What I discovered in my research is that the topic is three-fold: finding a spiritual director if you are looking for one, what meeting with one entails once one is found and training required to become a spiritual director. The first two are simple; the third involves study and preparation.

If you are seeking spiritual direction, the best place to start is to email Cedarbrake Catholic Retreat Center at cedarbrake@austindiocese.org. Once they have your location, they will send you three spiritual directors’ names and encourage you to speak with at least two of them. From there, ask the Holy Spirit which candidate is the one God wants you to journey with.

Once you start meeting with a spiritual director, you will be encouraged to explore a closer relationship with God and examine and recognize his presence and grace in your life. No training is needed other than a faithful prayer life. You can meet with each other as long as you wish.

Becoming a spiritual director is more nuanced and requires time and dedication.

Becoming a spiritual director

The Diocese of Austin is currently working with the Institute of Spiritual Direction (ISD) to train lay people and permanent deacons in the ministry of spiritual direction. Doing so requires commitment with study focused on four pillars: spiritual, theological, human, and pastoral formation.

The ISD aims to prepare individuals who desire to be formed in prayer and Catholic theology drawing from the richness of Catholic tradition including Ignatian, Carmelite and Dominican spiritualities. Training consists of one weekend a month of in-person formation for two years as well as monthly reading assignments and written essays. At the heart of it all is the Holy Spirit and prayer.

The sisters of the Apostles of the Interior Life (AIL) who serve at St. Mary Catholic Center in College Station provide training for the institute.

“Our relationship with God grows primarily through prayer life, which should eventually transform our entire lives … Every aspect of our lives can become a topic of spiritual direction when seen through the lens of our relationship with God,” the sisters said.

Applying for spiritual direction training requires written materials, a pastor’s recommendation, two additional recommendations and an interview. The ISD has certain requirements for interested candidates, including active participation in a Catholic or other Christian church for at least three years, Ethics and Integrity in Ministry (EIM) training and an interview with the ISD team. Ideal candidates are those with intentionality and commitment in their own spiritual and human growth. The practice of daily mental prayer, frequent reception of the sacraments and a resolution to grow in virtue are also essential. Candidates must also be at least 30 years old.

Listening for the call

The goal of a spiritual director is to help others grow in their interior life, learn how to recognize God’s voice and respond to his invitations.

Daniele Lea, a parishioner of St. Thomas More Parish in Austin, is currently participating in the Institute for Spiritual Direction and considers it a tremendous blessing and deeply Spirit-filled. She is both grateful and excited as she moves into her second year of training.

“A few years ago, I began sensing a call to spiritual direction but wasn’t sure what to make of it as I didn’t know much about it. I kept it in prayer and eventually decided to apply after being introduced to the Apostles of the Interior Life,” she said. “During one of the interviews, I knew the Lord was guiding me and was both humbled and grateful to be chosen as one of the 24 participants for September 2025 through April 2027.”

Why spiritual direction?

Father Brian McMaster, pastor at St. Paul Hasang Parish in Harker Heights, is a member of the ISD formation team and said at the diocesan level, forming well-prepared spiritual directors strengthens the church’s ability to accompany those in leadership and ministry. He said it’s equally important at the parish level.

“Spiritual direction plays an important role in the life of the church by helping individuals grow in awareness of God’s presence and action in their lives and can be especially beneficial for those who are seeking to deepen an already intentional life of prayer, particularly clergy, religious, and lay leaders,” he said. “At the parish level, it’s extremely helpful to have spiritual directors who can offer spiritual accompaniment to ministry leaders and groups.”

It’s important to note that spiritual direction is not so much being “directed” as it is being led by God, he said. A spiritual director’s role is to help someone notice how God is moving in their life, and it must be considered both an honor and a responsibility to guide others on their spiritual journeys.

Father McMaster recommends spiritual director candidates be good listeners, humble, grounded and that they recognize the ministry, which he calls a “sacred conversion,” is not about giving answers but in accompanying others as they listen for God’s voice.

The next class

The next diocesan spiritual direction training will be held at Cedarbrake Catholic Retreat Center beginning in the fall of 2027. Applications to attend can be requested starting January 2027. Cedarbrake Director Brian Egan said the next class will carry on a longtime diocesan tradition.

“Our faith and our mission are very strong and by the grace of God, the diocese has been training spiritual directors for 25 years. We are blessed to have great priests, religious and laity who have helped form more than 120 spiritual directors,” he said.

Anyone interested

in an upcoming class or retreat should contact cedarbrake@austindiocese.org.