Spiritual Direction: More Involved Form of Confession?

Dear Father John, what is the difference between confession and spiritual direction? Confession and spiritual direction are like partially overlapping circles: they share some common characteristics, but their centers, their essences, are distinct. The Distinction of Confession The essence of confession is the sacramental grace that Christ gives to our soul through the ministry of … Read more

Spiritual Direction Posts and Series Index

Spiritual Direction Posts and Series Index   Dear Friends, To make it easier for you to find key posts on spiritual direction, we have updated our Spiritual Direction Posts and Series Index page. As well, we have ordered the posts in a way in keeping with the flow of topics. These posts cover topics such … Read more

Spiritual Direction: How Much Focus on Prayer vs Sin & Virtue?

Dear Father John, How much of a discussion in spiritual direction should focus on moral issues, such as habitual sin and possibly that of grave matter which may not necessarily be mortal sin? So much discussion here is only about how to pray well, making a program for life, finding a spiritual director and things … Read more

I am new to spiritual direction and need some perspective…

Dear Father John, I am new to spiritual direction. After asking a newly ordained priest if he would be my spiritual director, he graciously accepted…thanks be to God. We have met several times over the past eight months, however, at our last meeting he caught me off guard. It had been four months since our … Read more

Benedict XVI Recommends Spiritual Direction

Pope Benedict XVI Recommends Spiritual Direction VATICAN CITY, SEPT. 16, 2009 (Zenit.org).- Everyone — priests, religious, laypeople — and especially youth, should have a spiritual director to help them in the Christian life, says Benedict XVI. The Pope affirmed this today when he reflected on Symeon the New Theologian during the general audience held in … Read more

Seeking Spiritual Direction – Book Recommendation

Seeking Spiritual Direction – How to Grow the Divine Life Within By Father Thomas Dubay, S.M. Seeking Spiritual Direction: How to Grow the Divine Life Within by Father Thomas Dubay, is a book which has been written as a practical guide for Christians who are considering spiritual direction or who are already engaged in the spiritual … Read more

Spiritual Warfare and Discernment of Spirits Review

Thank you for completing Spiritual Warfare and Discernment of Spirits. Would you be willing to share your thoughts in this quick survey? It won’t take more than 5 minutes. This will give us opportunities to make improvements for future course participants. If you chose to receive small group resources, fill out our survey here. 

St. Joseph as Spouse of Mary: The Spiritual Depth of a Holy Marriage

A Reflection from “The Silent Witness of Nazareth” by Fr. Serafino M. Lanzetta Nothing less than a truly just man, the most righteous of men, would be fitting in order to be a worthy spouse of the Blessed Virgin. St. Joseph was indeed the most holy spouse of Mary and their marriage was a true … Read more

Storing Up Strength: How to Prepare for Spiritual Desolation | Ignatian Rule 10 Explained

In this episode of The Devil Is in the Details, we continue our walk through St. Ignatius of Loyola’s Rules for the Discernment of Spirits by unpacking Rule 10: “Let the one who is in consolation think how he will conduct himself in the desolation which will come after, taking new strength for that time.” … Read more

Change My Spiritual Director – How to Know When and How to Do It?

Join us for this episode of Divine Intimacy Radio “Change My Spiritual Director – How to Know When and How to Do It?” as we speak with Dr. Anthony Lilles about how to discern when it is time to change your spiritual director and how to make the change! Want to listen to more? Subscribe … Read more

How to Create the Perfect Environment for Spiritual Growth

Ever find your good intentions and resolutions fade quickly? Do you struggle to keep a steady prayer life, even when you truly want to grow? Have you ever wondered why you’re not growing spiritually—even though you receive the sacraments and desire holiness? Learn how environmental conditions influence spiritual growth, why vague goals fail, and how … Read more