The new year invites rejuvenated energy, motivation and resolution to reach goals, achieve success whether in a career, health or lifestyle change, and journey toward spiritual growth. All this, while refreshing, can also be a bit daunting, leaving one to question: “What does God want for me in this season of my life?” and “How do I discern the path before me?”
One avenue offering insight is spiritual direction. By reflecting on and discussing these soul-searching questions and more with a trained spiritual director, God’s everyday presence may be revealed, and His voice heard.
“People have a real hunger for God in their lives, and with so many competing voices in our culture, spiritual and otherwise, it can be difficult for an individual to discern their relationship with the Lord and where God might be leading them,” said Deacon Frank Zolvinski of Holy Family Parish in LaPorte, who has provided spiritual direction for 30 years. “My role is to help them listen to where God is active in their lives and help them grow in that relationship.”
This role, Deacon Zolvinski added, is very rewarding. He mentions that as he helps unpack howGod is working in people’s lives, he helps them see God’s grace. “There can be moments of desolation, even abandonment, but also times of great joy and consolation as one journeys with the Lord,” he shared.
Spiritual direction draws one closer to God, opening a greater awareness of the subtle ways in which He speaks. Lynda Bodie, who provides spiritual direction in the Gary and Merrillville areas, relates her experience as “a change in her spiritual life completely” when she first began seeking spiritual direction herself over 15 years ago.
“I was aware that something was missing in my life but I wasn’t sure what it was,” Bodie explained. “A dear friend of mine was going through the training and asked if I would be one of their first directees.” (A directee is the person seeking spiritual direction.) “As we embarked on my spiritual journey, I realized the missing piece was a deeper relationship with God, which is vital to fulfilling God’s desires for your life.”
Holy Family parishioner and spiritual director, Jill Szawara, considers it a blessing to grow in relationship with God through the guidance of a trusted spiritual director.
“It has been such a gift to walk with someone who, by careful and caring listening, helped me to clarify and deepen my understanding of God and myself, and eventually to an ongoing and deepening relationship with God,” she emphasized.
Entering into a closer relationship with God through spiritual direction often leads to a deeper prayer life. It can also develop a more charitable life.
“It’s not a private thing,” said Sister Joyce Diltz, PHJC, who has served as a spiritual director for 49 years. “It flows out into our relationships with people and our lives of service.”
Sister Joyce describes her relationship with God as a friendship. “Being with God, he’s my best friend. I try to be attentive to him,” she said.
In her daily practices, Sister Joyce prays for about one hour. She also journals and utilizes other forms of reflection and prayer. She offers spiritual direction out of her home in Hammond and at St. Paul Catholic Church in Valparaiso. In each 50-minute session, she begins by asking the directee the question, “Where would you like to start today?”
“I don’t go in with a plan,” Sister Joyce mentions. “It’s a conversation…I want it to be what they want it to be about.”
It’s important to note that spiritual direction is not therapy. While the two may overlap and benefit one’s overall well-being, spiritual direction is growth-centered and soul-focused. Spiritual directors receive extensive training in studies in human and faith development, spirituality, prayer and discernment. They also continue to seek their own spiritual direction and to have ongoing supervision for their ministry.
As Sister Joyce mentioned, spiritual direction is a lifelong process. “God is always inviting us to grow to become more of who we are and who we’re meant to be,” she said. “If we are intent to live in communion with God, it’s important to pay attention…try a couple of sessions and see if it feeds you.”
Many trained spiritual directors minister in the Diocese of Gary. Some are available to meet online as well as in person. For more information regarding spiritual direction or to request a brochure, contact the Office of Worship at 219-769-9292 or officeofworship@dcgary.org.