Is spiritual direction a worthy solution? The National Catholic Reporter reports, "The Catholic church in the United States is facing a daunting challenge in trying to reach and provide spiritual formation for its estimated 65 million members." In his May 28, 2010 article "An Ancient and Contemporary Pathway to God", Tom Gallagher indicates, "One group believes it has the answer: spiritual direction."

Liz Budd Ellmann, executive director of Spiritual Directors International is interviewed in the article. She reminds us,

“Spiritual direction is not for the pious few, but for everyone who is seeking a relationship with God”

Echoing the historical roots of spiritual direction, Dr. Janet Ruffing, a member of SDI, author, and professor of spirituality and ministerial leadership at Yale Divinity School, New Haven, Connecticut explains, “Spiritual direction is an ancient practice in the church and was recovered and renewed by Vatican Council II."

Jesuit Bishop Carlos Sevilla of the Yakima, Washington diocese believes that, “Spiritual direction allows people to deepen their relationship with God and affects other dimensions of their lives as they carry forward as committed Catholics.”

Spiritual Directors International provided excellent recommendations to guide a person's search for a spiritual director. Included are the reminders to, "reflect and pray," along with "ways to find spiritual directors."

Could spiritual direction become more visible and serve a spiritual hunger in Catholic parishes? Absolutely. To read the entire article, click, "An Ancient and Contemporary Pathway to God" by Tom Gallagher.