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Connecting to God and others enriched by Spiritual Direction Preparation

by Theresa Washburn
"Let me tell you a story.” This sentence causes us to bend forward and listen, to prick our ears in anticipation of some deep truth teetering on the edge of revelation. Some stories are so correct, that we can tell them over and over and each time they fill us with hope, or illustrate our sense of loss. In describing the work carried out at the Franciscan Spirituality Center I turn to stories—stories of the people who are touched by our ministry. Below are two gems, a ruby and pearl, both come out of our Spiritual Direction Preparation Program (SDPP). The first is the story from a woman, the second from a man. Their words describe the profound relationship between the work we do here, and the way that work changes the world, one person at a time.

SDPP participants celebrate the conclusion of their program. From left, Ann Schwalbach, River Falls, Wis.; Sheila Gramaglia, Lawrenceburg, Ind.; Sheila French, Rockford, Ill.; Jane Ann Timmerman, Spring Valley, Minn.

JR: I attended the SDPP program from 2002-2005. My interest began with my first experience with my own spiritual director. That powerful experience of spiritual growth created a desire to accompany other people on their spiritual journeys. I saw the program as a safe place to discern my call while providing opportunities to develop my faith and listening skills in the process.

From the beginning I learned something significant from each of our classes. Whether it was discernment, faith development, biblical spirituality or the Ignation exercises, they all influenced my personal growth. But I must admit the most significant change in my life has been in the development of my prayer life. The three years of weekends and retreats encouraged a route to regular prayer by providing opportunities to practice prayer and in ways I may have been reluctant to try on my own. Through those meetings with God, I became convinced of what so many who have a regular prayer practice have learned, that God deals with each of us uniquely; draws each of us in whatever way will bring us closer, but always, always calls us to deeper relationship.

Furthermore, while I recognized that I brought my own natural skills to the program, they were enhanced and so, hopefully, are more evident as I employ them in work listening to my co-workers and customers. Most importantly, the program challenged me to define my belief in God, to deepen my relationship with God, and to be open to making the changes in my life. Now, my response to work increasingly comes from an awareness of God’s presence within me and those around me.

But the program wasn’t easy; I describe it many ways. It was an often frustrating, personally challenging
and ultimately enriching part of my spiritual journey.The depth of gift the program had in my life was evidenced in a chance encounter on a train trip from Seattle last fall. During that voyage I met a college student returning to her home on the East Coast after having completed a summer internship in Oregon. What began as a casual conversation quickly turned into a deeply personal exploration of her faith, her life and her future. As we traveled across the country together over the next two days, the conversation deepened. Had I not had the training, I would not have recognized the opportunity or encouraged its development, I would not have realized that I could also trust its outcome. It became, for both of us, a sacred gift . . . a powerful awareness of God’s presence in our conversation.

KM: I started the SDPP program in the September 2005, I’ll finish in August 2008. I chose it because I was seeking
a program that would enrich me spiritually and professionally. I felt spiritually dry and professionally exhausted. I hungered for a fresh approach to ministry. I longed for—prayed for—a program that would assist me as I supported and encouraged pastors and lay leaders. Attracted to the topics and encouraged by my spiritual director, Vince Hatt,
I enrolled.

From left, Sandy Putman, Oshkosh, Wis., and Daniel Pulsfus, Portage, Wis., were among the group of 34 participants in the SDPP class that graduated in spring 2005. Photos submitted by James Neppl

The piece which gives me the freedom is this new understanding of what it means to walk with someone on their spiritual journey. As simple as this all sounds, I found myself frazzled trying to “solve” people’s problems or worried sick about the pain others suffered. I spent my time and energy giving, and took little or no time to replenish the dried up well of my being. This program offered a new mindset and lease on life as a disciple of Christ.

Father Robert Sears’ class on Personal Growth and Faith Development opened my eyes to understanding the various stages of faith development. His presentation acted as a key, opening the door to view my personal spiritual journey. It helped me clarify where others stood in their journey as well. His explanations guided my vision of how I moved forward, circled back, and moved forward time and again. During his presentations I identified individuals I have encountered over the years as they walked their walk to spiritual maturity. Father Sears provided a language and a means to communicate with churches and individuals as they struggle to grow in their spiritual lives and in their ministry.

I can say that without question I have changed the way I work. It (SDPP) has made me a better listener and created
a new mindset as I communicate with colleagues and peers. Now I journey with people rather than jump to “fix”
or “solve” their life challenges. The program has freed me emotionally; I see myself as a partner in life rather one who carries the burden of answers. I have a deeper understanding and empathy for others as they struggle spiritually and seek a closer relationship with God.

In addition the SDPP has opened the door to rich ecumenical relationships with classmates, leaders and staff, deepened my sense of community across denominational lines and led me to a richer relationship with my Lord.
While it may seem dramatic, my life changed the first weekend of SDPP. I had struggled professionally trying to understand what it meant to be an “administrator” in the church instead of a parish pastor. I was challenged by a mindset that personalized conflict and the life struggles of those around me. And as I said, I wrestled with the tendency to take on the weight of the world.

The dramatic change is best exemplified by an encounter I experienced just days after the first retreat. An individual approached me with deep concerns about an ill parent. Prior to my training as a spiritual director I would have attempted to provide comfort through quick solutions advising on how this person could balance work and provide care for the parent. I would have offered to take on extra work and run to the bedside of the ailing parent to provide pastoral care. This time though, my conversation involved listening, then listening more, a little encouraging, and affirming and no insight.
This changed our relationship and my ministry. In the course of time it led to deeper and richer conversations. Though the conversation was not classical “spiritual direction” it changed the way I care for others. In doing so, it literally changed my life by providing freedom and peace for me while at the same time, opening the door for others to share their stories—stories waiting to be told. The bottom line is, “I’m a better listener and pastor now than I have ever been.”

Since 1985 the staff at the Franciscan Spirituality Center, La Crosse, Wis. has trained over 200 people in the practice of spiritual direction. This innovative program provides a mix of workshops and real life experience and prepares individuals to move into their communities and jobs as trained spiritual directors.

The SDPP extends over three years, giving participants an opportunity to integrate theory and practice. While the SDPP prepares the participant to direct others regardless of their spirituality, the SDPP teaches from the Judeo-Christian tradition. For more information on the Franciscan Spirituality Center visit their website at www.franciscanspiritualitycenter.org

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