In an effort to increase the availability of trained spiritual directors in the Diocese of Burlington, a first-ever spiritual director training program facilitated by the Oblates of the Virgin Mary was launched and is moving into its second year. Thirteen men and women — including a number of deacons and one priest — recently completed Year One of the three-year program.

The training has included four full and rigorous weekends of formation, practicums, lectures, reading, time focused on praying with the Scriptures, and human psychology and development. For those continuing on to Year Two, participation in the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises will be included.

“Spiritual direction is a time-honored ministry in which one trained person assists another person in growing closer to God. The director helps facilitate a three-way conversation with the Lord, along with the directee and the Holy Spirit,” said Deacon Phil Lawson, executive director of pastoral ministries for the Diocese of Burlington. “Contrary to the name, the ‘director’ is less directive and seeks through a contemplative, evocative approach the way the Lord is leading the directee. This is especially true in the Ignatian method of St. Ignatius of Loyola in which the participants are being formed.”

According to one of the participants, Patricia Ann Sulva of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Charlotte, “We are being trained very well to walk with others. And in all the teachings and materials is the constant reminder of the precious lives we will be walking with, to play a part in that is such a gift from God.”

The next step for the 12 participants moving on to Year Two in their training is to begin directing others while being supervised. As they meet with directees
generally on a monthly basis, they will also be meeting with a supervisor and confidentially discussing their experience of this ministry. Each of the participants will be working with two to five directees.

“My hope is that all people continue to deepen their faith and truly know how much they are loved by our Lord,” Sulva said. “Spiritual direction opens that opportunity for everyone.”

For more information on the program or working with one of the participants, contact Deacon Lawson at [email protected].

— Originally published in the Summer 2024 issue of  Vermont Catholic magazine.