Spiritual Direction
During my own personal struggles, I sought guidance beyond conventional therapy, leading me to a Spiritual Director. Spiritual Direction offers a trained guide who accompanies another person on their spiritual journey. A Spiritual Director provides mentorship and insight as one seeks to navigate one’s own unique path. With compassion and patience, the director employs attentive listening and astute questioning to foster self-discovery and connection with the divine. The purpose is not to delve into the darkness of the past, but to live faithfully in the present and move confidently into the future.
Thomas Merton wrote, “There is only one problem on
which all my existence, my peace, and my happiness depend: to discover
myself in discovering God. If I find God I will find myself and if I find my true
self I will find God.” Spiritual Direction is invaluable in helping us with this process. A Spiritual Director gently empowers you to embrace your own true essence as a beloved child of God, and to find and follow your path.
In addition to having a Master of Divinity and a Master of Theology, I am a graduate of the CenterQuest school for Spiritual Direction
Areas of Expertise:
Fees: There is no set fee for this service. However, a recommended offering of between $50-$100 per session is recommended. Other arrangements can be made for those whose finances do not allow them to make a donation.
Testimonials
“I had been struggling too long with being able to truly let go of several years’ worth of mental confusion related to past losses and trauma. When I finally realized I needed help, I hoped to find someone who would compassionately listen, support and acknowledge my feelings, and ultimately guide me toward inner peace.
Ralph Patrick is just that person. He doesn’t offer answers or therapeutic strategies. Instead, he is a keen listener, skilled at guiding his directees toward gaining their own spiritually based awareness/understanding of the Holy Spirit’s presence in their lives. I am so thankful God led me to Ralph and for the sense of calm I am experiencing.
Karen
“Ralph is very easy to work with, he responds quickly to questions and always has the right thing to say. I love his short, “to the point” style. Ralph is a beautiful human being. I thank God every day for bringing him into my life. He is humble, prayerful and helps me find my own spiritual path without telling me what to do.”
Rebecca
“Not so long ago, my honest description of my "self" would have been "invisible spectator". Spiritual direction has led to new spiritual insight-quiet, yet real, loving, complete, incredibly joyful! Recognizing that God has been, is now, and always will be with me has been life changing. My heart can truly connect with all of God's creation in ways I could never have imagined; I no longer feel invisible nor alone. I am God's dear child who loves and experiences His other dear children. What a blessing this journey has been!
Carol
“I suddenly found myself in a very low place in my life. It was a time of grief, aloneness, sadness, and loss. Ralph offered to come along beside me and be my companion for this journey of healing. Once he led me to the Perfect Love that Jesus has for me… for us, I was able to walk through this valley toward newness of life.”
Brigid