carmenchristi Posted May 28, 2011 Posted May 28, 2011 [quote name='JulianofLdn' timestamp='1306570444' post='2247022'] Should I just do a basic introduction thing - hi, I'm looking for a spiritual director, my priest recommended a Carmelite, etc. Or should I go into a bit more detail, with information about my faith journey so far, what sort of things I know I need to focus on during my spiritual direction, and so on? Or is that too much? [/quote] Don't worry about stressing... I think that's normal. We all stressed, some of us (like me) still do stress when it comes to spiritual direction. It takes a loooong time to stop stressing Anyway, I would suggest you write with some details while still keeping it general. You could generally outline where you are in your faith and why you are looking for a spiritual director, without being too specific. I wouldn't say just yet the things you think you need to work on, better to wait and meet the person first... in my opinion. Well... you've already got some good advice on this thread, so I won't add much. From my experience, spiritual direction is "messy buisiness"... in the beginning I thought the only difficulty would be sharing my thoughts and feelings with another person, well then I discovered that [i]that [/i]is just the [i]beginning.[/i] I loved the post about the "mirror"... it's easy to fall into the trap of just wanting someone else to tell you what to do. Anyway, it's important to find the right "fit". It's important to "try out" the relationship, but it's also important to decide to stick with it after a certain period or you could end up constantly changing, especially if things get to be challenging. That is counter-productive in the end! You won't always like what your SD has to say to you, but it's a chance to grow.
Santa Cruz Posted May 28, 2011 Posted May 28, 2011 [quote name='JulianofLdn' timestamp='1306570444' post='2247022'] [img]http://www.phatmass.com/phorum/public/style_emoticons/default/dance.gif[/img] On Tuesday, my priest handed me an address... one of the nuns at Notting Hill has agreed to meet with me She's waiting for me to contact her, via a letter. So, of course, I'm not sure what to write. Should I just do a basic introduction thing - hi, I'm looking for a spiritual director, my priest recommended a Carmelite, etc. Or should I go into a bit more detail, with information about my faith journey so far, what sort of things I know I need to focus on during my spiritual direction, and so on? Or is that too much? [img]http://www.phatmass.com/phorum/public/style_emoticons/default/blink.gif[/img] Typical me to stress about something so very simple! Nunsense, I missed your last post - but thank you for that advice, too. I'm pretty sure I'll be intimidated to begin with, and will be sure it's a good fit, no matter what. So this is wise advice I need to keep with me. Thank you! [/quote] So happy for you! Here is a little blurp in Zenit on the Holy Father's recommendation that all the Baptized should receive spiritual direction. [url="http://www.zenit.org/article-32619?l=english"]Pope Recommends Spiritual Direction[/url] Pray about what you should write so that the Sister at Carmel may be able to direct you. I recall my first meeting with my spiritual director (a Dominican Priest) and it was all about details. He needed to know my entire history and my family history from spiritual to medical so that he could better lead me into Christ. Not details but facts, kind of like your first appointment with a new doctor and you get paper work with a bunch of boxes to check of ailments, conditions, significant events...
JulianofLdn Posted May 28, 2011 Author Posted May 28, 2011 Thanks carmenchristi and Santa Cruz The recommendation to pray is a very good one, and the idea to stay general and just outline my situation has helped a great deal! I'll write the letter tomorrow, after Mass (I reckon it's better to make it handwritten, in this case. I should get some decent writing paper and envelopes whilst I'm about it. The thought of sending a letter to a Carmelite monastery in a hot pink envelope is just wrong!) Faithcecelia, I think I'll PM you
faithcecelia Posted May 28, 2011 Posted May 28, 2011 [quote name='JulianofLdn' timestamp='1306599008' post='2247074'] The thought of sending a letter to a Carmelite monastery in a hot pink envelope is just wrong! [/quote] It would brighten their day! I would frequently write [i]from [/i]a Carmelite monastery on bright pink paper, or cartoony paper, or even paper covered in baby dinosaurs! Seriously, do what you think best, but remember your words are what matters, not what you write them on.
