ARCHDIOCESE OF SAN FERNANDO
SPIRITUAL DIRECTION INTERNSHIP TRAINING PROGRAM
INTEGRATIVE REFLECTION PAPER
Submitted by: Belina S. Katigbak
November 28, 2019
Everything is a gift! It all started with a call. A few weeks after my husband passed away, I was looking for a reason to move on. I approached Archbishop Florentino G. Lavarias, D.D. and told him of my heart’s desire. I was searching for a ministry in formation. He in turn asked me how I might be interested in attending a forthcoming seminar. Without hesitation, I expressed my willingness, if at all he found me worthy! In my mind and in my heart then, I was thinking of only a weekend seminar. Little did I know that this is it! On the onset, upon learning about the demands of the internship program, apprehension grew…moreover, when after the first week I experienced inner resistance, I expressed my desire to quit. But with the encouragement of the good archbishop, and purely by God’s grace, I persevered.
This integrative paper is a synthesis of the process of learning that I have gone through, an attempt to assess how I grew not only in my ability to become a spiritual director by articulating how synergy came into play, considering the essential aspects of learning namely: a) knowledge, b) skills, and c) attitude, but more importantly how God revealed His love to me and made me feel precious in His eyes.
Each weekend encounter was invaluable. I have come to a better knowledge of myself and of others. Noticing, savoring, lingering, staying on, and responding, oh, how I love learning the language of contemplation and spiritual direction! Oh how each day of spiritual direction session with my directee evoked discovery of new meanings, new dimensions, new perspectives, and deeper relationship with God!
Sr. Celine, PDDM presented early on a 10-point framework modular approach of learning. This integrative paper will dwell on these expectations from us learners, as well as theological reflections by articulating certain theological themes, experiences, analyses, judgments, and lessons learned. These 10 points are:
First (1): “To accompany another in the life of and prayer as spiritual director while demonstrating a contemplative stance in the ministry”;
One of the gifts of this program is that I myself benefitted from doing spiritual direction. Five seminarians chose me to be their SD. My sessions with each of them gave me the opportunity to be used by the Holy Spirit to reflect God in their lives. I came to a deeper knowledge of prayer, how important it is to this ministr and that the real director is the Holy Spirit.
Barry and Connolly stress prayer-relationship with God. “Contemplation leads to, or rather is an experience of, transcendence – that is of forgetfulness of self and of everyone and everything else except the contemplated object….The spiritual director will have to help such a person to forget himself and his problems and to look at God.” (Barry W. A., 2009) I myself am reminded in a deep sense of my personal difficulties I had about prayer. For example, in recent past, more often than not, in prayer, I used to bring all my problems and concerns to God. Even though in a lot of times while looking at God in His Real Presence at the Eucharist, I still fell short of contemplative prayer because I was self-focused. I was often blinded by my problems; and tears welling from my eyes hid the reality of God, Who, while present, seemed to be from a distance because I was focused on myself. Having this realization now, God invites me, as a “servant of contemplation”. And as I grow in this relationship with Him, I could be of more help to those seeking to focus on God. In the course of the SD, I invited my directees to bring to prayer their experiences and I am happy to learn about their growth in prayer. I found of immeasurable value the times of lingering and savoring with my directees those captured moments of “aha” or discovery of an image of our loving and merciful God in the midst of challenging situations.
Second (2): “To appropriate a capacity for genuine self-awareness authenticity and identity with the charism”;
I have grown in self-awareness authenticity as a result of the various reflection papers, as well as the one-on-one sessions with my SD, Sr. Celine, PDDM who led me to paying attention to my thoughts, processing my feelings, and inviting me to being keen to what God might be telling me or calling me in the ministry of Spiritual Direction. The lesson on psychology made me aware of Erikson’s eight stages of psycho-social development. As I went through the “needs, task, significant relationship, process, trauma, positive outcome, virtue, negative outcome and core pathology” of each stage, I recognize that I have come to transcend my “Inferiority Crisis in Stage 4” to “Generativity in Stage 7”, which is the “ability to look outside oneself and care for others.”
