Spiritual direction is the practice of seeking counsel from someone who is trustworthy and learned in the faith for the purpose of discerning the will of God in one’s life and for more effectively living out one’s baptismal calling.

All Christians are commanded, in a way, to provide spiritual aid to one another (“Go, make disciples of all nations…teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” — Matthew 28:19), but a spiritual director is usually an individual who has received some form of training or formation for this specific purpose. The Catholic Church, however, does not have explicit requirements, professional standards or a formal certification process for spiritual directors. Spiritual directors can be lay, religious or ordained persons.

Spiritual direction is not to be confused with the sacrament of Penance, though the latter does usually include some spiritual counsel.

©LPi