Spiritual Exercises

Spiritual Direction

Spiritual direction is about accompanying and supporting people on their spiritual journey. As young adults, we often lead hectic, busy lives — sometimes it can be difficult to notice the movement of the Spirit in our day-to-day life. In spiritual direction, we are invited to slow down and reflect more deeply on our experiences — to recognize the presence of God in daily experiences.  In fact, spiritual direction is not really about being "directed," in the sense of being "told what to do" — instead, a spiritual director is a listening, attentive companion on your spiritual journey... someone to encourage you towards a deeper relationship with the divine.

Why seek spiritual direction?

Some reasons you might come to spiritual direction include:
• to share your disappointments, losses or struggles,
• to find affirmation and encouragement,
• for discernment in making decisions,
• for support in integrating spirituality your with daily life,
• to learn to identify and trust your experiences of God,
• for help making it through a transitional period,
• to grow closer to God, yourself, others, and creation.

How does spiritual direction work?

It takes place in one-on-one meetings, for an hour, once per month.  Together with your spiritual director, you will agree on a convenient time and meetings will take place in Slí Eile, Gardiner Street or at an agreed location suitable to both parties.  Spiritual directors will request a nominal fee for their time and will also accept free-will donations

It is very important to feel comfortable, and to know that what is shared with your spiritual director will be held in confidence. You may wish to interview more than one director, paying attention to your comfort level. Don't be afraid to ask about their theological and spiritual education, or whether they abide by particular ethical guidelines. After a few sessions, you should evaluate the relationship together, to be sure that both feel it will be beneficial — whether it is for a short time, or many years.

For more information please contact:
Debbie Moore, Slí Eile, 20 Upper Gardiner Street, Dublin 1
Tel :  +353 1 8943165  or   +353 86      E-mail : This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  

Slí Eile have a panel of recommended spiritual directors:

• Debbie Moore. Debbie has worked in spiritual direction and directed retreats for the past 20 years. She is also trained in Supervision and is accredited member of AISGA. www.aisga.org
• Piaras Jackson SJ. Piaras is a Jesuit priest and director of Sacred Space, an international prayer website and he has many years of ministry and spiritual direction.
• Therese Larkin. Therese is a Loreto sister and has been working with and supporting the work of Slí Eile in retreats, spiritual direction etc for over 8 years. She is acredited member of AISGA.
• Avril O Regan.  Avril is a La Retraite sister and is on the staff of Manresa Retreat and Spirituality Centre in Dublin. She also has a lot of experience in retreat work and spiritual direction.
• Orla Cunningham. Orla is very involved in many areas of Slí Eile’s work from gospel choir masses to retreats. She is acredited member of AISGA.