Helping foster spiritual growth topic of workshop

Advanced technology makes it possible to pinpoint the precise locations of buildings on remote streets an ocean away. But when it comes to helping people pinpoint their spiritual direction, computerized maps and guides are useless.

There is, however, a movement afoot to make the spiritual road less confusing for those who are eager to make the journey.

"Sharing the Spiritual Journey: Group Spiritual Companioning" is the name of a new six-week program being offered through the diocesan Consultation Center, starting April 9.

Exploration

Co-facilitated by Sister Christine Partisano, CSJ, and Rev. Anthony J. Chiaramonte, the sessions are designed to help participants share their "personal quest to better understand the dynamics of spiritual growth."

Organizers said small group sessions will take place "in a non-judgmental and confidential atmosphere" that will allow participants to "explore various dimensions of living, loving, reflecting and praying, hopefully instilling joy, hope, growth, and becoming more fully alive" as they "look at both the horizontal and vertical dimensions" of their relationships with God and with others.

Sister Mary Frances Beck of the Consultation Center said the new program is being launched because "more and more people are looking for some sort of spiritual guidance." Traditionally, that guidance has been sought on a one-to-one basis; however, there appears to be a need to offer such spiritual mentoring in a group setting.

Journey together

Sister Christine, who does retreat and spiritual consultation work on a national basis, said she has personally noticed an increased interest in "faith journey" topics in recent years. Father Chiaramonte, director of the Consultation Center, has noticed the same trend in his work as a psychologist and counselor, she said. They are optimistic that participants will share their spiritual quest "to better understand the dynamics of spiritual growth."

("Sharing the Spiritual Journey" runs 6-8 p.m. on April 9, 16 and 30, and May 7, June 4 and 11, at the Consultation Center, Albany. Cost is $100. Groups will be limited to 8-10 people. Registration is required; call 489-4431.)

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