Spiritual Direction and Programs
My wise friend, Sr. Jewel Renna, CND (1928-2019), often reminded me: "Brenda, you have to find God in the mess."
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Influences on my Spirituality
The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius guide my prayer life. I am also helped greatly by the wisdom of William A. Barry, SJ, James Martin, SJ, Mary Oliver, and Jewel Renna, CND. I grew up on a dairy farm in Western Massachusetts where I roamed pastures, hung out in the dairy barn, and worked at our vegetable stand; good fodder for finding God in all the rest of my life.
For Individuals or Groups...
I am available to meet with individuals or groups who wish to practice finding God in the everyday stuff of life. I am also available to present or facilitate conversations on various spiritual topics--either in person or virtually.
Training and Experience
My professional experience includes 30+ years teaching in public elementary schools, 7 years as an adjunct professor, and 5 years in the corporate world. In addition to graduate studies in curriculum and instruction (University of Connecticut) and English (University of New Hampshire), I hold a:
M.A. in Theology and Ministry (Boston College Clough School of Theology and Ministry),
Certificate in The Dynamics of the Spiritual Exercises: An Intensive for Spiritual Directors Accompanying Others in the 19th Annotation Retreat (Boston College Clough School of Theology and Ministry),
Certificate in Spiritual Direction (Franciscan Spiritual Direction Certification Program), and
Certificate in Advanced Biblical Studies (The New England Catholic Biblical School).
What is Spiritual Direction?
What is Spiritual Direction?
It is important to mention first that the term "spiritual director" does not refer to someone who is dictatorial. On the contrary! "Christian spiritual direction...[is] help given by one believer to another that enables the latter:
to pay attention to God's personal communication to him or her,
to respond to this personally communicating God,
to grow in intimacy with this God, and
to live out the consequences of the relationship" (dot points added). [William A. Barry and William J. Connolly, The Practice of Spiritual Direction, 2nd ed., revised (New York: Harper Collins, 1982), 130.]
Fr. James Martin, SJ answers the question: What is Spiritual Direction? ["What is Spiritual Direction? Learning to Pray with James Martin, SJ, " Feb 12, 2021, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Are_6b-9Jh4&ab_channel=America-TheJesuitReview.]
Talks and Days of Reflection
Talks and Days of Reflection
Topics include:
Consciousness of God in the Everyday Stuff of Life
Imaginative Prayer: Placing Oneself in Scenes from Scripture
Forgiveness
Discernment: Decision Making with God
Arrangements & Fees
Arrangements & Fees
Fees:
Presentation: $150./hour (+ travel costs outside of Hartford County, CT)
Spiritual Direction: sliding scale ($25. - $75./session)
I Provide:
Spiritual Direction:
45- to 55-minute session (typically monthly),
Deep listening and responding in cooperation with the Holy Spirit, and
Confidentiality (unless, of course, there is some danger to yourself or others; in which case I would take necessary steps for all to be well).
Presentations:
The presentation/facilitation,
Electronic version of handouts, and
Virtual platform, as applicable.
Host Provides:
Presentation space & set-up,
Hard copies of handouts, and
Amplification and electronic projection (audio or video), as needed.
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