The past 14 spiritual direction sessions that I have facilitated, rather, that the Holy Spirit facilitated through me, allowed me to develop a broader outlook and empathy. The book, “Inviting the Mystic, Supporting the Prophet” by Katherine Marie Dyckman, S.N.J.M. & L. Patrick Carroll, S.J., led me to a deeper awareness of the role of the Holy Spirit in these sessions. “To the extent that there is a director in one’s life of faith, that director is always and everywhere the Holy Spirit.” (Dyckman K. S., Defining Spiritual Direction, 1981)
I noticed my growing commitment during the past months. I was conscious in trying to help my directees grow in their relationship with God. I have been committed to generous sharing of my time, resources, and my very own self. I tried my best to help my directees focus on how they are experiencing Goand life. More importantly, I feel so humbled with the thought that God entrusted me so much with this gift!
I also became mindful of being able to use the gift in relating with others. In a one-on-one dinner with my soul mate, our conversation transcended to a spiritual direction process. It came so naturally to me to have invited her to reflect on her life situation at present, and how God might be speaking to her and telling her something. And also, one weekend, I was with my circle of friends who are all advocates of social change and transformation. Toward the end of our whole-day bonding, I invited them to reflect on what God might be wanting us to do. Then suddenly it dawned on me that I am indeed growing in spirituality
Third (3): “To extend appreciation for the growing variety of trends, issues and topics arising from the ministry of SD”;
The books required for reading helped me appreciate the growing variety of trends, issues and topics arising from the ministry of SD. In the book, The Practice of Spiritual Direction, authors Barry and Connolly enriched my basic understanding of Spiritual Direction, which they define as, “help given by one believer to another that enables the latter to pay attention to God’s personal communication to him or her, to respond to this personally communicating God, to grow in intimacy with this God, and to live out the consequences of the relationship.” (Barry, 2009) Thus, being introduced to this ministry, I understand, is to give myself to another by listening to my directee, and listening to God. Going through the pages of the book heightened my appreciation of this gift, with God as the Giver. I took notice of what Spiritual Direction is not and what spiritual directors should not do. “Teaching, preaching, and moral guidance are not the proper task of spiritual directors. Their task is to help people experience God’s action and respond to God. Fostering discovery rather than teaching doctrine is their purpose.” (Barry, The Relationship Between God and Individuals, 2009)
Fourth (4): “To apply knowledge of theology and spirituality in the practice of SD”;
Author Gordon T. Smith boosted my knowledge of theology and spirituality in his book, “Spiritual Direction” where he wrote, “First and foremost, a theological vision for spiritual direction will reflect a Trinitarian understanding of the work of God in the world and in the life of the individual Christians…When we speak of the Father – the first person of the Trinity – we speak most fundamentally of the one who is the source of all things, and whose goodness permeates all things….we can then consider the focus of spiritual direction: the second person of the Trinity, Christ Jesus…to be a Christian disciple is to be a follower of Jesus….Then we must speak of the Spirit, the third person of the Trinity. Spiritual direction is intentional conversation – deliberate and purposeful – about one thing in particular: the work of the Spirit…we are attentive to the particular work of the Spirit in this life, the life of the one who has come for direction.” (Smith, 2014)
Basically, solid grounding on knowledge of theology and spirituality are essential elements in the practice of SD. I am equipping myself through studies, and I commit myself to further studies and meaningful spiritual life toward optimal appropriation of this gift of ministry.
Fifth (5): “To deepen conscious awareness of relationship”;
Kenneth Leech, in his book, “Soul Friend, A Study of Spirituality” made me consciously aware of relationship, that is, “Spiritual direction was a relationship of life shared in the Spirit, a sharing in glory…” (Leech, 1982)
The eight (8) elements of covenant relationship found their way in the process:
1. The covenant of affirmation
Particular signs of growth in prayer, and improvement in the spiritual life of my directees all deserve a positive regard and affirmation.
2. The covenant of availability
I observed my schedule because I committed to going beyond myself, my time, and whatever was needed from me, like flexibility. I used every opportunity to put into use my knowledge about SD, whenever time and circumstances call for it.
