What is Spiritual Direction?

Spiritual direction is a means of deepening one’s personal relationships with God.

A process by which the directee explores the subtle and sometimes unexpected ways

in which God touches her or his life through daily experience.

Spiritual direction offers the directee the opportunity of discovering how God is present in daily choices.

This happens with the help of a director who is trained to

· listen with sensitivity

· suggest patterns of prayer

· hold the story with confidential integrity

· lead with supportive trust

· give objective feedback

How do I Choose a Director?

The initial meetings give the directee and director the time to develop trust

and a comfort level so that communication can happen.

Spiritual direction is offered at Our Lady of the Pines Retreat Center for:

· individual sessions

· groups

How often do I need to receive Spiritual Direction?

Spiritual direction sessions are usually about an hour and are held at four to six week intervals.

What will happen?

What can a directee expect from spiritual direction?

· to be heard

· help with responding in freedom

· to receive tips for the journey

· help in realizing more fully God’s

constant love

How do I make an appointment?

Appointments can be made by contacting the center.

What is the Cost?

An appointment normally lasts one hour and costs $40.00 per session

($20.00 when included as part of a private overnight retreat.)

About the Spiritual Directors…

Sisters of Mercy of the Regional Community of Cincinnati, Ohio

Marianne Longo, RSM, is an earthy Italian nun with a zest for life. She has a BS in Education from Edgecliff College in Cincinnati, and Master of Arts in Administration and Counseling at Toledo University. In the early 80’s she completed an internship in Spiritual Direction and Directed Retreats at the Jesuit Renewal Center in Milford, Ohio. Marianne has also done post graduate work in spirituality at Holy Names College in California, and she is certified Level II Reiki practitioner. She has been a spiritual director and Reiki practitioner at Our Lady of the Pines Retreat Center since 1987. Marianne has been involved in education, administration, spiritual direction and retreat work.

Breta Gorman, RSM, earned her BA from Our Lady of Cincinnati College with majors in chemistry, history, and Latin. She holds a MS degree from the University of Toledo with a major in biology, and has a permanent teaching certificate with the State of Ohio. Her degree in Spirituality is from the Jesuit School of Theology in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and internship in Spirituality and Spiritual Direction was done at Our Lady Queen of Peace in Narragansett, Rhode Island. She is a Myers-Briggs consultant, Certified Karuna/Usui Reiki Master Teacher, and spiritual director at Our Lady of the Pines Retreat Center.

Wanda Smith, RSM, has been a spiritual director since 1992. She completed her internship at the former Jesuit Renewal Center in Milford, Ohio, and has experience in directing retreats, at various retreat centers, including Our Lady of the Pines. Sister Wanda holds a master’s degree in theology from Xavier University. An artist and potter, Wanda participated in the Art and Spirituality program at Mercy Center at Madison, CT during her sabbatical in 2002.