"We live in a culture that discourages us from paying attention to the soul
or the true self and when we fail to pay attention we end up living soulless lives."
Mary Oliver
What is spiritual direction?
Spiritual direction is a one-on-one meeting between a director and a person seeking a deeper relationship with God. Spiritual direction is help given by one Christian to another which enables that person to pay attention to God's personal communication to him or her, to grow in intimacy with this God, and to live out the consequences of the relationship. It implies that the person who seeks direction is going somewhere, and wants to talk to an experienced person on the way. It implies, too, that the talk will not be casual and aimless, but a help. It is important to note that spiritual direction is not a theological debate nor is it psychological therapy. The overall purpose of spiritual direction is to help you grow in a deeper personal relationship with God.
Who are spiritual directors?
Spiritual Directors are faithful women and men who have received extensive training and are certified in spiritual direction. They are willing to share your faith journey and explore how God is part of all your experiences, prayer, life choices, work, ministry, relationships, crises, memories and dreams.
What do I talk about?
Spiritual direction offers an opportunity to share your needs with a competent person. It is the responsibility of the spiritual director to atend and listen to you. In doing so the activity of God may become more apparent in your life journey. You are ultimately responsible for your spiritual journey. A few discussion ideas may include:
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How do you experience God in your everyday life...in your work, community, relationships? Are there any significant changes that are happening in your life?
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How do you deal with your feelings and emotions, the ordinary frustrations and angers, irritations and envies of daily life? How do you deal with hurts? Are there issues or obstacles that interfere with your spiritual growth, e.g. unforgiveness, victim-attitude, broken relationships, sickness, etc.?
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What is your prayer life like? What form does it take? What is your mood during prayer? Does prayer bring any insights? Do you find any particular obstacles to your prayer? How does your prayer impact your life? Reflect on your image of God. What is God like for you? How do you relate to Jesus? What roll does the Holy Spirit have in your Life? How have these relationships or images grown or changed?
How often do we meet?
The frequency of seeing your spiritual director varies with what is happening in your life at a particular time. Some people meet every two weeks, some once a month and some less often. The average is about once a month.
Is there a monetary fee?
The Center's policy is not to charge for direction. However, since there are costs in running the Center, whatever you can give supports our ministry. If you are unable to pay, feel free to come anyway. Money is not meant to be an obstacle on the spiritual journey...many people are able to make a donation of $40.00 for a one hour session. Whatever you can donate is greatly appreciated and makes this service available to others.
Norbertine Center for Spirituality Spiritual Directors
To make an appointment, please call the number below.
Fr. John Bostwick, O. Praem. - 920.337.4315
Patricia De Groot - 920.373.0567
Fr. Conrad J. Kratz, O. Praem. - 920.337.4376
Fr. John Tourangeau, O. Praem - 920.337.4333
Sr. Judy Miller, CSJ - 920.337.4316
Jim Smits - 920.337.4315
Robin Therese - 920.468.2521
Support Services
Fr. Rod Fenzl, O. Praem. - Hispanic liaison - 920.337.4315
Eric Peters - Massage therapist - 920.366.0899
Fr. Bill Ribbens, O. Praem. - AA spiritual direction, 4th and 5th step support - 920.337.4336
Engaged Encounter Weekends - Green Bay Diocese - 920.272.8315
Lakeshore Retrouvaille Weekends - 920.336.6549
Marriage Encounter Weekends - Marriage Encounter of GB, Inc. - 920.544.5166
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