Do You Need a Spiritual Director?

The question of whether one needs a spiritual director is a popular one. Fr. Mark-Mary and Mother Clare explain what spiritual direction is, who needs it, and who is ready for it.
Mother Clare never expected she would be a spiritual director, but she now fulfills that role for many who are seeking guidance. For someone who is newly getting into their faith, spiritual direction may not be the right choice. A person needs time to grow in their relationship with the Lord on their own before seeking guidance from someone else on how to do so.
The number of spiritual directors is limited. Those who are available can’t say yes to everyone.
Those who seek spiritual direction are usually seeking guidance, advice, formation, and possibly a confessor. These can be obtained from various alternative sources, including faith-filled friends, solid faith formation content, prayer, and a consistent priest who can hear your confession at least once a month.
Spiritual reading is a good alternative or supplement to a spiritual director as well. Reading is formative. Scripture, the writings of the saints, the Catechism, and the Lives of the Saints are all tools you can use to grow in holiness.
If someone is discerning something big like religious life, marriage, or another potentially life-changing decision, it may be wise for them to seek out a spiritual director. If you’re in this situation, ask God to direct you to the right spiritual director.
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[@Rose-xk5sy]

'To stop praying would be like severing off my right arm.'✨ i wana get there

[@orig999]

Second that

[@77thTrombone]

Me too. Seems to be a process. Further, concerning _all the evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls,_ I am *convinced* that their most effective technique is to disrupt & interrupt our progress on this path.

[@lakotafire2804]

I'm there, O how blessed the feeling! Open yourself up completely to the Holy Spirit and don't force anything. He will lead you by your hand. Set aside a specific time to pray and remember, should you be tempted to put off prayer, you are telling God that someone or something is more important than Him. May God surround, embrace and bless you.

[@lakotafire2804]

@@orig999 I'll pray for you. Please see my response to Rose.

[@jamesmorrissey2297]

I'm 60 years old. I've returned to my faith after being in a worldly and destructive lifestyle. I got to Mass weekly and confession at least once every two weeks. I pray the Rosary daily and the Divine mercy Chaplet , most days. My life is at the bottom of the social realm. I live at a rescue mission and have no steady job or my own transportation.

[@barbaracimini1447]

God bless you for your perseverance!

[@pafueraelpldyprm1019]

You got it rough but LOVE God with all your heart and soul it is not easy to do it for we are only human but the will to try is enough to God's eyes.Have faith,Speak to him like the therapist he is ,he understand and he love hearing from you.Pray as much as you can but do it with love and faith.Eventually God will help you but you gotta give effort aswel.Good luck and it never too late to start again from scratch and become successful in life.Ask for God for wisdom and always be patience ☺

[@MoonlightNothing]

Bless you, how's it going? Life is hard, try to help where you can. Even low as you feel, (me, too) we are worthy. We are God's children.

[@Ian-dn6ld]

Hey, I hope you see this. If not, I hope I guess someone who is supposed to does? Even if you don't really consider yourself to be at the top of the social food chain or don't own a house or car, remember. God owns nothing. Even the angels choose Him and choose to do His Will, because it is right. Something I'd read the other day was that His only jewelry was and are the cross and crown of thorns. I'm not sure what else there is to say, but don't become disheartened by it. You'll find what you're supposed to find when you're supposed to find it.

[@tempesnyder6243]

I’m sending strength.

[@Marieejoanna]

Praise God for spiritual directors. They truly are big blessings. Can’t wait to see mine tomorrow.

[@susangrande8142]

Joanna Adriano I’m with you there, sister! 😄🙏💝

[@mauronicolascanseco1643]

Just wonderful, I have been researching "higher spiritual guidance" for a while now, and I think this has helped. Have you heard people talk about - Banulian Lonameron Breakthrough - (search on google ) ? Ive heard some super things about it and my co-worker got excellent results with it.

[@keeplearning4441]

This is just superb, been searching for "spiritual guidance on marriage" for a while now, and I think this has helped. You ever tried - Banulian Lonameron Breakthrough - (Have a quick look on google cant remember the place now ) ? Ive heard some extraordinary things about it and my mate got excellent success with it.

[@gabolujan3109]

They always tell me no. I want one.

[@annmaryjohn6012]

So true, befriending saints are really great. Reading spiritual classics of saints really helps us to grow in holiness.

