What is Spiritual Direction?
Spiritual direction is a ministry which fosters an individual's personal, intimate relationship with God. It is assistance given to one person (the directee) by another person (the director) which enables the directee:
- to pay more attention to God's presence and activity in her or his life
- to become more aware of God's loving desires
- to respond with greater freedom to the mystery of this unconditional love.
Why is Spiritual Direction Helpful?
Spiritual direction is helpful because it enables the directee to focus on and to articulate her or his experience of God in the myriad and mysterious ways in which God is present:
- in prayer and in the sacred writings of various faith traditions
- in people and human relationships
- in the natural beauty of creation
- in the wonders inherent in the ordinary events of daily life.
In exploring these experiences and the feelings connected with them, the directee can again encounter the mystery of God and God's loving call at even deeper levels.
Who Offers Spiritual Direction?
Spiritual direction is a ministry offered by someone:
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- who is committed to her or his own ongoing and developing relationship with God
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- who is called to this ministry by others seeking spiritual guidance
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-who has been trained in a variety of ways inclusive of spirituality, theology and psychology
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-who is certified to accompany others in their search for the Holy One.
Sr Mary Jo Chaves, Sr. Guadalupe Medina. Marilyn Kirvin and Mary Erickson offer Spiritual Direction at the Franciscan Spiritual Center. Stephen Ristau is also offering Spiritual Direction as an adjunct.
When is Spiritual Direction Appropriate?
Spiritual direction is appropriate for anyone with a personal commitment to prayer, but especially:
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- when one desires to deepen an already existing relationship with God
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- when one is experiencing a significant transition or loss
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- when one's prayer life seems stagnant or "stuck"
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- when one is discerning critical life choices
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- when one's vague restlessness leads to a search for something more.
In exploring these experiences and the feelings connected with them, the directee can again encounter the mystery of God and God's loving call at even deeper levels.
Spiritual Directors
 Sister Mary Jo Chaves, OSF has been a spiritual director in the Portland area since 1996. She was trained at the Institute for Spiritual Development in Lafayette, CA in 1995 and has been a Franciscan Sister since 1963. She welcomes a diversity of directees in her practice: Christian and non-Christian; those who belong to mainline churches and those who do not; the young, middle-aged and young at heart; those from differing life styles -- all are welcome in the spiritual companionship she provides for her directees.
 Mary Erickson has been a spiritual director since 2004 after completing the program at the Shalom Prayer Center. Mary also holds a Masters degree in Applied Theology from Marylhurst University. Being a working mother for years and balancing the issues of work/life she has a special interest in working with women on their spiritual journeys.
Sister Guadalupe Medina, OSF (in English and Spanish) has been assisting with Group Spiritual Direction sessions and offers Spiritual Direction in Spanish.
 Marilyn Kirvin, M. Div., MSW, has been a spiritual director in the Portland area since 1997. She is the mother of two sons, was previously the Director of the Jesuit Spirituality Center in Southeast Portland, and worked as a therapist at several counseling centers. Marilyn's background is in Ignatian spirituality, and she has walked with, and welcomes, women and men of all ages, life stages and experiences who are on a spiritual journey.
 Stephen Ristau offers spiritual direction at FSC as an independent practitioner with an extensive background in leadership and training in both non-profit and corporate environments. Previously, Stephen served as a family and marriage therapist, and likes to focus on helping baby boomers find purpose in their lives, as well as mentoring men of all ages. He is a trained spiritual director and holds an advanced degree in Human Development and Family Relations. He can be reached at 503-281-4305 or 860-997-8090 or stephenristau@gmail.com.
 Scott Borison is an independent spiritual director. With a doctorate in engineering together with his many years experience in industry and small business, Scott enjoys a unique perspective on the spiritual journey. He is married with 5 children and 5 grandchildren. His particular interests are spiritual growth and discernment. You can reach Scott at (503) 789-3089 or scott@scottborison.com.
Cost range for one-hour session: $50
Please call 503-794-8542 or Email Us for more information.
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