Spiritual Direction

Spiritual Direction

Section 2690 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church references spiritual direction:

The Holy Spirit gives to certain of the faithful the gifts of wisdom, faith and discernment for the sake of this common good which is prayer (spiritual direction). Men and women so endowed are true servants of the living tradition of prayer. 

According to St. John of the Cross, the person wishing to advance toward perfection should "take care into whose hands he entrusts himself, for as the master is, so will the disciple be, and as the father is so will be the son." And further: "In addition to being learned and discreet a director should be experienced. . . . If the spiritual director has no experience of the spiritual life, he will be incapable of leading into it the souls whom God is calling to it, and he will not even understand them."

Spiritual Direction is an opportunity to have a mentor, more experienced in the faith/spirituality, help you identify how God is working in your life, areas that may benefit from development, and resources you may find useful in the pursuit of holiness.  Spiritual Direction is not counselling.  Because of this, the UDCC and Campus Ministry will often cross-refer students.

Please note:  "Spiritual Direction" is an attractive opportunity.  However, resources are limited.  Students who are in spiritual crisis will be assisted first, followed by students who have a particular area of their spiritual/faith life that requires attention.  For those students who are looking more generally to grow in holiness, opportunities may be limited.

All Campus Ministers in addition to the Chaplain are available for spiritual direction.  Please visit the Staff page for contact details.

Additionally, depending on work load and availability, many diocesan and religious priests will accept spiritual directees.  Reach out to them directly to inquire.