[@doctorjenny]

I asked Jesus to be mine, but he handed back my old Spiritual Director who used to be an RJM sister in Islamabad, and is now based in Rhode Island! How wonderful is that! We wouldn't have thought to set this up, except for Covid!

[@wreloise1]

Yes, and I’m over 60....and still willing to grow spiritually Thank you

[@BindingTheYoke]

St Francis de Sales said a spiritual director ought to be a devout 10 years in the spiritual life and preferably a priest in order to give good counsel. I think in some ways the lack of priestly spiritual directors for the devout laity is a blessing in disguise since so many priests have poor theological foundations and a deformed Christian ideology enculturated by worldly doctrines. So even though the spiritual ascent many be twice as hard for those striving for direction, it is better to have no director at all, than a bad one.

[@baoduong2203]

Excellent video. I have been discerning the priesthood for about 3-4 years. I am entering the seminary in August. I was not able to find a spiritual director, but I regular spoke with my confessor and with a friend who runs a friary (he is a traditional Franciscan order). But I am excited to finally have a spiritual director once I enter into the seminary. Introduction to the devout life by St. Francis De Sales is a wonderful spiritual reading.

[@lakotafire2804]

You are in my prayers as you learn to work with the Holy Trinity in leading multitudes to eternal salvation.

[@katierotuno8600]

Thank you for this video! I’ve had a recent conversion back to my faith. Your video helped me realize I don’t necessarily need a spiritual director just yet.

[@brylynt53]

I’m currently reading Interior Castle by St Teresa of Avila and Human Frailty, Divine Redemption by Marko Ivan Rupnik SJ. I usually “devour” the books I read, but I’ve had to slow down and contemplate what the authors are trying to communicate to me. I’ve had to re-read some paragraphs, which is not typical for me. A spiritual director would be nice, but in these days of quarantine (especially for the elderly), that is not open to me. I will continue to read and pray for enlightenment.

[@lakotafire2804]

I'm reading The Way of Perfection by St. Teresa of Avila, its almost as though the book is leading me by the hand. She and Pope St. John Paul II have given me such guidance. How fortunate we are to have them. I'm closest to the Holy Spirit, especially when I pray and contemplate the Holy Rosary.

[@allancuseo7431]

At one point I had 2. One was a Roman Catholic nun, the other an Episcopalian lay woman...wonderful to have.

[@maycamilleri8308]

What you both are saying is all so true. It is a pipe dream right now. Confession is quick and better have it written.

[@mercykigera3262]

Yes I need a spiritual director. I have heard of a spiritual director recently and I have always wanted to know whom he or she is and am so glad I found this video. Its been almost two months now since my reversion and prayer has really become a part of me. In this journey of my discipleship a spiritual director is important in my life and thanks for this video 😊

[@matthewjunio]

I definitely do need one. But I don’t think anyone is available. My life has not been great and I need help.

[@JamesSmith-jf1hz]

Help with?

[@emiliomilian369]

Arthur Morgan his spiritual life

[@JamesSmith-jf1hz]

Emilio Milian Yeah but what specifically you know? Their is so many aspects 2 a spiritual life.

[@faithbreathes9598]

Matthew Junio Check out the local brothers/priests, usually they are trained in spiritual direction. Local Catholic uni chaplain (if they’re a priest/brother) should be also! Pax ❤️

[@emiliomilian369]

Arthur Morgan Arthur Morgan yes you’re right, idk. Maybe he speaking in general. Only he knows.

[@julialopes5054]

Love it! God bless and Holy Mary guide all of us!

[@JesusIsLove2512]

Praise the Lord Jesus Christ 🙏 Mother Mary Pray For Us 🙏Abba Father Bless us and we Adore You 🙏

[@maggietherese419]

I was just reading the Diary of St. Faustina and she was talking about needing a spiritual director, and then I got the KZbin notification for this video. I love when this happens ☺

[@MG-sb2bj]

Thank you Fr. Mark and Mother Claire. These videos from Ascension have been great in giving spiritual direction, and food for thought especially when a lot of us cannot connect with a Spiritual director. As Mother said read, and learn. I'm not an avid reader and so in my case I rather listen to the videos or talks and learn in this way. Thank you for the confessor idea and thoughts on it. God bless.

[@ruthnoelmarie...9061]

I’ll always be alright. My Savior guides and is next to me daily.

