St. Scholastica certifies spiritual directors

Published June 23, 2016

Nine women graduated from St. Scholastica Monastery’s spiritual direction program May 22. The five-year formation program began with Retreat in Daily Life, based on the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius, followed by Introduction to Spiritual Direction, Spiritual Classics and two practicum years.  They also attended a six-month theology course presented by Dr. Jared Bryson.

The graduates are Sheila Kay Jones, Joyce Taylor and Kathy Schmelzer, Fort Smith; Kathy Schmutz, Noll, Mo.; Adriana Rodriguez and Ann Wiggins, Rogers; Cherry Atwell, Sulphur Springs; Judy Turner, Eureka Springs; and Brenda Stanley, Atkins.

The new spiritual directors will practice their ministry with individual directees.  Some will also be co-leaders in Retreat in Daily Life (currently held both in northwest Arkansas and in Fort Smith) and other formation courses.

For Rodriguez, Retreat in Daily Life was the beginning of a lifelong journey.

“I find myself talking and listening to God a lot more as he guides me spiritually,” she said. “I am learning to let go and trust him more.”

St. Scholastica Monastery will begin a new session of Retreat in Daily Life in early October. Because time is needed to discern and prepare for the program, interested participants should call Sister Rachel Dietz at (479) 783-1135 or Alice Nahas at (479) 651-1616 soon.