Spiritual Mentoring for IMPACT

Each participant is required to secure a spiritual mentor. A spiritual mentor is a man or woman who is willing to walk with the participant throughout the two-year journey of IMPACT.

What is a spiritual mentor?
A spiritual mentor may be a certified spiritual director or non-certified religious or lay person who is Christ-like, has a depth of spirituality, steeped in the Gospel, grounded in our Catholic faith, active in a parish/faith community, and willing to make the necessary time commitment.

This person should be compassionate and sensitive to the Spirit. He or she should be capable of listening deeply, of posing reflective questions, of holding a confidence, and leading prayer. A spiritual mentor acts as a trusted companion who supports, challenges, and encourages you on your journey of faith.

 What will be required of a spiritual mentor?|
A spiritual mentor must be willing to meet with you once a month during the two-year program.

A spiritual mentor must be willing to read your reflection papers and provide feedback on your growth.

A spiritual mentor must be willing to help you detect the Spirit’s movement in your life.

A spiritual mentor should be a companion on the journey—not a psychologist, problem-solver, or teacher.

A spiritual mentor should help you discern God’s call—not dictate your next step.

A spiritual mentor should be able to respond with appropriate empathy to your joys, sorrows, cares, and struggles—not as an uninterested observer.

How might a spiritual mentoring session proceed?
A mentoring session will normally last for no more than one hour.

It should be held in a relaxed and private setting, and open with prayer.

The spiritual mentor may ask what you have learned or what you have experienced in the past month that has affected your spiritual journey.

The spiritual mentor may pose questions such as: Where do you think God has been working in your life? What have you been learning about yourself and your relationship with God? How is this affecting your relationships at home or work? How is God leading you?

Time should also be set aside to discuss your reflection paper (if not discussed as part of your journey).

Near the end of the session, the spiritual mentor may give suggestions for prayer, reflection, or practical application.

A date should be set for next month’s meeting, and then close in prayer.

(You may want to come to an agreement about how/when to send your reflection paper to the spiritual mentor, giving him or her sufficient time to read and reflect.)

Where can I find a good spiritual mentor?
Look for a trusted friend who is interested in your spiritual growth.

Ask an area pastoral leader for suggestions.

You may contact Mary Pedersen at [email_arch]DBQCAF[/email_arch] for suggestions of men and women who are willing to serve as spiritual mentors, some may charge a fee (this is entirely appropriate for a trained, certified spiritual director).
A list of spiritual directors from the Archdiocese of Dubuque can be found here.