[@beverlyharward9631]

Yes, we do. The spiritual directors name is Jesus, the Christ. Our Mediator and redeemer of our very lives.

[@thomasbryant2486]

Jesus is great but sometimes we need help from his other disciples to point us in the right direction. Ex. I'm in Vocational discernment. My spiritual director holds me accountable and is a great outside input for helping me to follow Christ.

[@LovesChristOnly]

Thomas Bryant The Holy Spirit will keep you in the right direction. Trust no man. Only trust Jesus.

[@jusme2888]

@@LovesChristOnly wrong. Everyone needs a spiritual director and should pray for one. Because people can make the error of following their emotions and thoughts thinking that it's from The Holy Spirit because it "seems" good. Read the diary of Saint Faustina, or look up Fr. Ripperger.

[@77thTrombone]

I know "small groups" is a 4-letter word among Catholics, but my Methodist friends use small groups religiously (yes, pun intended) to keep themselves on the straight & narrow. Yes, the pastor & leaders need to constantly remind all about correct group behaviors to keep out any tendency toward cattiness, cliques, gossip, judgementalism, etc so that each group can maintain an environment of candor and intimacy in their walk with Christ. Going "full solo" Christian.... well, it's possible, but not recommended. I recommend either the Catholic/Orthodox sacraments (for those with high church orientation,) or the actively engaged small groups (for Christians with more odd a low church bent.) _[and of course any one who expresses this sentiment in a way that transcends Orthodoxy through Wesleyanism is destined to get promptly stoned by all sides. I will take my lumps, in Christ.]_ ✝️🙏☦️

[@LovesChristOnly]

Jus Me Well then I guess those who are totally alone with no believers around, example like an all Muslim community or a tribe, are doomed because they will not have a “person” leader.

[@baseballmomof8]

The Imitation of Christ is a perfect Director 🙂

[@smc4jmj1]

This was so perfect for me to listen to. Thank you for the advice. My love and prayers always 🙏🏻❤️

[@medinamullins5064]

Thank you both, Fr. Mark-Mary and Mother Clare for making this video. God's timing is always right on time. I believe that growing closer to the Lord goes hand in hand with coming to know the contents of your own soul and that is an ever growing process that truly never ends while on this earth. That is the beauty of Gods love, truly. I do believe at this point in my journey and life though that I do need a spiritual director but I am rather lost as to what to do next, who to turn to for that guidance and assistance. I have prayed in earnest for God to help me to live in my design. My conversion to Christianity two years ago led me to a particular church, I believe I was led there to help me grow in my faith but now I am at another fork in the road where I believe I am being led to convert to Catholicism and I am kind of at a loss as to what to do next because honestly I thought that where I was led, is where I would stay. Also there is one particular relationship in my life that I believe with all my heart came from God, he brought us together from thousands of miles away, which is truly a miracle in and of itself, but now I am in an unknown with that as well, where I simply do not know what is happening to be honest. I believe all of these unknowns are meant to build up my trust in God. To trust Him above all else and I am going to be honest here, at times it is rather difficult because I have absolutely no idea what is happening ha ha. I know God works in silence and he is working, I know that he is. I just need to not be in such a rush to know and accept the present which is all we got. Prayers of guidance for me on this journey called life , would be much appreciated. Thanks to all of you for making these videos for those who are seeking the Lord with all their heart, mind and soul. Blessings.

[@kathleenwharton2139]

God is With You. Jesus Holy Spirit is Within You. You Have a Spiritual Director..the BEST Spiritual Director Already! I relied on men for many years and was mislead and harmed. Jesus Said..”To Seek Him and His Righteousness.” It is fine to have community..but we must always listen to God Within our Own Mind and Heart.

[@jean6061]

This was very helpful - thank you!

[@santanacreationlimited7409]

Grateful to see this video, I am discerning over my marriage whether to go with a divorce or not and seeking the counsel of a spiritual director recently and in the process meeting with him has been joyful to my troubled heart. So am grateful for my Spiritual Director 🙏

[@gigifontanilla6288]

my spiritual director has been one of the biggest blessings of my life. great video - thanks!

[@jtaylor0727]

I like that simple expression.... "trying to follow the Lord" that is what we all do... ... TRY.... because it is so hard to do ... but the journey is the .... WAY...

