Spiritual Mentoring

“We cannot live a life of discipleship alone. We need others to model lives of discipleship and accompany us as we grow in the spiritual life and experience ongoing conversion.”
- USCCB, Living as Missionary Disciples, 15
 

Spiritual mentoring refers to an intentional, trusting spiritual friendship in which one adult guides another adult towards growth in discipleship. A spiritual mentor serves as a kind of coach for the spiritual life for another. Spiritual mentors are distinct from Spiritual Directors, who have received formal training and certification in spiritual direction ministry. Spiritual mentors have a depth of spirituality, are steeped in the Gospel, grounded in the Catholic faith, active in a parish/faith community, and are willing to accompany others in the faith, but they typically do not have formal training. Basically, spiritual mentors are disciples of Christ who have a maturity in the faith and can support and guide other Christians in their discipleship.

Spiritual mentoring involves faith-sharing and spiritual accountability. Spiritual mentors should be compassionate and sensitive to the Spirit. They should be capable of listening deeply, of posing reflective questions, of maintaining confidentiality, and leading prayer. A spiritual mentor acts as a trusted companion who supports, challenges, and encourages another person on their journey of faith.

Spiritual mentors can be any priest, deacon, religious, or lay person. Often, they are a close friend, family member, parish staff member, or fellow parishioner. Spiritual mentoring is informal and can take place in multiple settings, including at coffee shops, restaurants, or in the comfort of someone's home. In essence, spiritual mentoring involves two people sharing their spiritual lives with each other over informal, personal conversations about the faith, with one being the mentor and the other being the mentored.

Where can I find a good spiritual mentor?
Look for a trusted friend or fellow parishioner who is mature in their faith and interested in helping you grow spiritually. Ask an area pastoral leader for suggestions. Review the list of trained Spiritual Directors in the Archdiocese, found here.

Contact Matt Selby for further information and guidance on spiritual mentoring.