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Finding Spiritual Direction
Dear Holly,
How do you go about getting a spiritual director? I have an amazing priest in my parish. However, I find that during confession there is not enough time to get into details. Should I tell him I need more direction and time with him outside of confession?
Labels: 1st P Prayer
posted by Holly at 3:06 PM
2 Comments:
If you have an amazing priest at your parish, by all means, ask! If you have things on your mind and heart which you want to discuss, most parish priests will book separate appointments for a parishioner to come in and chat personally and receive guidance. Many times, as the priest becomes familiar with you and your situation, he will be all you need - someone to go and chat with a few times a year. As long as he gets to know you and understands the path God is leading you on.
But there is a more formal type of spiritual direction as well, in that there is a commitment on the side of both parties to undergo a certain relationship of director-directee. The director takes responsibility for guiding you,which is no light matter. To find a true director means that both you and the priest must discern in prayer if you are called to work with each other.
Times are tough and sometimes there aren't a lot of priests in our areas to work with. Given this, in the past, I have met with my parish priest when situational needs arose, and prayed for the Blessed Mother to put someone more constant and ongoing into my life in a more formal direction setting.
I felt God calling me to get Spiritual Director for a few months before I finally did. I had several excuses why I couldn't answer God's call - my paster & I had a rather public disagreement in the past, so I thought I couldn't go to him, one of the priests is young and I feel like mothering him, another priests always seems so overwhelmed with whatever he is doing. God practically hit me over the head and I made an appointment with the paster. I have been seeing him for about 4 months now. Currently, we meet once a month anywhere from 5 minutes to 1 hour. I cannot express how much I have grown and enjoyed these times.
If you have found a priest with whom you feel a connection, call the rectory and make an appointment. Spritual direction is one of the most important aspects of a priest's role. I am sure he will make time for you.
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