Skip to main content

spiritual direction

I'm in Dublin this weekend on the second of fourteen weekends (a two year commitment) with the Irish Jesuits at Manresa House. I've begun a diploma course in the ancient practice of Spiritual Direction. That's not usually the favoured title, but generally the working one. Many people prefer spiritual accompaniment or even Soul Friendship ('Anam Cara' in Irish). The Jesuits seem to have a reputation for this 'art' of walking with others in their journey toward Christ and helping them discern how the Lord is speaking to them. The central focus in all of this is a personal relationship/friendship with Jesus. They also seem to be respected as highly educated people (some study for 14 years to become ordained) who engage with culture in order to be a catalyst for Christ in the world. I like all of it. The Irish Jesuits have founded a web site called Sacred Space which is an opportunity for individuals to spend 15 minutes a day with the Lord reflecting on their lives and the Scriptures. I have been enriched through it often and so have others - as many as hits to the site since 1999. I am already really enjoying the experience of being here. My one prayer going into this has been 'God please challenge me to grow in my relationship with you through this course'. I am already sensing that occurring. I am one of three Protestants in a group of 24 and the only one in our smaller group of 12. I count myself privileged to be on such a high learning curve about all things Catholic, but I do feel somewhat of an outsider because of a slightly different vocabulary and different practices. At any rate, I know I will grow through this course and I look forward to being better equipped at the end of it to carry out my passion, "to help people have a better understanding of and a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ".

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

A Friend to Artists

For the last two years I have had the privilege of getting to know a man called Michael Guido. 'Guido' as he's better known, has been a friend to those in the Arts & Entertainment industry for over 20+ years. He's a pastor of sorts and a spiritual companion. Guido is a pioneer in the 'road pastor' tradition - supporting groups like Jars of Clay , dc Talk , POD , Michael W. Smith , Switchfoot and others. He, his wife Celeste and indeed his entire family have given so much for the calling on their lives to support, challenge and encourage artists and their families in their relationship with Christ. Please pray for the Guidos if you're the praying type. Pray for protection, financial support, joy and an overriding sense of God's clear calling on their ministry - PR Ministries . The PR stands for 'Persuing Relationships'. Every time we speak, Guido challenges me with his intense love for God and his knowledge of the Scriptures. H
Post a Comment
Read more

Travels across the Emerald Isle

Hello to anyone who may be reading this! I thought it might be 'schwing' to put Ireland up on the blog show you where my travels take me. Here's the key: Green house - where we currently live in N. Ireland / Red house - where we hope to move to in Co. Tipperary in January '06 / Yellow asterix - places I'll be making stops for work or play / Red line - my route on the way (note: houses not shown to scale). This weekend (in fact, in 30 minutes!) I'm heading to the town of Portlaoise in Co. Laois ( 1st asterix ) for a get-together with the area Youth Council tonight. Tomorrow morning CIYD is hosting a training session for all those who wish to attend Anois as a youth leader. Later tomorrow night I'll be delivering a training session in Fermoy, Co. Cork ( 2nd asterix) for a group of leaders who are planning on running the Quest course to reach teens in the diocese. I'll leave the Cork area on Sunday morning and make my way home to my
Post a Comment
Read more

Make shift Drive-In Theatre

I had it on my mind for months. I wanted to fully take advantage of the summer months here in Ireland and do something the local young people would enjoy . . a make shift drive-in theatre. I had to wait until the timing was right for weather, holidays ( vacations ), work schedule and family schedule before I could proceed. I thought I had planned it on a good night ( although Christy says otherwise! ). The weather had been perfect - sunny, very warm and no gale-force winds. So in my back garden ( yard ), I used a bed sheet, some dynamic hiking cord, my laptop, projector and a borrowed portable stereo - it was amazing. The night was clear and starry, the wind was minimal and more importantly - it was dry. I had so much fun! From the printing of the invitations to the set-up . . how great! We showed The Incredibles ( for free of course! ) and it was well worth it. I'll defintely do it again, although next time it'll have to be in County Tipperary .
Post a Comment
Read more