Hey guys. I was just wondering, if one were to choose a spiritual director, does it have to be a priest? I have been reading through a lot of websites lately and they all seem to imply that priests are the only type of SD's. There is a sister whom I trust very much and she has been around me and knows many of my weaknesses. How much of a difference would there be between her and a priest/ confessor as my SD? Thanks pham.

In Christ,
Maria Faustina

Oh, I've definitely heard of religious sisters being spiritual directors. Fr. Burns Seeley, SJC, who passed away last year, and was very involved with the Institute on Religious Life, had recommended a great religious sister in my area, as a spiritual director for me, which was very helpful.

I think on a lot of levels it can be very beneficial to have a woman religious as a spiritual director, since you would already have a lot in common. For Confession then, you just go to receive the Sacrament, but not for direction, although the priest may give you some direction, which can be helpful. Many times when I had a priest as a director, I would still end up going to Confession on a regular basis somewhere else, to whatever church was offering it at a time I could go. So yeah, I definitely wouldn't hesitate to have a religious sister as a director, if she is available, especially being someone who knows you and whom you trust. God bless!

My present one is a missionary sister. I have had priests in the past, but this is the best sd relationship I have ever had. She's had special training in SD, and some lay people even take the training. Back home one of the best SD's, from what people told me, was a deacon's wife who had taken a SD diploma.

I know several sisters who act as SD's, also with training. I've only met one "directree", but he seemed very content with his SD

My spritual director is a sister (since 1999) - and she is very good for me...
Of course I can´t confess her - but for me personally the distinction between spiritual direction and confession is fruitful... I think it depends on the person (well, on both: the SD and the person who needs direction... )

She had a special training and a lot of experience in direction - a great knowledge and everything else that might be needed...

It´s up to every single person to look what is best for him/her in spiritual direction...
And you have to pray about it - again and again -


and again...

There's nothing wrong with having a religious sister as your s/d. Looks like she's a great candidate for you.

I have a priest, but I don't always confess to him. He asks as a courtesy after each meeting if I need to confess, and it's cool if I do and it's cool if I don't. For me, it always depends on when the meeting is scheduled. I try to go every two weeks, so if falls inbetween that... I don't use him for confession. Granted, he often hears confessions for certain days at school anyways, so it tends to work out.

I think a Sister would be an excellent. I actually had a Consecrated Virgin as my Spiritual Director for several years and she was really great!