3. The covenant of prayer
The book, “Paying Attention to God” by William A. Barry, S.J. prescribes ways on how to become more discerning. He emphasizes the “need to practice in prayerful attention to the movements of our hearts, prayerful reflection on them, and honest appraisal of what seems more in tune with God’s one action, what would lead to greater faith, hope and love in our hearts, what seems more likely to enhance real communion and community among those with whom we live and work.” (William A. Barry, The Kingdom of God and Discernment, 1992). I commit to pray for my directees, and I have been praying for them as often as possible.
4. The covenant of opennessI committed to be open as a person disclosing my feelings, hopes and longings to my spiritual director.
5. The covenant of honestyAt present, this covenant on taking the risk of speaking the truth with love even when it is not the desired “mirroring back”, has not yet been tested in my past sessions.
6. The covenant of sensitivity
I am committed to the best of my ability to hear, see, and anticipate where my directee is and draw him out of the pit of discouragement and withdrawal. I have always tried to be a good listener, sensitive to what I am hearing.
7. The covenant of confidentiality
I committed to my directees early on to hold sacred the things shared, thus an atmosphere of openness was created.
8. The covenant of accountability
I promise that if I uncover areas of my life that are under bondage, or being misused, I will seek Christ’s liberating power through His Holy Spirit in the person of my own spiritual director. I have been to my confessor twice this month to receive forgiveness.
Sixth (6): “To enhance knowledge and deepen practice and skill in the use of a common approach – contemplative and evocative”;
The practicum session on the fourth and fifth months of the training program enhanced my knowledge and deepened the practice and skill in the use of contemplative and evocative approach. The actual demonstration of being a director with the whole class observing and critiquing was helpful in making me mindful of listening and evoking questions based on what the directee has said. The art of listening facilitated by the workshop on “Listening Circles” was helpful. Moreover, the guide questions from Sr. Celine, like: “I wonder how God has been speaking with what you are feeling now… Where is this coming from? What is it that you want to hear from God? etc… have been helpful to me in the conduct of spiritual accompaniment sessions.
Seventh (7): “To participate in a method of contemplative supervision, the object of process is the person of the SD”;
The worksheet, “The Supervision Process” invited me to be more reflective and attentive to my directee. However when Fr. Venus conducted the supervision process with me, I became more aware of the value of knowing what happened to me during my SD session. It is more about me as a director that matters most.
This template is helpful in making me more mindful:
CONVERSATION
MY REACTIONS AND REFLECTIONS When I was filling up the worksheet, it is with much effort trying to recall the conversation that ensued. Then I realized how important journaling is not only to my directee, but more so for my own growth in prayer and contemplation.
Eighth (8): “To integrate and appropriate the theology, theory and practice of SD for growth in the praxis of the ministry”;
Now on the last month of this internship training program, I have started to integrate and appropriate the theology, theory and practice of SD for growth...but since I am a beginner, I look forward to further studies and practice whatever I learned for the service of the archdiocese.
Ninth (9): “To confirm gifts and challenges for the ministry of SD”;
I believe that God gave me gifts for the ministry of SD. At the same time, I face big challenges, such as wanting to do more work for the archdiocesan financial management. One big challenge that I brace myself for is the time that I would devote to this ministry.
Tenth (10): ‘To discern the ongoing call to the ministry of SD”.
The personal reflection worksheet on “SELF ASSESSMENT” allowed me to examine myself, and discern what God might be calling me for.
My inner longings found articulation along the four questions.
2. How am I relation to the Spiritual Companions Covenant?I am growing in the eight (8) elements of the covenant relationship as I have written on the fifth aspect of learning in this integrative paper.
3. Do I consider having a spiritual director a commitment?I consider having a spiritual director a commitment if given the opportunity, because it is quite difficult to look for an SD who will be disposed with certain regularity. I haven’t tried asking one to journey with me on this matter, but I have been seeing one priest for my regular confessions.
4. Am I preparing for the ministry of spiritual direction or simply assuming it?This internship training program is something that I always look forward to. I don’t like to miss any single day and I pray that nothing would hinder me from finishing the program.