[@helenmccann9084]

Somos peregrinos poco a poco vamos a llegar

[@jtaylor0727]

Oh, if you can not find a great ... truly qualified spiritual Director... a solid good friend who works hard to be on a significant path with the Lord makes a mighty good spiritual.... supporter... sharing your faith is very ... what ...??? Solidifying??? And satisfying...

[@survivorssmile1812]

Thank you Fr. Mark-Mary and Mother Clare for this video. There were a lot of big questions at the beginning and I think one that got jumped over (or the answer was implicit) is what spiritual direction actually is. I would love to hear you both talk about that some time soon! God bless ascension family:) Ian

[@Anonymous-xo2ou]

Very helpful, thank you! I thought I needed a spiritual director, but now I think I'm more likely in the "coaching stage" where I would benefit the most from a daily prayer regimen, more frequently receiving the sacraments, and seeking a regular confessor rather than church hopping for confession. Thanks!!!

[@jasbaklinski]

It really depends on your reasons. Far to many people use spiritual directors to make tough decisions for them. I have also encountered people with terrible directors who justify terrible decisions because, “my director told me to”

[@justinesparrow4977]

Well everyone does, right? 😁 I am in search of one too. My prayer life is in turbulances right now, but... there are no priests, all too busy. Pray for me.

[@jettoh]

Where are you based ?

[@gorohovaolga3915]

I will always pray for you

[@aintgonnaletuknow5758]

thank God my biological father is my spiritual director

[@jettoh]

Yes we all should have spiritual directors... Just like in business , we have mentors, in health n fitness, we have coaches... No man is an island... I was baptised as a Catholic in 2006... But somehow could not find a spiritual director... Maybe I wasn't ready... Until two years ago, when I come to meet up with friends from the Work. Am blessed to know them and help me with my spiritual formation. God bless 🙏🏻

[@chrisobrien6254]

But does the knowledge and wisdom that you come by from spiritual direction something that you can only accumulate from spiritual direction or is spiritual direction just another way of getting from A to B? For instance you might tell someone if you wanna get smarter then go to college. Well yes but is that the only way?

[@myralongoria9940]

Thank You 😊

[@ruthnoelmarie...9061]

A Blessed Good Friday to y’all. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@agustinapunte3838]

Estoy haciendo una novena sobre el tema de dirección espiritual, a ver si encuentro a alguien y me llega este video 😂 Dios es explícito . Father Mark Mary your are me spiritual director by internet This days

[@hiccups55]

I need and pray for a spiritual director. My former employer who is an Opus Dei member suggested it to me. Please pray for me. Amen.

[@renegoldsmith6281]

All the Priests are busy. No time. I get the impression that I am bothering them. I went on an Honduras mission trip, and the Lord used me to heal someone. Came back and went to a Priest for guidance, and he had 7 min. if, for me. Busy. Saw him many times since that day. No interest. GOD USED ME TO HEAL AN 86 YEAR OLD WOMAN AND I NEEDED GUIDANCE!!!

[@Hopeful2431]

Thank you for this! 🙏🏼❤️

[@cadenoneal1463]

Great video! Thank You!

[@SevenDeMagnus]

Interesting. True, it's hard to get a spiritual director, most don't have the time but by God's grace, I have one:-) Pray and fast for him and me, that we may become great saints. God bless, Revelation 21:4

[@srmaliajosfefa3739]

English captions? This is important to provide English captions for anyone who wants to understand the role and support that spiritual directors offer, esp in discernment of vocations and steps on growth in holiness/prayer life. Put on the CAPTIONS please!

[@cj7girl280]

Could you make a video on a general message on how to know God's will for us in life including what state of life God is calling us?

[@wreloise1]

YES

[@michaellawlor5625]

The scrupulous need it, and the church needs to do more, especially since it ripped Christianity apart.

[@claireevans7014]

Absolutely. It goes to show you how much scrupulosity can truly torment a soul to tragic consequences.

[@emiliomilian369]

Thankfully, to be scrupulous is something no practicing Christian can be a part of. It is because of scrupulosity that one needs a living spiritual director- not just books.

[@christophewakim3587]

Scrupulousity made me wanna suicide because of Blasphemy and lust

[@michaellawlor5625]

@@claireevans7014 It's the worst. I'm very uneasy. I'm getting stomach problems as well, because the body needs a out. I can handle it better than I used to and most of the time can do what I need to do. Would love a great spiritual director who knows this inside and out. The church should do more, and have lots of spiritual directors because people need a shepherd, and a sheep without a shepherd is a lost one.

