SPIRITUAL DIRECTION RISING is called to promote spiritual direction in the Catholic tradition in the diocese of Phoenix, to foster support for the spirituality centers that are involved in spiritual direction, and to collaborate among the spirituality centers to promote the work and programs that nurture spiritual growth.

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This effort grew out of a need to bridge trained Spiritual Directors with Catholic parishes and individuals seeking a stronger relationship with God throughout the Phoenix area. In our desert community, it became apparent that centers of spirituality were emerging simultaneously across the Valley, all including Spiritual Direction as part of their mission.

 

The initial centers were located at St. Bridget Parish in East Mesa, Crosier Village in South Phoenix, and the Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale. As representatives of these centers gathered to explore this dynamic, the call to collaborate with one another in supporting and fostering spiritual direction emerged. Soon other communities and spirituality centers joined in and broadened our efforts.

 

We have grown into a collaborative to include spiritual directors affiliated with all the Arizona centers included on this site and hope to create awareness of the spiritual growth resources available for the Phoenix area and beyond. The Advisory Board of Spiritual Direction Rising includes a priest, lay ministers, religious sisters, scholars, counselors, retreat directors, theologians, artists, musicians, program directors, and more. All centers have emerged from community life and offer a variety of approaches and resources for spiritual growth.

 

We hope that raising awareness and accessibility of spiritual direction will offer resources for individual and communal healing and growth, thereby strengthening the Body of Christ in our midst.

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