The books, articles, presentation materials, and discussions opened my mind to the “know what” of Spiritual Direction. The workshop processes, reflection, personal presentations, spiritual direction sessions with the spiritual director assigned to me (Sr. Celine, PDDM), my own experience of conducting spiritual direction sessions with five seminarians, the guidance of my moderator (Bro. Noel), and the supervision of Fr. Venus all provided me Skills or “Know How”. These skills enabled me to further commit myself to this ministry. More and more my attitude toward Spiritual Direction is transcending me to a higher level of spirituality... and affirming my “Purpose” in life.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Barry, W. A. (2009). Fostering the Contemplative Attitude. In W. A. Barry, The Practice of Spiritual Direction (pp. 50-51). New York: HarperCollins Publishers.
Barry, W. A. (2009). The Relationship Between God and Individuals. In W. A. Barry, The Practice of Spiritual Direction (p. 43). New York: HarperCollins Publishers.
Barry, W. A. (2009). What is Spiritual Direction. In W. A. Barry, The Practice of Spiritual Direction (p. 8). New York: HarperCollins Publishers.
Dyckman, K. S. (1981). Defining Spiritual Direction. In K. S. Dyckman, Inviting the Mystic, Supporting the Prophet (pp. 20-21). New Jersey: Paulist Press.
Leech, K. (1982). Spiritual Direction in the Christian Tradition. In K. Leech, Soul Friend (p. 48). London: Sheldon Press.
Smith, G. T. (2014). Theological Perspectives. In G. T. Smith, Spiritual Direction, A Guide to Giving & Receiving Direction (pp. 19-21). Madison: Inter Varsity Press.
William A. Barry, S. (1992). The Kingdom of God and Discernment. In S. William A. Barry, Paying Attention to God (p. 82). Notre Dame: Ave Maria Press.
SPIRITUAL DIRECTION INTERNSHIP TRAINING PROGRAM
INTEGRATIVE REFLECTION PAPER
Submitted by: Belina S. Katigbak
November 28, 2019
Everything is a gift! It all started with a call. A few weeks after my husband passed away, I was looking for a reason to move on. I approached Archbishop Florentino G. Lavarias, D.D. and told him of my heart’s desire. I was searching for a ministry in formation. He in turn asked me how I might be interested in attending a forthcoming seminar. Without hesitation, I expressed my willingness, if at all he found me worthy! In my mind and in my heart then, I was thinking of only a weekend seminar. Little did I know that this is it! On the onset, upon learning about the demands of the internship program, apprehension grew…moreover, when after the first week I experienced inner resistance, I expressed my desire to quit. But with the encouragement of the good archbishop, and purely by God’s grace, I persevered.
This integrative paper is a synthesis of the process of learning that I have gone through, an attempt to assess how I grew not only in my ability to become a spiritual director by articulating how synergy came into play, considering the essential aspects of learning namely: a) knowledge, b) skills, and c) attitude, but more importantly how God revealed His love to me and made me feel precious in His eyes.
Each weekend encounter was invaluable. I have come to a better knowledge of myself and of others. Noticing, savoring, lingering, staying on, and responding, oh, how I love learning the language of contemplation and spiritual direction! Oh how each day of spiritual direction session with my directee evoked discovery of new meanings, new dimensions, new perspectives, and deeper relationship with God!
Sr. Celine, PDDM presented early on a 10-point framework modular approach of learning. This integrative paper will dwell on these expectations from us learners, as well as theological reflections by articulating certain theological themes, experiences, analyses, judgments, and lessons learned. These 10 points are:
- Accompany another in the life of and prayer as a spiritual director
- Capacity for genuine self-awareness authenticity and identity with the charism
- Appreciation for the growing variety of trends, issues and topics
- Apply knowledge of theology and spirituality in the practice of SD
- Deepen conscious awareness of relationship
- Enhance knowledge and deepen practice and skill (contemplative and evocative)
- Participate in a method of contemplative supervision
- Integrate and appropriate the theology, theory and practice of SD
- Confirm gifts and challenges for the ministry of SD
- Discern the ongoing call to the ministry of SD
First (1): “To accompany another in the life of and prayer as spiritual director while demonstrating a contemplative stance in the ministry”;
One of the gifts of this program is that I myself benefitted from doing spiritual direction. Five seminarians chose me to be their SD. My sessions with each of them gave me the opportunity to be used by the Holy Spirit to reflect God in their lives. I came to a deeper knowledge of prayer, how important it is to this ministr and that the real director is the Holy Spirit.