[@michaellawlor5625]

@@christophewakim3587 St ignatius of loyola thought about suicide with scrupulosity. He used to pray for hours then jump through a hole. He also said, is there a dog I can follow?

[@marymccannfrancis9855]

Amen beautiful thank you may God bless you

[@joannebywaters4154]

Thank you for sharing this video!!🤗💞🙏

[@ejimnelson4047]

oh im so much blessed but i really need a spiritual director

[@sharonthompson8061]

Did you find one? Who did you approach?

[@monsitime9370]

Bring back the live mass!! Please 💖

[@saraabbrescia1002]

I been praying for 4 years to get a spiritual director

[@rachel12244]

Thank you so much for this ! Please make more videos on this topic

[@kathyallam926]

I don't have a Spiritual Director 😞. I never had one in my whole life. I always wanted some like this in my life. It would be a tremendous blessing to me if I can have someone as am trying to cultivate daily prayers ( which I have ). I can't get this in my church and always struggled to get any direction and growth in my spiritual life. I want to grown my spiritual external and interior inorder to be closer to God, Mary, Joseph. I am wanting to grow to be more aware with my journey towards God.

[@Name-le2cc]

Thanks this video was very informative

[@PamelaBoyer]

Please pray for me. ✝️🙏

[@LoriBothwell]

I was literally directed by Jesus at 3am this morning and given specific details how to go about it such as the name of the centre etc as if the Holy Spirit just took over and is leading me on the right path ✝️🕊️

[@dominiquer.9042]

Praying that I find a spiritual director and confessor 🙏

[@EK-sz5no]

Yes i do

[@Bazerkly]

"EXCELLENT"

[@justgrace6984]

The Lord asked me to get one

[@chrisobrien6254]

I mean I know people who don’t receive spiritual direction who are better people than those who do 🤷‍♂️. Getting spiritual direction I don’t think means that you are going to integrate the spiritual lessons that you hear into your life better than the people who don’t receive those lessons from spiritual direction. I think it’s potentially beneficial but not essential

[@blujeans9462]

I don't know if there are any available - but I may not be at the right level yet...poco a poco.. :-). Started reading The Diary (St Faustina) - oh my...yes - slow, contemplative reading - so intense; so beautiful. Learning much! I'm happy it's a nice, thick book so I don't just breeze through it. :-)

[@BronxCat]

Mother Clare- would u be my Spiritual Director????

[@ashleycs3817]

For me too 😊

[@funkeybabe1]

Y’all are so beautiful! Thanks for being my friend :))

[@miguelhermar]

Hello, do you also make catholic formative content? :) id love follow you up

[@jillshorak982]

Yes, but I'm an old person!

[@77thTrombone]

No, Jill, I can see from your picture that you're a young person. (Maybe even to young to be watching stuff like this on KZbin!) Your picture shows a middle-aged lady person leaning on your head. That doesn't make you old, tho!

[@jillshorak982]

@@77thTrombone thank you! That picture is 6 years old but I'm now in my golden senior years and Medicare! It's hard to find a sponsor, I am a new catholic of 10 years now. After, during this pandemic it was impossible to get to mass. Would have been wonderful to have had a sponsor. I kind of found a lady to talk with but it was during adoration. Jesus so understands... 🙏

[@77thTrombone]

Jill Shorak - (tee hee) You didn't have a sponsor 10 years ago?!?! Whoa, toooo bad; sorry to hear that. And yes, Jesus does understand. ✝️🙏☦️ p.s. keep up with that young-un! Model your path for them.

[@lainelorenzo9992]

Every age is the right age to seek being closer to God

[@Name-le2cc]

There's no age restrictions when it comes for searching God. 😇 God bless!!!

[@kristinacatherine5121]

We've been totally abandoned, by our bishops, our priests, and our communities, and poorly formed to begin with. How are us neophytes supposed to learn how to be disciples when it's impossible to know who to trust to find the truth? How can we start applying "what we believe" into our lives when it's impossible to know what exactly we're supposed to believe as Catholics anymore? And how are we supposed to have a group when everyone is putting their fear of a virus over their supposed fairh?!? I'm all alone, abandoned by the Church and everyone in it, and stuck with a Protestant husband who's totally against me. What are people like me supposed to do? (Besides prayer, which I now know triply from experience, does not work) 😭

[@Anna-bl8ey]

Could we define what it’d feel like for someone needing to seek out a spiritual director? Instead of assuming people are misled.

