Monetary Offerings For Spiritual Direction

[Totus Tuus]

I have never thought of doing this or been asked to. Then again, my SD is an Opus Dei priest, and I imagine it is against their regulations to do so since direction is not even face-to-face, but in a confessional behind a screen.

[carmenchristi]

[quote name='Totus Tuus' timestamp='1346478539' post='2477067']
direction is not even face-to-face, but in a confessional behind a screen.
[/quote]

Really? Wow, I didn't know anyone did it like that. Interesting. I'm guessing that it is still separate from confession. How do you maintain continuity within that anonymity? Like, working on ongoing difficulties and struggles etc... Or does he know who you are when you go?

Also BarbaraTherese, I wanted to thank you for your response and for your prayers. I found much of what you said to be quite helpful. Thanks.

[BarbTherese]

[Slappo]

Another idea would be to donate to a particular charity or form of service that he is fond of, such as a local food or homeless shelter, and make the donation on his behalf. Write him a card with a note saying something like "X has been donated to Y on your behalf in thanksgiving to God for the help you have provided me"

I got that idea from the fact that my old spiritual director donates to the poor all mass stipends he receives.

[LouisvilleFan]

I went to a diocesan priest for spiritual direction for discerning a possible call to enter seminary for the diocesan priesthood. He never said anything about an offering for his time and service, and when I specifically asked he insisted that I owed nothing. Looking back, this seems reasonable considering I was seeking direction specifically to decide about entering seminary. If you are actively considering a vocation to priesthood or religious life, you have a certain "right" to spritual direction. However, those who are seeking direction for a more general purpose (growing out of an addiction, guidance for extended fasting, Ignatian retreat, etc) are likely expected to pay. Of course, it's probably negotiable for those who don't have the money. If they have a strict policy about paying, you will find out soon enough If they don't, it never hurts to ask anyway.

[carmenchristi]

[quote name='LouisvilleFan' timestamp='1349149707' post='2489119']
If you are actively considering a vocation to priesthood or religious life, you have a certain "right" to spritual direction.
[/quote]

I've been seeing the same spiritual director for 2 years now, my situation was the contrary... I was a religious, discerning whether or not to profess final vows. He helped me to discern out... so I was considering if, as a lay person, I should start giving something (even though the community never did). I suppose the simplest thing is always just to ask. I'm pretty sure what the answer will be anyway... it is really crucial for me to have an SD right now, and I have no money -- I'm sure he won't send me packing. lol

[LouisvilleFan]

And a few years down the road when you're in a better financial situation you can always make a donation or something.