Barry and Connolly stress prayer-relationship with God. “Contemplation leads to, or rather is an experience of, transcendence – that is of forgetfulness of self and of everyone and everything else except the contemplated object….The spiritual director will have to help such a person to forget himself and his problems and to look at God.” (Barry W. A., 2009) I myself am reminded in a deep sense of my personal difficulties I had about prayer. For example, in recent past, more often than not, in prayer, I used to bring all my problems and concerns to God. Even though in a lot of times while looking at God in His Real Presence at the Eucharist, I still fell short of contemplative prayer because I was self-focused. I was often blinded by my problems; and tears welling from my eyes hid the reality of God, Who, while present, seemed to be from a distance because I was focused on myself. Having this realization now, God invites me, as a “servant of contemplation”. And as I grow in this relationship with Him, I could be of more help to those seeking to focus on God. In the course of the SD, I invited my directees to bring to prayer their experiences and I am happy to learn about their growth in prayer. I found of immeasurable value the times of lingering and savoring with my directees those captured moments of “aha” or discovery of an image of our loving and merciful God in the midst of challenging situations.
Second (2): “To appropriate a capacity for genuine self-awareness authenticity and identity with the charism”;
I have grown in self-awareness authenticity as a result of the various reflection papers, as well as the one-on-one sessions with my SD, Sr. Celine, PDDM who led me to paying attention to my thoughts, processing my feelings, and inviting me to being keen to what God might be telling me or calling me in the ministry of Spiritual Direction. The lesson on psychology made me aware of Erikson’s eight stages of psycho-social development. As I went through the “needs, task, significant relationship, process, trauma, positive outcome, virtue, negative outcome and core pathology” of each stage, I recognize that I have come to transcend my “Inferiority Crisis in Stage 4” to “Generativity in Stage 7”, which is the “ability to look outside oneself and care for others.”
The past 14 spiritual direction sessions that I have facilitated, rather, that the Holy Spirit facilitated through me, allowed me to develop a broader outlook and empathy. The book, “Inviting the Mystic, Supporting the Prophet” by Katherine Marie Dyckman, S.N.J.M. & L. Patrick Carroll, S.J., led me to a deeper awareness of the role of the Holy Spirit in these sessions. “To the extent that there is a director in one’s life of faith, that director is always and everywhere the Holy Spirit.” (Dyckman K. S., Defining Spiritual Direction, 1981)
I noticed my growing commitment during the past months. I was conscious in trying to help my directees grow in their relationship with God. I have been committed to generous sharing of my time, resources, and my very own self. I tried my best to help my directees focus on how they are experiencing Goand life. More importantly, I feel so humbled with the thought that God entrusted me so much with this gift!
