Philip found Nathanael and told him, "We have found the one about whom Moses wrote in the law, and also the prophets, Jesus, son of Joseph, from Nazareth." But Nathanael said to him, "Can anything good come from Nazareth?" Philip said to him, "Come and see." ( John 1:45-46)

Spiritual Direction involves the art of listening, listening to God and to one another. In conversation, the person coming for direction, the directee, and the one listening, the director, are companions on the way of the directee's spiritual journey. Often a conversation might involve a situation where the directee is puzzled or blocked about a spiritual decision or problem and the answer is elusive. Perhaps it might even concern a situation where the directee is being overly self-critical about a situation in their life and they feel "stuck." Sometimes the thoughts and insights of another will help that person to move beyond that "stuck" point. The discernment and listening spirit of the director may be able to give the directee that "Aha!" moment that will open hearts and minds to the answer - or at least to a sense of peace and acceptance.

God is present in all the parts of our lives; we just don't always see this. In the busyness of lives today, the noise of modern life can push out the voice of God within us, very often being that part of us that is trying to get past the "stuck" part that is hurting us more and more in a spiritual way. Without listening, this part will get pushed down further and further and soon we are feeling more uneasy without knowing why. God wants us to be free. This does not mean we won't have problems or hardships at times; still, God does want us to be able to hear that spiritual voice within us. The ultimate hope of Spiritual Direction is that the directee will find their center in God thus bringing more of God's love to the world.

• Identify and trust your own experiences of the Holy in life
• Deepen your relationship with God
• Discern and make life-giving choices
• Look for the Spirit in struggles, losses or disappointments
• Find encouragement, affirmation and challenge

Is there a fee?
Since Spiritual Direction is now being provided as part of Darcy's employment as Coordinator of Adult Faith Formation, there is not a set fee.  Instead, voluntary donations can be made.  Private arrangements can be made with Gail Branner.

Note: Spiritual Directors are also available at the Mercy Retreat Center in Auburn, as well as the Bread of Life Center in Sacramento.