What is spiritual direction?
Often called spiritual companionship or accompaniment, spiritual direction is an ancient, venerable tradition within the Church. It helps individuals reflect on God’s constant, often unnoticed activity in their lives, and cultivates a capacity for liberating discernment. Conducted privately with rigorous confidentiality, spiritual direction takes place in an atmosphere of holy listening, wherein the truths, doubts and sacred longings of the soul are free to speak.
Why seek spiritual direction?
What is of ultimate significance in my life? Who am I in my relationship with God? How do I pray? How do I most authentically live out my own evolving faith? Such are the questions natural to spiritual direction.
We offer the compassionate ministry of spiritual direction within the context of a monastic house whose way of life is a balance in work, rest, prayer, and leisure. All directors who practice here have had appropriate training and follow the policies of the Sisterhood, which require them to receive regular spiritual direction themselves, and to be in a process of continuing education and training in this ministry.
Booking and Rates
If you have questions about, or wish explore spiritual direction, please communicate with our Spiritual Director Coordinator at spiritualdirection@ssjd.ca, or by calling 416-226-2201 ext. 306.
A minimum fee of $50 is applicable for each spiritual direction session (typically running 45-60 minutes) held at Saint John’s. For those who desire to receive spiritual direction while on private retreat in the Guest House, please contact the Guest House Office (guesthouse@ssjd.ca; 416-226-2201 ext. 305) at least one week prior to your arrival.
Bursary assistance is available for those who cannot afford the full fee. Applications can be obtained by contacting the Guest House office by email at guesthouse@ssjd.ca or by phone at 416-226-2201 ext. 305.