🙏 Looking for a Spiritual Director?
A listener named Nola wrote in asking a beautiful and important question: “How do I find a spiritual director?”
Patrick recommends an article by Fr. Jordan Aumann, who wrote extensively on the topic. Patrick provided a reflection piece introducing one of Fr. Aumann’s chapters, which lays out the qualities to look for in a good spiritual director.
📋What Makes a Good Spiritual Director?
Fr. Aumann, like Patrick, emphasizes that it’s often best to seek out a Catholic priest. They usually bring a depth of spiritual experience, theological training, and a deep connection with the sacraments. That said, not all priests are trained spiritual directors… or therapists. Spiritual direction is something different. It’s not counseling, and it’s not just chatting about faith now and then. It’s a real relationship built on guidance, prayer, and personal growth in your walk with God.
Patrick explains that even with his background in theology and philosophy, he says he isn’t a spiritual director. He can give advice and insights, sure, but he knows that a trained spiritual director offers something deeper and more structured.
🧭How to Start Looking
Patrick suggests a few practical steps:
Read the article and pray about what resonates with you.
Check nearby religious communities: Dominicans, Carmelites, or monasteries in your area may have priests trained in spiritual direction.
Ask your parish priest. Just politely ask if they might have time for monthly spiritual direction. Even if they’re busy, they might know someone they can refer you to.
It’s a Journey, Not a Contract
Patrick says that it’s okay if it takes time to find the right person. Try meeting with a priest a few times. If it doesn’t seem like the right fit, that’s fine; you can keep looking.
A spiritual director can offer a kind of spiritual compass… helping you grow in virtue, shed your vices, and draw nearer to Christ.
Sometimes a good spiritual director will tell you something that stings. That might just be God working through them to shine a light on an area that needs healing or attention.
So, Patrick advises to pray, seek, discern, and don’t be afraid to ask. God has a way of putting the right people in our path when we sincerely want to grow closer to Him.
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