[@gabolujan3109]

Every one I ask tell me no.

[@pkmr5284]

And what advice/ help do you have for people who suffer with scrupulosity/ OCD?

[@cliffclass4042]

How do you find a spiritual director? Just as my local priests or nuns? Is there a certification to look for after their names listed on the church web site? I live in Lancaster Pennsylvania if anyone knows of any I can contact. Thanks!!

[@chrisobrien6254]

But if spiritual direction is truly necessary rather than just helpful then wouldn’t that indicate if that if spiritual direction were no longer afforded to someone then that person’s faith would absolutely fall apart?

[@Cathyvc6]

Been thinking a lot about getting a spiritual director because I’m really struggling with discerning my vocation, but I’m not at a place where I can really pick something yet, so I may need to wait.

[@susangrande8142]

C C I believe a spiritual director might still help you. At least to help you sort out your priorities, and help you learn how to think about your discernment. Alternatively, there are some excellent books about discernment that could help you. These were textbooks for my “The Discernment of Spirits” class, which uses an Ignatian approach,and they are wonderful: _What’s Your Decision?_ by Sparough SJ, Manney and Hipskind SJ; _The Way of Discernment_ by Elizabeth Liebert, and _God’s Voice Within_, by Mark Thibodeaux, S.J. I hope this helps! 🙏

[@Sonsajin452]

What’s the differences between monk, friar, and oblate? Also how did you find out which order was for you? Currently researching the differences

[@philip888christie]

I would love some help and guidance in my spiritual life. I had a rude awakening last September October. I found myself in a world dominated by evil that had hypnotised most of the people in my family and in my life. I am being accused of being over the top and crazy because I am putting all I can into my spiritual life. My wife is accusing me of not being myself anymore. She holds that I have a mental condition like obsession and compulsion. I have tried to explain that if she knew the urgency of the hour, she would do exactly what I am doing. It is the only sane response to the danger and the only place of safety. My children have lost the faith although baptised, communioned and confirmed due to my own loss of true faith and involvement with new age nonsense. I get encouragement from Fr Mark Goring and other wonderful priests on you tube but I still feel alone and rejected by my family and friends. I love them more deeply than ever and find their foolish attitude to eternity so painful. I am so grateful to Jesus for awakening me and so deeply desire to repartner with my wife to turn things around. I find myself crying a lot and truly seek the Peace of the Lord Jesus. Thank you for your work and the videos. I was greatly comforted by yourself and Sister.

[@mariarosariareho8163]

May the Lord God work miracles for your family I too am on a simaral journey and pray for the conversion of my son God Bless and stay in the faith

[@cj7girl280]

Hi Father and Mother..... 😂 😇

[@memlagu]

Staretz or Geronda is an Orthodox "SD," but one does not take classes to become one. A life of personal growth in communion with Christ cannot be "taught," but lived. Why are Catholics so bureaucratic?

[@rythempetemusic4207]

Do spiritual advisors do curses I'm curious are they good or bad people I really want to obey god

[@maycamilleri8308]

Not available Fr. Mark Mary.

[@brianellinger6622]

well wait,... thats mine.... and they operating dacite to borrow,...

[@gadzitema]

Which books do you suggest Mother?

[@calumhood1997]

Can Nunes be in relationships?

[@barbaracimini1447]

Ha ha ha! If you want spiritual direction you’d better look for it at a Protestant church. They’re always happy to talk. When I first became a Catholic Christian I had some huge questions/concerns. I called my parish and every parish nearby to ask if any priest or deacon could spare a few minutes to meet with me..... Dead Silence! After weeks of trying I finally cornered one of our deacons in the grocery store and practically forced him to make an appointment to meet with me. I learned my lesson.... Catholics don’t talk about God! 🤣😂

[@soulight77]

As a 70 year old cradle Catholic sadly I have to agree with you. In fact in my early twenties and thirties I would attend another denominations services, as well as attend Mass on Sundays and during the week, because the people in the other denomination were happy to share God. We had wonderful times praying and sharing in home groups. These people accepted and affirmed me in my Spiritual journey, along with the Minister of the Church. In those years we would have Catholic Priests around to dinner which was pleasant. But the unspoken rule was stick to 'safe' topics such as football. Your post brought back wonderful memories of the other denomination for me as well as deep sadness at the 'wilderness' experience of being a Catholic. What has kept me in the Catholic Church? The Eucharist. Knowing that Jesus is fully present and fully alive in that most wondrous Sacrament. Plus I am a Rosary prayer'r. Our Mama Mary keeps one on the Catholicity trail despite the pain.

