Spiritual Direction
Spiritual direction is the process of prayerful listening to discern how the Spirit is working in one’s life. This process of coming into a deeper relationship with God includes the assistance of a spiritual director, also referred to as a spiritual guide or spiritual companion. Spiritual direction provides a sacred space where one can share from their heart and be heard by a compassionate, accepting director.
This sacred process can allow one to recognize God’s presence in their life to enrich and unfold their spiritual journey. Spiritual direction sessions are normally arranged monthly and are independent of an overnight retreat.
A Directed Retreat is an opportunity to spend time on an overnight retreat while meeting with a spiritual director daily. Directed retreats are offered through Benet House programs or can be scheduled individually.
Financial Assistance is available to those unable to afford the cost of spiritual direction.
Benet House Spiritual Directors
Sister Jackie Walsh, OSB
Education: Illinois State University, Normal, IL, BS in Science
Certificate in Spiritual Direction from the Spiritual Guidance Training Program, Sienna Retreat Center, Racine, WI
Current ministry: Administrative Assistance, Benet House Retreat Center
“Before a directee arrives, I’ve already prayed to the Holy Spirit for guidance that I may model God’s love, mercy, and acceptance. When I meet with a directee for the first time, I want to know their story. I usually inquire about their earliest awareness of God in their life, and my hope is they also share about their Christian community.
I ask the directee about their family, work, friends, health and what they like to do for fun. These areas can provide interesting and valuable insight into a person’s life. Often I ask an open-ended question that allows the directee, when comfortable, to reveal the issue or concern that’s brought her or him to me.
Each person’s story is always in some manner a relationship with God. As a spiritual director, my role helps the person seeking guidance to discern God’s presence in their life and plan for the future.”
To make an appointment with Sister Jackie, contact her directly:
retreats@smmsisters.org or (309) 283-2108
Sister Mary Schmidt, OSB
Education: St. Ambrose University, Davenport, IA – BA
Mundelein Seminary, Chicago, Il – MA in Scripture Study
Certificate in Spiritual Direction, Benedictine Peace Retreat Center, Yankton, NE
Past Ministries: Elementary Education; Religious Education, Parish Ministry
Current Ministry: Spiritual Direction
“Before the directee ever comes into view I seek out some prayer or scripture that may be fitting for the session. I pray that we recognize and realize the Divine Presence with us.
“People come with hope, fear and loss. Sometimes there is anger and aloneness and hurt. We look for where God might be in all of that. We look for how God might be calling the directee to some change.
“As director, my job is to listen without judgment; to help them find the door that God is holding open.”
To make an appointment with Sister Mary, contact her directly:
mschmidt@smmsisters.org or (309) 283-2238
Lorene Knobbe
As a person of faith, I promise to listen to you with gentleness, reverence, and awe, keeping my mind and heart ready to hear the Spirit’s guidance. I pay attention, not only to what you are saying, but what you may not be saying. In turn I may question or confirm, advise or encourage, confront or gently challenge you. I will respond without judgement and will present unconditional compassion. I will pray for you, before, during, and after each session.
Throughout our entire meeting, the primary purpose must always be your spiritual growth and maturation. I will hold you and your growth in my prayers and heart