Spiritual Directors

[chatbox829]

if this is messed up it's my 1st poll just wanted to know your opinions

[the_rev]

Below is a post from my blog (To Jesus Through Mary, [url="http://mariandevotion.blogspot.com)"]http://mariandevotion.blogspot.com)[/url] I think spiritual direction is great! However if you get an evil liberal then it may not be so good. Look for a priest who loves the Church, adheres to the teaching, and is orthodox. That's what I did. I found a great one. He will be helping to sort through my life struggles, and give me the outlook of spirituality, and just help me to grow in love of our Lord. I totally recommend you having one!

[quote]
I officially have a spiritual director! Our first meeting went very well. Beside the fact I was fifteen minutes late. You see, I didn't realize their were two Catholic Church's in the city, and I had only been to one before. So I went to wrong the Church and had no idea how to get to the office I needed to be at. But what can I say, a priest is forgiving.

The session went very well. And I have been given two assignments. I am to read "Deus Caritas Est" (You can find a copy at Amazon.com) Also he gave me a book called "Faith Alive: A study companion to the Catechism" By Fr. Kevin Laughery, JCL. The book is out of print now, which Fr. J said was a shame. He told me he thought it'd be great for me come to understand the catechism more, and what the Church teaches.

Fr. J went to the same college seminary in which I will be applying too, he also is a very great and orthodox priest, (he will never be seen without black), and I think will be a great guide for me over the course of the next year before I enter the seminary. If you're discerning a vocation, actually just in general, get a spiritual director, advance in your spiritual life!

In the Lord,

Ed

[/quote]

[the_rev]

double post.

[Fides_et_Ratio]

Spiritual direction is a wonderful tool for those that know how to use it.

[memory-singer]

My spiritual director has been a source of support, insight and occasionally much needed correction on this journey of faith we call life. From my senior year in college until now, he has always "been there" for me. Giving up my monthly meeting with Fr. Alex is one of the most precious (and painful) gifts I offer to our Lord when I enter.

In other words, go for it. Direction Helps!!

Pax,

dare

[Guest phatdaddy]

Chaterbox,

Never having had a personal Spiritual Director it's hard for me to say. However I would like to make a distinction and a caution.

In my view, the concept of a Spiritual Director mostly applies to a situation where you are assured that following their direction is God's will for you. If a person takes a vow of obedience to always obey their Superior, then following their spiritual direction is following God and they can take this as objective. This is my understanding of "having a Spiritual Director".

I think what you are asking is: is it advisable to have a spiritual guide, one in whom you trust, one who is knowledgable in spiritual matters? I think it would be wonderful to have this person but they are few and far between. Each time you go to confession you are communing with Jesus and the words of direction from the confessor might very well come from God, you have to judge that in the moment. I guess in that respect, he is your spiritual director under those circumstanceses. However, there is no objective guarrantee that God is speaking to you except the words:" and I absolve you of your sins....." and so on.

My advice would be to seek a spiritual guide, of course. Either personally, or by the books they write, or the conferences they give, or even the example of their life. But choose wisely and remember they are only a guide.

A true Spiritual Director or guide is rare and you are blessed if you get one.
Mr. Ray

[Piccoli Fiori JMJ]

To be honest, I have gone nearly 3 years discerning the religious life with just me and my youth minister to talk to. I just e-mailed the Diocese's Vocation Director nearly 40 minutes ago to see if he could help make suggestions or help me find one who could help. He already named one priest in Rockford just by me telling him I was discerning to the cloistered contemplative life.

They do help I think because they can help you to discern spirits and how to improve yourself and become holier. We all want to be holy, no?

[chatbox829]

We all want to be holy, no?


YES we want to be holier thanks for the advice from all

[franciscanheart]

Everyone should have a spiritual director. They are VERY important, especially when discerning religious life. You'll be doing yourself a favor by getting one. Be picky.

[magnificat]

I think they're helpful generally...but always on God's time of course. What I mean is that He'll put the right person in your life at the right time if/when you need a SD.

[karin]

Having a sd is very good for anyone in any vocation. Marriage, Religious life, priesthood, single life and any other walks of life people are called. A spiritual director helps you discern God's will from your own, and helps you grow spiritually strengthening your prayer life. I have been blessed with an absolutley amazing parish priest who is also my sd and I am so thankful to God for that since it is difficult to find a good director. My prayers for you .
Karin