Spiritual direction is the practice of being with people as they attempt to deepen their relationship with the divine, or to learn and grow in one's own personal spirituality. The person seeking direction shares stories of his or her encounters of the divine, or how he or she is experiencing spiritual issues. The director listens and asks questions to assist the directee in his or her process of reflection and spiritual growth. Spiritual direction develops a deeper relationship with the spiritual aspect of being human. It is not psychotherapy, counseling, or financial planning.
Spiritual direction has its roots in the Early Christianity. The Gospels describe Jesus serving as a mentor to his disciples. Additionally, Acts of the Apostles Chapter 9 describes Ananias helping Paul of Tarsus to grow in his newfound experience of Christianity. Likewise, several of Paul's Epistles describe Paul mentoring both Timothy and Titus among others. Tradition tells that John the Evangelist tutored Polycarp, the second-century bishop of Smyrna.
On campus, members of the Priest Community are available for any member of the University community. They are
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Fr. Donald Blumenfeld,
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Fr. Joseph Chapel,
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Fr. Gabriel Costa,
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Fr. Stanley Gomes,
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Fr. Paul Holmes,
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Msgr. Joseph Reilly,
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Fr. James Spera, and
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Fr. Anthony Ziccardi.