Spiritual Directors

What are spiritual directors?

Catholic spiritual directors are trained individuals who guide others in their faith, helping them discern God's will and grow in holiness. They can be priests, religious sisters, or experienced lay people who have undergone specific formation and are in good standing with the Church. Spiritual direction involves a prayerful, ongoing relationship focused on prayer, discernment, and spiritual growth, offering practical advice tailored to the individual's life circumstances

Who can be a spiritual director?

• Priests, deacons, or religious: Many are ordained clergy or members of religious orders who have received training in spiritual direction.
• Lay people: Experienced and well-formed lay men and women can also be spiritual directors, often after completing specific training programs.
• Key characteristics: What is most important is that the director is a mature, prayerful believer with a strong connection to Jesus Christ and a gift for spiritual discernment. 

How can you find one?

• Start here: Ask our clergy or other priests if they know of qualified spiritual directors in your area.  Fr. Chris' List:  Spiritual Directors.
• Contact a religious order: Many religious communities offer spiritual direction services.
• Archdiocese Resources: Archdiocese of St. Louis' Catholic Renewal Center
• Online Resources: Websites dedicated to Catholic spiritual direction can connect you with trained directors, as noted by CatholicSpiritualDirection.org. 
• Seek Referrals: Ask other devout Catholics if they have a spiritual director they recommend. ​