JulianofLdn Posted May 28, 2011 Author Posted May 28, 2011 [quote name='faithcecelia' timestamp='1306602026' post='2247084'] It would brighten their day! I would frequently write [i]from [/i]a Carmelite monastery on bright pink paper, or cartoony paper, or even paper covered in baby dinosaurs! Seriously, do what you think best, but remember your words are what matters, not what you write them on. [/quote] [img]http://www.phatmass.com/phorum/public/style_emoticons/default/clap.gif[/img] There's something quite pleasing about that! I especially like the thought of baby dinosaur paper... But, you're quite right. The words matter, and they'll be the things I work on tomorrow. I suppose I just don't want to make a fool of myself. It happens all too easily with me... [img]http://www.phatmass.com/phorum/public/style_emoticons/default/boink.gif[/img] Like, what is the correct etiquette when addressing a nun? Should I simply write: 'Dear Sister Elizabeth of the Trinity,' as an opener? (No, that's not her name. But a bit of help from said Blessed wouldn't go amiss...)
faithcecelia Posted May 28, 2011 Posted May 28, 2011 [quote name='JulianofLdn' timestamp='1306611948' post='2247121'] [img]http://www.phatmass.com/phorum/public/style_emoticons/default/clap.gif[/img] There's something quite pleasing about that! I especially like the thought of baby dinosaur paper... But, you're quite right. The words matter, and they'll be the things I work on tomorrow. I suppose I just don't want to make a fool of myself. It happens all too easily with me... [img]http://www.phatmass.com/phorum/public/style_emoticons/default/boink.gif[/img] Like, what is the correct etiquette when addressing a nun? Should I simply write: 'Dear Sister Elizabeth of the Trinity,' as an opener? (No, that's not her name. But a bit of help from said Blessed wouldn't go amiss...) [/quote] If I know their full name like that I tend to address it that way until they sign off differently - ie when the prioress at Kirk Edge signed off as Mother, I began to address her that way. I don't think NH use Mother, in fact I am 99% sure they don't.
carmenchristi Posted May 28, 2011 Posted May 28, 2011 [quote name='JulianofLdn' timestamp='1306599008' post='2247074'] The thought of sending a letter to a Carmelite monastery in a hot pink envelope is just wrong! [/quote] Hahaha... this is off topic, but I wrote to a community once with bright green paper with multi-colored smiley faces in the border. With that letter I was "breaking up" with the community because I had decided that I was called to marriage. Then a few years later I entered that same community! I even saw the letter in my folder once. What an embarassment! I'm guessing that it is still in the archives! I think you are right to feel better about using more subdued stationary! hahaha, it just might haunt you later on like it did me!
JulianofLdn Posted May 28, 2011 Author Posted May 28, 2011 [img]http://www.phatmass.com/phorum/public/style_emoticons/default/smile2.gif[/img][img]http://www.phatmass.com/phorum/public/style_emoticons/default/lol3.gif[/img] That's a great story (and cautionary tale ) I think I'll buy the sensible stationery. Just in case. [quote name='carmenchristi' timestamp='1306613182' post='2247128'] Hahaha... this is off topic, but I wrote to a community once with bright green paper with multi-colored smiley faces in the border. With that letter I was "breaking up" with the community because I had decided that I was called to marriage. Then a few years later I entered that same community! I even saw the letter in my folder once. What an embarassment! I'm guessing that it is still in the archives! I think you are right to feel better about using more subdued stationary! hahaha, it just might haunt you later on like it did me! [/quote]
MargaretTeresa Posted May 30, 2011 Posted May 30, 2011 When I get back to school, I'll be talking to my pastor about a spiritual director. The next two months are gonna be the Devil. I hate being home from school.
TeresaBenedicta Posted May 31, 2011 Posted May 31, 2011 I get to see my spiritual director in a week's time... and it's been since the week before Lent since I last spoke with him. Long distance is difficult.
OnlySunshine Posted May 31, 2011 Posted May 31, 2011 [quote name='TeresaBenedicta' timestamp='1306823681' post='2248075'] I get to see my spiritual director in a week's time... and it's been since the week before Lent since I last spoke with him. Long distance is difficult. [/quote] Totally off topic, but I love your avatar. [i]Tangled[/i] is amesome. I love that dog-like horse, Maximus!
JulianofLdn Posted May 31, 2011 Author Posted May 31, 2011 Okay, the letter is written and is being sent off today [img]http://www.phatmass.com/phorum/public/style_emoticons/default/like.gif[/img]. Hopefully I haven't written anything too idiotic!
carmenchristi Posted May 31, 2011 Posted May 31, 2011 [quote name='JulianofLdn' timestamp='1306828921' post='2248085'] Okay, the letter is written and is being sent off today [img]http://www.phatmass.com/phorum/public/style_emoticons/default/like.gif[/img]. Hopefully I haven't written anything too idiotic! [/quote] Hahaha.... I know how you feel. I always feel so idiotic about these kind of things, but I'm sure the person who will read it will not think it's idiotic. After all, if it comes from your heart it means that it's important to you :-) happy waiting for a reply.... hope it doesn't take too long. Keep us updated! BTW... I have a confessor who has no scruples about laughing at me in confession, it lightens the tension and makes me realize that sometimes I can be pretty ridiculous, so don't worry about it! Even if you make the Sister laugh, it can be a good thing!
