, and losses; to develop a sensitivity for justice and concern for the poor; to live more in accord with the essence or tenets of your faith community or affiliation; to have a safe space to express your doubts or questions about God, and for many other reasons.
What does a spiritual director “direct”?
Actually, she doesn’t really do much directing. The term spiritual director has been in use for a very long time and has historically been associated with the assistance given by members of the clergy in a penitent’s moral development. However, there were also spiritual mothers and fathers from the early centuries of Christianity that were sought for their spiritual wisdom and ability to accompany another on their journey with God. At Reditus, spiritual direction is guidance or “companioning”, wherein the seeker is helped by another, more spiritually mature person to discover God’s action in his or her daily life.
What happens in a typical spiritual direction session?
The first meeting is a chance to get to know each other and discuss what spirituality means to you and the reason you are seeking a spiritual director. Depending on your needs and desires, in the next session/s, I would ask you questions, listen to you, pray with you, and offer suggestions related to what you have told me. You might tell me about your prayer life, or an area in which you struggle spiritually, or a special consolation you have received in prayer. It will be different for each person, as God’s self-communication is unique to each individual.
Do I have to be Christian?
No. Spirituality transcends all denominations. All it takes is a sincere desire to seek God’s presence and movement in your life.
How long and how often do we meet?
A typical session lasts about an hour. The frequency is usually once a month, although that can vary depending on your needs.
What if I live far away?
Long distance spiritual direction is available by phone or online using voice or video calling.
How much does it cost?
The first meeting is complimentary. Afterwards, a small stipend is requested, on a sliding scale, and with special rates for senior citizens and students. Nobody who is seriously seeking spiritual direction will be turned away due to hardship or inability to pay. Also, some spiritual directors that are supported by orders or patrons do not charge any fees but rather request a free-will offering or donation. To find these directors, call any religious order or retreat center.
How do I know if it’s working?
Although the spiritual life is not something that can be measured or evaluated in quantitative ways, the hope is that you will be happier and more at peace. Often, growth and change take time. Sometimes, we might sense that God is silent or absent. Together, we would discuss your progress openly and follow a direction that works best for both of us.
How does spiritual direction differ from counseling?
While the main focus of counseling or therapy is your mental and emotional health and well-being and usually revolves around working through a particular problem, the focus of spiritual direction is on your relationship with God and the awareness of God’s movement in your life.
What else does Reditus have to offer?
We can be contacted to conduct group spiritual accompaniment sessions as well as custom retreats. Write or call us for more information or to schedule a consultation.
You might come for a variety of reasons: To reconnect with or get closer to God; to integrate spirituality into your daily life; to discern and make difficult choices; to share your hopes, struggles, and losses; to develop a sensitivity for justice and concern for the poor; to live more in accord with the essence or tenets of your faith community or affiliation; to have a safe space to express your doubts or questions about God, and for many other reasons.
What does a spiritual director “direct”?
Actually, she doesn’t really do much directing. The term spiritual director has been in use for a very long time and has historically been associated with the assistance given by members of the clergy in a penitent’s moral development. However, there were also spiritual mothers and fathers from the early centuries of Christianity that were sought for their spiritual wisdom and ability to accompany another on their journey with God. At Reditus, spiritual direction is guidance or “companioning”, wherein the seeker is helped by another, more spiritually mature person to discover God’s action in his or her daily life.
What happens in a typical spiritual direction session?
The first meeting is a chance to get to know each other and discuss what spirituality means to you and the reason you are seeking a spiritual director. Depending on your needs and desires, in the next session/s, I would ask you questions, listen to you, pray with you, and offer suggestions related to what you have told me. You might tell me about your prayer life, or an area in which you struggle spiritually, or a special consolation you have received in prayer. It will be different for each person, as God’s self-communication is unique to each individual.
Do I have to be Christian?
No. Spirituality transcends all denominations. All it takes is a sincere desire to seek God’s presence and movement in your life.
How long and how often do we meet?
A typical session lasts about an hour. The frequency is usually once a month, although that can vary depending on your needs.
What if I live far away?
Long distance spiritual direction is available by phone or online using voice or video calling.
How much does it cost?
The first meeting is complimentary. Afterwards, a small stipend is requested, on a sliding scale, and with special rates for senior citizens and students. Nobody who is seriously seeking spiritual direction will be turned away due to hardship or inability to pay. Also, some spiritual directors that are supported by orders or patrons do not charge any fees but rather request a free-will offering or donation. To find these directors, call any religious order or retreat center.
How do I know if it’s working?
Although the spiritual life is not something that can be measured or evaluated in quantitative ways, the hope is that you will be happier and more at peace. Often, growth and change take time. Sometimes, we might sense that God is silent or absent. Together, we would discuss your progress openly and follow a direction that works best for both of us.
How does spiritual direction differ from counseling?
While the main focus of counseling or therapy is your mental and emotional health and well-being and usually revolves around working through a particular problem, the focus of spiritual direction is on your relationship with God and the awareness of God’s movement in your life.
What else does Reditus have to offer?
We can be contacted to conduct group spiritual accompaniment sessions as well as custom retreats. Write or call us for more information or to schedule a consultation.
R E D I T U S M I N I S T R Y