What is group spiritual direction?

Group Spiritual Direction is a process in which people gather together on a regular basis to offer support to one another on their spiritual journey. This circle is formed as a space to nurture deep sharing and listening among fellow seekers. Out of respect and care of each member of the group, everyone is asked to agree and commit to the following:

commit yourself to honesty
participate wholeheartedly in the circle through prayerful listening and response
open your spiritual journey for consideration by others

What to expect?

Though each group will be unique, you can expect to meet regularly for 2-hour sessions with four to six other participants. All groups are led by a Stillpoint approved and trained Spiritual Director.

Each session will include a rhythm of prayerful silence and meditation, personal sharing by participants, followed by prayerful responses to what each participant shares. You will experience a deep sense of intentional community going deeper into Mystery and a deepened awareness of God’s Spirit at work in your own life as you witness God’s presence in the lives of others in your group.

Shared Desire

What draws people to the group is a reciprocity of desire, Spirit’s desire and their desire. Having been touched by this desire, they want to make their deep desire for the Holy the determining factor of all of their choices, and they recognize that they need some help to do this. This shared desire gives the group its coherence as well as a shared commitment to be there for one another in that desire. The group's primary task is to make the shared desire explicit and to hold one another in it.

The Group Spiritual Direction process provides the container for this soul-filled work.

—adapted from “Group Spiritual Direction” by Rose Mary Dougherty

Group Listening Guidelines

Are you seeking to join a monthly Group?

You are invited to listen deeply in the community of others to the sacred text of your own life. Join this brave space which is held to nurture deep sharing and listening among fellow seekers while learning the sacred practice of group spiritual direction.

These groups will be updated regularly as groups reach their end and new groups are formed. We encourage you to check back if you don’t see a day or time that will work for you now. You may also email Colleen Thomas for questions about finding a group for you: cthomas@stillpointca.org

Are you a certified spiritual director seeking Group Spiritual Direction formation? Learn more about our graduate program and add yourself to the interest list HERE.

Have you already completed Group Spiritual Direction formation and find yourself interested in leading a group? Fill out this form to apply.