[@merryanndobbs]

How does a person become a spiritual director? Where can someone find those classes?

[@susangrande8142]

Marianne D there are training programs in universities around the country, and maybe some sponsored by religious orders. I’m a student of spiritual direction at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska right now; theirs is a graduate certificate program. There is an international association of professional spiritual directors, SDI. You may be able to find references to training on it. Try Googling spiritual direction training. Do you feel called to become a spiritual director?

[@phoenixalpha5789]

A Father and a Mother, aren't they married ? I hope so, someday, and raise great children.

[@aureliomartinez2633]

What is this question about or referring to

[@lucretiaghiurca4281]

No, he is a priest and she is a nun in a Catholic Church. No marriage! God bless you!

[@grand.geometrician]

"O-m-g I've just checked my phone, Amy Winehouse's passed away. Terrible, isn't it! Isn't it a terrible fact Amy Winehouse's passed? Terrible I tell you."

[@clareb595]

I have heard that it is a good idea to contact a spiritual director when discerning a religious vocation, however, I'm not entirely sure who to contact in my archdiocese. Whether I should tell my parish priest or reach out to someone else. Any thoughts or suggestions?

[@carypatino92]

I would suggest your parish priest since they are local and you can see them regularly. Your parish priest also knows you and sees you regularly when you attend mass, if you belong to any ministry. If there is a convent near you then you can also ask them if they have any spiritual directors

[@ThePopishPlot]

While I am the 1 member of our group that doesn't have a spiritual director, as I know how my co-hosts got theirs I will say, asking your local priest(s) or deacon(s) if they know of anyone doing spiritual direction can be helpful especially if they know you well enough to have some ideas about what your personality/spirituality is. Also as you get serious into discernment the diocese or the order you are most attracted to, might suggest a director for you. (Look for if your diocese has a director of religious vocations for women or a similar title.) -J

[@escabrosa1]

To be honest, I don't feel comfortable with the idea of a spiritual director who's not a priest. Doesn't seem right.

[@hassiearaya8024]

📿📿📿📿📿📿

[@eramzjr22]

No only Jesus christ! My pastor has been gifted with understanding biblical scripture then imparts that knowledge to me but does not have authority over what i do with that knowledge, the holy spirit does.. Man can give honest advice but nothing more. Priest or pope or nuns do not have anymore knowledge of christ in my life than i do. We stand alone to be judged ..

[@shadowsgate6903]

When you help any cursed cases, possessed people, hunted houses THEN come back to talk about Spirituality and Directing fools under you!

[@Joshharrison224]

Religious and Priests should only be spiritual directors. They devote their lives to Christ. Having laity as spiritual directors just isn’t fair, they have other anxieties to deal with. There’s a reason why Fr. Ripperger recommends people not have laymen spiritual directors.

[@mariannebellucci978]

I went to the Lanteri Center and I am working with a lay person who is a spiritual director. She has been very helpful in suggesting prayer practices.

[@davidvegas6112]

Many thanks, I have been researching "spiritual counsellor jobs" for a while now, and I think this has helped. Have you ever come across - Banulian Lonameron Breakthrough - (search on google ) ? Ive heard some great things about it and my friend got excellent success with it.

[@djilaliramdane9488]

This is glorious, I have been researching "spiritual consultant" for a while now, and I think this has helped. Have you ever come across - Banulian Lonameron Breakthrough - (Have a quick look on google cant remember the place now ) ? Ive heard some incredible things about it and my partner got amazing success with it.

[@cbrent122970]

I converted in 2012. I am still having a lot of trouble learning how to pray. I feel like I am talking to air. I got a journal and started reading the daily readings to journal about what strikes me like I saw in a previous video. But I still feel like I am "doing it wrong". How are you supposed to feel when you pray? Help! Resources, advice? And right now I have NO Catholic friends or family for guidance.

