Diocese of San Diego Spiritual Direction Fund
The Diocese of San Diego recently set up a Spiritual Direction Fund to assist in the formation of those responding to all religious vocations. Spiritual direction itself is a practice where a person (typically a priest or trained layperson) helps someone grow in their relationship with God, offering guidance on prayer, discernment, and spiritual growth. The fund would support various aspects of this ministry, and its purpose can be understood in a few key ways:
Supporting the Cost of Spiritual Direction: Some people may not be able to afford the cost of regular spiritual direction. A giving fund might provide scholarships or financial assistance, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their economic situation, can access spiritual guidance.
Training and Formation of Spiritual Directors: Spiritual direction requires deep formation and training, often with specific certifications or educational requirements. A fund could be used to provide scholarships or financial support for those pursuing this vocation, helping ensure there are enough qualified spiritual directors to meet the needs of the faithful.
Supporting Retreats or Workshops: Often, spiritual direction is part of a broader retreat or formation program. A giving fund could help finance retreats, workshops, or conferences that train people in spiritual direction or that help those seeking spiritual direction deepen their relationship with God.
Promoting Access to Resources: The fund might be used to provide resources—such as books, materials, or other tools—that assist in spiritual growth, prayer, and discernment for individuals undergoing spiritual direction.
General Ministry Support: It may also support the broader ministry or apostolate of spiritual direction within a parish or diocesan setting. This could include things like office space, travel for directors, or events that bring together the community for spiritual development.
Essentially, this fund is intended to ensure that the ministry of spiritual direction remains accessible, sustainable, and impactful for as many people as possible, supporting both the spiritual directors and those receiving guidance.
Prayer for Spiritual Direction
Come, Holy Spirit,
Spirit of truth and light,
open my heart to Your wisdom.
Help me to see myself as You see me,
to recognize Your presence in my life,
and to follow where You lead.
Lord Jesus, gentle Shepherd,
You have promised that those who seek will find.
Grant me the grace to seek You with a sincere heart.
Guide my thoughts, my words, and my desires,
that I may grow in humility, love, and trust in You.
Heavenly Father,
through this time of direction,
show me the path that leads to Your peace and holiness.
Give me courage to embrace Your will
and patience to walk it faithfully.
Mary, Mother of Good Counsel,
pray for me and for my spiritual director,
that together we may listen well to the voice of Your Son
and respond with hearts full of faith.
Amen.
