Spiritual Direction Contemporary Readings

The revitalized ministry of spiritual direction is one of the surest signs of renewal in today's Church. In Spiritual Direction: Contemporary Readings, seventeen leading writers and spiritual directors discuss the history, meaning, demands, and practice of this ministry. Through timely articles by such recognized authors as William Barry, Sandra Schneiders, Louis Cameli, Kallistos Ware, and John Wright, one comes to see that spiritual direction belongs, not to a spiritual elite, but to the entire Church--men and women, clergy and laity, members of religious communities.Compiled especially for those entering spiritual direction, either as directors or directees, this book is an excellent introduction to an exciting ministry in today's Church.A valuable feature of this book is a concluding section with recommendations for further readings. Listing important articles and books on spiritual direction published in recent years, this section helps readers to continue exploring this vital area of contemporary spirituality.

Part 1. The Nature of Spiritual Direction

• Spiritual Direction / Kevin Wall
• The Spiritual Father in Orthodox Christianity / Kallistos Ware
• The Contemporary Ministry of Spiritual Direction / Sandra Schneiders
• Depth Psychotherapy and Spiritual Direction / Eugene Geromel

Part 2. Preparing for Spiritual Direction

• Prayer in Pastoral Care: A Contribution from the Tradition of Spiritual Direction / William Barry
• Letter to a Begining Spiritual Director / Matthias Neuman
• Relationships in Spiritual Direction / James Gau

Part 3. The Practice of Spiritual Direction

• On Entering Spiritual Direction / Shaun McCarty
• New Approaches and Needs for Spiritual Direction of Women in the Catholic Church / Vilma Seelaus
• Spiritual Direction for Priests in the USA: The Rediscovery of a Resource / Louis Cameli
• Direction in the Various Stages of Spiritual Development / Rose Page
• Contemplation According to Teresa and John of the Cross / Antonio Moreno

Part 4. Spiritual Direction and Christian Tradition

• Discernment of Spirits in the New Testament / John Wright
• The Rule of 1223: A Franciscan Model for Spiritual Direction / Louis Davino
• St. Catherine of Siena's principles of spiritual Direction / Benedict Ashley
• Spiritual Direction According to St. John of the Cross / Joel Giallanza
• Spiritual Direction According to St. Teresa of Avila / Joel Giallanza
• Thomas Merton: Spiritual Director / Charles Healey

Further Readings