Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, August 12, 1995 TAG: 9508170003
SECTION: RELIGION PAGE: A5 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: DEBBIE WARHOLA ASSOCIATED PRESS
DATELINE: COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. LENGTH: Long
The answer used to be a minister, priest or rabbi. But in the closing years of the 20th century, an old tradition has been rekindled: consulting a spiritual director.
Spiritual directors are trained in formal programs to help lead others who are searching for answers about their spirituality.
Directors combine facets of psychology, sociology and theology to guide others. During a relaxed conversation, directors ask questions, listen and then offer insight into how God might be working in the person's life.
``You don't go to a spiritual director for them to prescribe a method for you to become holy. You talk about your own spiritual life and where is your walk with God,'' says Sister Marian Bellotti, a Benedictine nun who heads the spiritual director training program at Benet Hill Monastery in Colorado Springs.
People often seek spiritual direction when they are in pain, such as following a death in the family or a divorce, Bellotti says. Others simply want to grow spiritually.
``Some people say, `I felt so close to God when I was younger but now I don't.' Or they're disillusioned with their church, or they want guidance before they get married,'' says Bellotti.
The concept is far from new.
``Imparting skills for spiritual growth has been part of any faith community,'' says the Rev. William Jarema, a Roman Catholic priest who directs The Mercy Center in Colorado Springs, which offers extensive training in spiritual direction.
But it's only been in the past 20 years that the process has regained popularity, particularly among Christians.
And, in other religions, spiritual direction has been an ongoing practice for centuries.
One reason the practice is gaining popularity among Christians is that lay leadership is coming to the forefront.
``The field is exploding right now,'' says Jarema from The Mercy Center. ``Among Catholics, laity are being called to holiness so they have equal rights and access to spiritual direction.
``Before, it was the exclusive right of priests, sisters or brothers,'' he says.
The conservative climate in the United States, coupled with the call for family values are other reasons for the trend, Bellotti says.
``People are living such fast and furious lives, they're seeking that inner place where they can get in touch with the deeper part of themselves. Spiritual direction is a means of doing that,'' she says.
While it's often hard to describe the process, directors are quick to make the distinction between spiritual direction and counseling.
``Directors don't give advice; they try to enable people to reconcile their journey with God,'' says Mary Howard, coordinator of the Rich in Mercy Institute, at the Mercy Center. Established in 1990, the institute offers training for spiritual directors.
If a person needs counseling for an issue, Howard says, they are given referrals for other sources.
``Therapists help you learn coping skills to find ways out of a situation, whereas spiritual direction asks you how God fits into the situations,'' Bellotti says.
Bellotti's clients run the gamut - Methodists, Episcopalians, Catholics and agnostics.
``God works with each of us in individual ways, so the spiritual director has to be open to the directee's belief system. The director brings a loving, caring presence,'' she says.
Some people are referred to spiritual directors by their pastors, while others seek out the services themselves. Sessions run 45 to 50 minutes. Because spiritual direction is a journey, numerous sessions usually are needed. A donation of $25 or more is generally requested for a session at both Benet Hill and the Mercy Center.
Those who have used spiritual directors say the method is useful in sorting out issues and problems.
``It's helped lead me along the path to God,'' says Gail Austin, from Trinidad and Tobago, West Indies. Austin is attending the summer training session at the Rich in Mercy Institute.
In her country, Austin says she also has noticed a greater demand for spiritual direction.
``With all the crises in the world, people are becoming more aware of the need for God in their lives,'' she says.
Going to a spiritual director often inspires people to become spiritual directors themselves. That's what happened to Jan Springer Rheinheimer, a Mennonite from Palmer Lake, Colo. She sought out the services of a spiritual director several years ago when she felt depressed and uncertain.
``I felt good about how my own spirituality took off and was interested in being available for other people who wanted that kind of experience,'' she says.
Rheinheimer graduated from Benet Hill's program in May and is directing three women. She also has used her skills during retreats and other church-related functions.
``Spiritual direction has been a source of strength in my life,'' she says. ``I feel a lot closer to God, and my life has taken on a new meaning. Now I can walk with people in their own spiritual lives and hopefully encourage them like I was encouraged.''
by CNB