[@r.c4914]

_Maybe I can help To learn how to pray the bible says first : look for a quiet place where you have no distractions like your room or on top a mountain Second : we out to pray for one hour at very least the bible says Third you may ask yourself how am I goin to pray for one hour? Simple 👉The Rosary take your time donot pray this repetitive prayers fast go slow and meditate on the Mysterys and the litany included . Than it should take you 40 _50 minutes .Than do the holy souls prayer of st Gertrude the great another repetitive prayer for ten minutes . That should cover one hour. for spontaneous prayer you should also learn your faith deeper and use verses from your bible to add to your prayer just simply Express your feelings asking for help and for others and asking God that if he could make you an instrument of his light, and say prayers of praise , prayer of gratitude couple times daily and just as simply like talking to your father. The Saints how they Express themselves will give you an idea learn from the Saints Advance prayer check st Theresa of Avila on meditation. Dont forget to frequent confession often and than receiving holy communion .talking to To God in the blessed sacrament quietly in meditation helps or just simply be quiet and let God speak 😃

[@elliestretchprays7851]

I watched a talk by Fr spitzer on the Shroud of Turin. Then I got a replica online with an accompanying book for under 150$. Now my prayer life has changed greatly! I once was like you. Now all daylong I find myself saying, “I love You Jesus, and thank You Jesus “. All day long🥰 Then I watched a few documentaries on the Tilma of our Lady of a Guadeloupe and Our Lady of Las lajas and have replicas for when I’m praying the Holy Rosary? Game changer!

[@ip5178]

Good on you for continuing for trying to pray. Would praying in front of an icon or statue help? There are plenty of great Catholic prayer apps which offer direction with prayer which may help if you struggle to find words. Sorry that you haven't found any good Catholic friends yet - are there any young Catholic groups in your diosese that you could join? Volunteering with Catholic run charities like soup kitchens or to help with daily activities in your local parish are also both great ways of making friends. Best of luck with everything - have just said a prayer for u!

[@cw4608]

Celia Skelton you just keep at it. Satan wants you to feel like you are talking to air, but God, Jesus, Mary, all the Saints and angels hear every word. In God’s time God will answer your prayers in the way He knows is best for you. Never lose the faith

[@emiliomilian369]

Celia Skelton When you pray, you always have to keep in mind that it is usually exempt from “feeling” things. In the spiritual life- especially in the area of prayer- it is many times an act of the will. Therefore, when you pray, keep in mind that it is an act of you GIVING your heart to God in that moment- yet at the same time- is it best not to use feelings to decide if you are praying right. If you do, you will feel like you described in your comment, feeling like you’re “doing it wrong.” If you think like this- you run the risk of getting discouraged in the future when it comes to Christ and maybe even risk a loss of spirituality. As long as you have been sincere with your prayer, and you can confidently know and say to yourself that you were being sincere, you can be assured that you have prayed well. Also, what you are referring to is formal prayer. For prayer to really give its fruit and be effective- you also have to practice something called, “continuous prayer.” This does not mean in any way reciting lines from a prayer book 24/7. It means asking yourself- “how can I live Christ’s spirit in each moment of my daily life?” If you are working- how can you live Christ’s spirit there? If you are talking to someone, how can you live Christ’s spirit there? And so on with any area of your life that is not directly related to religion. Granted, it may not be as easy as it sounds- yet that is the point of the formal prayer- to strengthen your continuous prayer. Likewise, in your continuous prayer- you are strengthened because you are doing what you prayed about in your formal prayer. So this continuous prayer, along with the formal prayer you mention- will give fulfillment to your overall prayer life. Always keep in mind that you cannot do one without the other. Prayer is true prayer when formal prayer and continuous prayer are combined. And PLEASE again- don’t ever make feelings your way of discerning if you are praying right. It is a complete conscious act of the will. It has nothing to do with feelings, but at the same time if spiritual consolation comes, accept it- yet don’t depend on it.

[@Richie016]

Being more certain, encouraged & reliable in lord’s relationship is actually helpful.

[@joyhsiuyinkwa3435]

Yes the better one not the controling manipulative esle its not acceptable

[@brianellinger6622]

i need a lawyer

[@emiliobonet1508]

Yes