I also became mindful of being able to use the gift in relating with others. In a one-on-one dinner with my soul mate, our conversation transcended to a spiritual direction process. It came so naturally to me to have invited her to reflect on her life situation at present, and how God might be speaking to her and telling her something. And also, one weekend, I was with my circle of friends who are all advocates of social change and transformation. Toward the end of our whole-day bonding, I invited them to reflect on what God might be wanting us to do. Then suddenly it dawned on me that I am indeed growing in spirituality
Third (3): “To extend appreciation for the growing variety of trends, issues and topics arising from the ministry of SD”;
The books required for reading helped me appreciate the growing variety of trends, issues and topics arising from the ministry of SD. In the book, The Practice of Spiritual Direction, authors Barry and Connolly enriched my basic understanding of Spiritual Direction, which they define as, “help given by one believer to another that enables the latter to pay attention to God’s personal communication to him or her, to respond to this personally communicating God, to grow in intimacy with this God, and to live out the consequences of the relationship.” (Barry, 2009) Thus, being introduced to this ministry, I understand, is to give myself to another by listening to my directee, and listening to God. Going through the pages of the book heightened my appreciation of this gift, with God as the Giver. I took notice of what Spiritual Direction is not and what spiritual directors should not do. “Teaching, preaching, and moral guidance are not the proper task of spiritual directors. Their task is to help people experience God’s action and respond to God. Fostering discovery rather than teaching doctrine is their purpose.” (Barry, The Relationship Between God and Individuals, 2009)
Fourth (4): “To apply knowledge of theology and spirituality in the practice of SD”;
Author Gordon T. Smith boosted my knowledge of theology and spirituality in his book, “Spiritual Direction” where he wrote, “First and foremost, a theological vision for spiritual direction will reflect a Trinitarian understanding of the work of God in the world and in the life of the individual Christians…When we speak of the Father – the first person of the Trinity – we speak most fundamentally of the one who is the source of all things, and whose goodness permeates all things….we can then consider the focus of spiritual direction: the second person of the Trinity, Christ Jesus…to be a Christian disciple is to be a follower of Jesus….Then we must speak of the Spirit, the third person of the Trinity. Spiritual direction is intentional conversation – deliberate and purposeful – about one thing in particular: the work of the Spirit…we are attentive to the particular work of the Spirit in this life, the life of the one who has come for direction.” (Smith, 2014)
Basically, solid grounding on knowledge of theology and spirituality are essential elements in the practice of SD. I am equipping myself through studies, and I commit myself to further studies and meaningful spiritual life toward optimal appropriation of this gift of ministry.
Fifth (5): “To deepen conscious awareness of relationship”;
Kenneth Leech, in his book, “Soul Friend, A Study of Spirituality” made me consciously aware of relationship, that is, “Spiritual direction was a relationship of life shared in the Spirit, a sharing in glory…” (Leech, 1982)
The eight (8) elements of covenant relationship found their way in the process:
1. The covenant of affirmation
Particular signs of growth in prayer, and improvement in the spiritual life of my directees all deserve a positive regard and affirmation.
2. The covenant of availability
I observed my schedule because I committed to going beyond myself, my time, and whatever was needed from me, like flexibility. I used every opportunity to put into use my knowledge about SD, whenever time and circumstances call for it.
3. The covenant of prayer
The book, “Paying Attention to God” by William A. Barry, S.J. prescribes ways on how to become more discerning. He emphasizes the “need to practice in prayerful attention to the movements of our hearts, prayerful reflection on them, and honest appraisal of what seems more in tune with God’s one action, what would lead to greater faith, hope and love in our hearts, what seems more likely to enhance real communion and community among those with whom we live and work.” (William A. Barry, The Kingdom of God and Discernment, 1992). I commit to pray for my directees, and I have been praying for them as often as possible.
4. The covenant of opennessI committed to be open as a person disclosing my feelings, hopes and longings to my spiritual director.
5. The covenant of honestyAt present, this covenant on taking the risk of speaking the truth with love even when it is not the desired “mirroring back”, has not yet been tested in my past sessions.
6. The covenant of sensitivity
I am committed to the best of my ability to hear, see, and anticipate where my directee is and draw him out of the pit of discouragement and withdrawal. I have always tried to be a good listener, sensitive to what I am hearing.
7. The covenant of confidentiality
I committed to my directees early on to hold sacred the things shared, thus an atmosphere of openness was created.
8. The covenant of accountability
I promise that if I uncover areas of my life that are under bondage, or being misused, I will seek Christ’s liberating power through His Holy Spirit in the person of my own spiritual director. I have been to my confessor twice this month to receive forgiveness.
Sixth (6): “To enhance knowledge and deepen practice and skill in the use of a common approach – contemplative and evocative”;
The practicum session on the fourth and fifth months of the training program enhanced my knowledge and deepened the practice and skill in the use of contemplative and evocative approach. The actual demonstration of being a director with the whole class observing and critiquing was helpful in making me mindful of listening and evoking questions based on what the directee has said. The art of listening facilitated by the workshop on “Listening Circles” was helpful. Moreover, the guide questions from Sr. Celine, like: “I wonder how God has been speaking with what you are feeling now… Where is this coming from? What is it that you want to hear from God? etc… have been helpful to me in the conduct of spiritual accompaniment sessions.