Lisa Posted May 31, 2011 Posted May 31, 2011 [quote name='MargaretTeresa' timestamp='1306799446' post='2247840'] When I get back to school, I'll be talking to my pastor about a spiritual director. The next two months are gonna be the Devil. I hate being home from school. [/quote] Just remember that you have to focus on your spiritual life- for me, that means not being drawn into arguments with my sister (love her, but we have a major personality clash). I am living in another town now, but went home for the three day weekend. God gave me a pretty hard whap. [img]http://www.phatmass.com/phorum/public/style_emoticons/default/getaclue.gif[/img] Offer your struggles with your family about your conversion to the Lord, who is almost certainly pleased that you have devoted yourself to Him! See if you can get to Mass frequently or sit in front of the Blessed Sacrament: http:///www.masstimes.org is a life-saver! And, back on topic, I'm going to see my spiritual director Friday. It's been probably 6 weeks since we've gotten together because of the end of the semester business. Good luck with your letter!
HopefulBride Posted May 31, 2011 Posted May 31, 2011 My Spiritual Director of three years had to "break up" with me because he is being transferred to a parish that is about 3 hours away. He has recommended another priest for the job and I see him this Thursday. I am excited but I am also nervous at the same time. I went to confession to this priest before and I really liked his style and my SD recommended using him as my confessor and my SD so... please keep me in your prayers that the Lord continue to show me clarity about this decision. TB, you mentioned that you and your SD are long distance. How much distance is there between you and your SD? I never thought of the possibility of keeping my SD (but then again, our meetings would not be very predictable at all...)
HopefulBride Posted May 31, 2011 Posted May 31, 2011 [quote name='Lisa' timestamp='1306843504' post='2248101'] [url="http:///www.masstimes.org"]http:///www.masstimes.org[/url] is a life-saver! [/quote] Just bookmarked it. I didn't know such a thing existed; I wonder if it is available for travel outside of the US....
Lisa Posted May 31, 2011 Posted May 31, 2011 [quote name='HopefulBride' timestamp='1306844275' post='2248104'] Just bookmarked it. I didn't know such a thing existed; I wonder if it is available for travel outside of the US.... [/quote] Yes, it is available worldwide. It's not quite always 100% accurate for places that don't have a webpage or have flexible schedules during summer, etc., but I usually call and verify before I go anyway. But it at least tells you where the churches are nearby and you can follow up that way! I spent a year traveling for a job and it was the most helpful website EVER.
TeresaBenedicta Posted May 31, 2011 Posted May 31, 2011 [quote name='HopefulBride' timestamp='1306844182' post='2248103'] My Spiritual Director of three years had to "break up" with me because he is being transferred to a parish that is about 3 hours away. He has recommended another priest for the job and I see him this Thursday. I am excited but I am also nervous at the same time. I went to confession to this priest before and I really liked his style and my SD recommended using him as my confessor and my SD so... please keep me in your prayers that the Lord continue to show me clarity about this decision. TB, you mentioned that you and your SD are long distance. How much distance is there between you and your SD? I never thought of the possibility of keeping my SD (but then again, our meetings would not be very predictable at all...) [/quote] We're about 3,000 miles apart... heh. So we've been doing direction over the phone for the past year now. It's not something I'd highly recommend, though. Originally we decided to go this route because this past year was such a year of transitions for me, and he felt it best to keep [i]something[/i] stable in my life. Now it's because I absolutely can't find [i]anyone[/i] out here that would be willing to meet with me. This next meeting will be in person, however!! That'll be two meetings in the past year in person. I'm traveling out East for a friend's ordination and decided to make a stop so I could see my s/d.
Santa Cruz Posted May 31, 2011 Posted May 31, 2011 [quote name='FutureSister2009' timestamp='1306855965' post='2248172'] I need to find one, just not sure where. [/quote] If there is not a religious Order of priests offering spiritual direction in your area, then the best thing to do is to ask your pastor for a referral.
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now