Why Spiritual Direction?

You consult with someone concerning your health care. This person is called a doctor. You consult with someone concerning your finances, this person is called a financial planner.
Have you considered having a person journey with you concerning your spiritual care?
Have you considered having a person journey with you as you build your life?
More people are seeking a spiritual director. They realize their spiritual care is as important as their health care or their finances.

What is Spiritual Direction?

Although the title, ‘Spiritual Direction’ goes back several centuries, it can be confusing. This person does not direct your spiritual life. Rather, the spiritual director accompanies you as you discover your own spiritual path and listens with unconditional love as you come to name the sacred in your life.

Spiritual Direction is:

  • A process that involves meeting with a spiritual director. These meetings are growth oriented. Regularity and continuity of contact enrich the experience;
  • A one-on-one relationship that focuses on discovering God in the experiences of life wiith a spiritual director who listens without judging and keeps the sharing confidential;
  • A meaningful way for persons of any tradition to attend to their spiritual care and their relationship with the Divine in all of life.

    When is Spiritual Direction Helpful?

  • When one wants a deeper relationship with God;
  • When one questions one's faith;
  • When one seeks different ways to communicate with God;
  • When one wants to connect more deeply with inner wisdom;
  • When one's restlessness leads to a search for something more.

    • Is There a Fee?

    The first session is without cost or obligation. You can discuss financial arrangements with the spiritual director at this session.
    Suggested donation: $40.00 - $60.00 per hour
    If the donation is beyond your means, please request a scholarship. No one will be turned away because of the inability to pay.

    Group Spiritual Direction

    While spiritual direction is often experienced one-on-one, it can also be experienced in a group setting, where people seek God together and explore work, relationships, prayer and life experiences.  We offer various informational sessions throughout the year. Next session is Thursday, August 11 from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. To learn about the process and to determine whether this might be a possibility for you. Contact S. Joan Weisenbeck (791-5297) jweisenbeck@fspa.org or Linda Kerrigan (791-5276) lkerrigan@fspa.org for information. New groups and existing groups begin in September.


    How do I Find a Spiritual Director?
    All the spiritual directors at the Center have formal training and experience in spiritual direction. Feel free to call any of the following trained spiritual directors at the Franciscan Spirituality Center.

  • Mary Kathryn Fogarty, FSPA (608) 791-5600
  • Joe Orso (608)791-5295
  • Rosalie Hooper Thomas (608) 791-5268
  • Linda Kerrigan, FSPA affiliate (608) 791-5276
  • Barb Kruse (608) 791-5612
  • Joan Weisenbeck, FSPA (608) 791-5297


  • Email: Contact us about Spiritual Direction

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