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Spiritual companioning is the process of sharing one's sacred stories with a trained, compassionate listener. It can be helpful to anyone seeking spiritual growth, healing, or a deeper connection with God and others. It is a time-honored practice of compassionate, non-judgmental listening to another in a safe setting where what is shared is held with reverence and confidentiality.
A trained spiritual companion will listen intently, patiently, and confidentially as you share your sacred stories. Your spiritual companion will journey with you as you navigate through life's complexities and transitions, and be a trusted guide as you discover your inner wisdom. Spiritual companions do not offer counseling, advice, or problem solving. Rather, they accompany you as you explore your own spiritual path. |
What is Spiritual Direction?
What are the benefits from Spiritual Direction? Learn more about spiritual direction, the benefits, and advice for someone seeking Spiritual Direction/ Spiritual Companion. |
Why Spiritual Companioning?
Seeking God is a universal human quest — common to all ages and to all cultures. Growth in the quest for God happens when we pray with honest, authentic desire. The spiritual companion helps an individual to sort out the various desires in their life and to recognize and respond to their desire for God. Do you desire a compassionate, non-judging listener? Do you long to grow spiritually and communicate with God?
Qualified spiritual companions can help you place yourself freely before God and reflect on your life experiences. Spiritual companions are often thought of as “trained listeners,” or people who guide you to discover what is already within you.
Typically, spiritual companioning is one hour long and occurs monthly and/or during a directed retreat. Suggested fee is $50 per hour. If the donation is beyond your means, please request a scholarship. No one will be turned away because of the inability to pay. For appointments or questions contact the specific spiritual companion, using the links below, or feel free to contact us at A Place to Be Spirituality Center.
Seeking God is a universal human quest — common to all ages and to all cultures. Growth in the quest for God happens when we pray with honest, authentic desire. The spiritual companion helps an individual to sort out the various desires in their life and to recognize and respond to their desire for God. Do you desire a compassionate, non-judging listener? Do you long to grow spiritually and communicate with God?
Qualified spiritual companions can help you place yourself freely before God and reflect on your life experiences. Spiritual companions are often thought of as “trained listeners,” or people who guide you to discover what is already within you.
Typically, spiritual companioning is one hour long and occurs monthly and/or during a directed retreat. Suggested fee is $50 per hour. If the donation is beyond your means, please request a scholarship. No one will be turned away because of the inability to pay. For appointments or questions contact the specific spiritual companion, using the links below, or feel free to contact us at A Place to Be Spirituality Center.
Our Spiritual Companions
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Kelly Lemens completed a three-year spirituality training program at the Franciscan Spirituality Center in LaCrosse. As a spiritual companion, Kelly believes that exploring our own inner spirituality leads us to discover and move closer to our authentic selves. This journey can involve a re-imaging of who God is, or how God is present in suffering, loss and healing. As Pastoral Associate for St. John XXIII Church, Kelly has journeyed with the bereaved, separated and divorced and those experiencing significant transitions in life. Centering prayer and being in nature are an important part of her own spirituality.
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Kathy Walczyk is a trained spiritual director and retreat leader. She holds a Master’s degree in Theology from the St. Norbert College in DePere, has completed a three-year spirituality training program at the Franciscan Spirituality Center in LaCrosse, and is a student of Vipassana Meditation. She is an advocate by nature, believing in and encouraging individuals to seek their highest potential and to live from that place. In addition to personal advocacy in spiritual companioning, she advocates for better understanding of spiritual trauma, healthy spiritual practices that encourage individuals toward well-being, and for healthier responses to those harmed through religion and through religious abuses. You may check out her website at: www.kathrynwalczyk.weebly.com. Kathy is available for spiritual companioning at the A Place to Be Spirituality Center on the third Monday of every month.
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Ruth Hoenick received her commission in Spiritual Guidance from the Siena Retreat Center in Racine, Wisconsin. She holds a Master’s Degree in Educational Professional Development. As a Spiritual Companion Ruth supports seekers in listening to their sacred stories and exploring a relationship with the divine. She believes in mutual sharing to gather wisdom and knowledge of self and God. The impact of companionship can create new paths and openness within one’s heart and soul. Ruth may provide options of inter-spiritual practices or ideas, as well as encourage the expression of prayer and spirituality through movement, visual arts, journaling, music and sustained silence. She is a seeker of spiritual connection and continual growth. Ruth is open to seekers of all faith traditions and practices. She facilitates retreats around the United States for members in the recovering community of AA, Al-Anon and other 12 step programs.
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