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Spiritual direction helps us to recognize God’s active presence in our daily lives. As one of the spiritual directors here at Our Lady of Calvary Retreat I’d like to share some general observations about the ministry of spiritual direction.

In their book, The Practice of Spiritual Direction, co-authors Connolly and Barry describe spiritual direction as a process that enables the seeker “to pay attention to God’s personal communication to her/him… to grow in intimacy with this God and to live out the consequences of the relationship.” The description appeals to me and I have found that it comes alive in this ministry. It points to the movement of our entire life toward God. Wherever truth is spoken in love ~ whether over a cup of coffee, on the phone, in the workplace, on the highway or in our prayer, the Holy Spirit has an open door. I am struck by God’s sensitivity to our moment of readiness, God’s knowledge of each of us, God’s insight into our personal giftedness, and God’s ways of connecting with us through out gift. Many people gifted with a vivid imagination easily enter into a scripture scene with Jesus. For them the revelation of their own inner dynamics has been known to emerge as they prayed this way. For others nature becomes a channel of communication – briefly glimpsing a rainbow, one may consider it God’s invitation to trust. Memories are often bearers of God’s call, God’s support. People with verbal skills have been able to grasp in words something of the mystery of God in poetry, in image-making, in song. In solitude some experience the closeness of God.

Conversation with a companion can lead to greater enlightenment in these situations. Prayerful listening to God is essential. A willingness to wait, noticing God’s interventions, attentiveness to inner listening and the stirrings of the Spirit, cherishing the unexpected insight – all of these are precious moments in our journey toward intimacy with God.

If you are feeling drawn to experience being immersed in a quiet and contemplative atmosphere you might consider a Silent Directed Retreat.

At Our Lady of Calvary we will be offering two long-weekend experiences and one week-long Silent Directed Retreat.
Long weekends: Thursday, Feb. 5 – Sunday, Feb. 8, 2009
Thursday, June 25 – Sunday, June 28, 2009
Week long: Thursday, June 25 – Thursday, July 2, 2009

Ann Rodgers, C.P.