Seventh (7): “To participate in a method of contemplative supervision, the object of process is the person of the SD”;
The worksheet, “The Supervision Process” invited me to be more reflective and attentive to my directee. However when Fr. Venus conducted the supervision process with me, I became more aware of the value of knowing what happened to me during my SD session. It is more about me as a director that matters most.
This template is helpful in making me more mindful:
- The Question I bring to this supervision session...
- KEY PART OF THE CONVERSATION
- Focus :
- Format :
CONVERSATION
MY REACTIONS AND REFLECTIONS When I was filling up the worksheet, it is with much effort trying to recall the conversation that ensued. Then I realized how important journaling is not only to my directee, but more so for my own growth in prayer and contemplation.
Eighth (8): “To integrate and appropriate the theology, theory and practice of SD for growth in the praxis of the ministry”;
Now on the last month of this internship training program, I have started to integrate and appropriate the theology, theory and practice of SD for growth...but since I am a beginner, I look forward to further studies and practice whatever I learned for the service of the archdiocese.
Ninth (9): “To confirm gifts and challenges for the ministry of SD”;
I believe that God gave me gifts for the ministry of SD. At the same time, I face big challenges, such as wanting to do more work for the archdiocesan financial management. One big challenge that I brace myself for is the time that I would devote to this ministry.
Tenth (10): ‘To discern the ongoing call to the ministry of SD”.
The personal reflection worksheet on “SELF ASSESSMENT” allowed me to examine myself, and discern what God might be calling me for.
My inner longings found articulation along the four questions.
- How do I attend to my spirituality?
2. How am I relation to the Spiritual Companions Covenant?I am growing in the eight (8) elements of the covenant relationship as I have written on the fifth aspect of learning in this integrative paper.
3. Do I consider having a spiritual director a commitment?I consider having a spiritual director a commitment if given the opportunity, because it is quite difficult to look for an SD who will be disposed with certain regularity. I haven’t tried asking one to journey with me on this matter, but I have been seeing one priest for my regular confessions.
4. Am I preparing for the ministry of spiritual direction or simply assuming it?This internship training program is something that I always look forward to. I don’t like to miss any single day and I pray that nothing would hinder me from finishing the program.
The books, articles, presentation materials, and discussions opened my mind to the “know what” of Spiritual Direction. The workshop processes, reflection, personal presentations, spiritual direction sessions with the spiritual director assigned to me (Sr. Celine, PDDM), my own experience of conducting spiritual direction sessions with five seminarians, the guidance of my moderator (Bro. Noel), and the supervision of Fr. Venus all provided me Skills or “Know How”. These skills enabled me to further commit myself to this ministry. More and more my attitude toward Spiritual Direction is transcending me to a higher level of spirituality... and affirming my “Purpose” in life.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Barry, W. A. (2009). Fostering the Contemplative Attitude. In W. A. Barry, The Practice of Spiritual Direction (pp. 50-51). New York: HarperCollins Publishers.
Barry, W. A. (2009). The Relationship Between God and Individuals. In W. A. Barry, The Practice of Spiritual Direction (p. 43). New York: HarperCollins Publishers.
Barry, W. A. (2009). What is Spiritual Direction. In W. A. Barry, The Practice of Spiritual Direction (p. 8). New York: HarperCollins Publishers.
Dyckman, K. S. (1981). Defining Spiritual Direction. In K. S. Dyckman, Inviting the Mystic, Supporting the Prophet (pp. 20-21). New Jersey: Paulist Press.
Leech, K. (1982). Spiritual Direction in the Christian Tradition. In K. Leech, Soul Friend (p. 48). London: Sheldon Press.
Smith, G. T. (2014). Theological Perspectives. In G. T. Smith, Spiritual Direction, A Guide to Giving & Receiving Direction (pp. 19-21). Madison: Inter Varsity Press.
William A. Barry, S. (1992). The Kingdom of God and Discernment. In S. William A. Barry, Paying Attention to God (p. 82). Notre Dame: Ave Maria Press.
