Spiritual Direction
Spiritual direction can best be summed up as the art of contemplative listening, which is listening with the whole of one's being. Traditionally, spiritual direction has been described in terms of a one-to-one relationship. Another approach that is relatively new is that of group spiritual direction. One's situation in life and on-going discernment will determine which approach best fits an individual at any given time.
Spiritual direction in the Dominican tradition makes use of culture, Liturgy, and the arts as well as classical and holistic approaches to prayer and contemplation. In the Dominican ideal, spiritual direction embraces both the quest for God and the quest for a transformed world by emphasizing the call to both contemplation and action.
"Why would I seek spiritual direction?"
- If you are experiencing a new sense of God in your life…
- If you are feeling distant from God…
- If you are facing an important decision or making a discernment…
- If you are facing a change or transition in your life…
- If you are feeling fragmented, disjointed, out-of-touch, fearful, angry…
- If you are overly involved or find yourself disinterested…
- If you are involved in ministry within the Church…
- If your ministry is more burdensome than life-giving…
- If you are dealing with loss of any kind…
- If you desire growth in prayer and growth in charity…
...then spiritual direction, individual or small group, may be something for you to consider.
Contemplation and personal reflection on one's life and prayer bring this communication to awareness. Articulating and clarifying these experiences with a spiritual director assists the person to notice even more about his/her conscious relationship with God. Direction offers a safe, non-judgmental place of welcome for the directee where his/her experiences are taken seriously. Spiritual Direction is complementary to Reiki, Healing Touch and Massage available through the Dominican Center's Bodywork.
Dominican Center at Marywood offers a 3 year formation/training program for the formation of Spiritual Directors through the Spiritual Formation Program. Also, a Doctor of Ministry in Spiritual Direction (D.Min.) is available through Graduate Theologiocal Foundation.
We also offer a 2 year program for those called to the more informal ministry of spiritual guidance through the Spiritual Companioning Program.