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SPIRITUAL DIRECTION/GUIDANCE is a meeting between two people – one wishing to explore spiritual issues and God's presence in his/her life, the other willing to listen and reflect back on what is shared. 

Spiritual Direction is available by appointment with a trained spiritual director of choice. Fee for service. Call the Center at 207-872-2370 for more information.

Spiritual Directors

Susan MacKenzie, Ph.D. susan@retreatinmaine.com   Susan is an ecumenical retreat leader and graduate of the Guild for Spiritual Guidance. She holds a doctorate in environmental studies and directs spirit and nature programs at the Center. She also offers spiritual guidance to individuals who wish to explore and strengthen their spirituality. Married with two children and living in Waterville, Maine, Susan belongs to the United Methodist tradition and is interested in working with people who feel fractured by the many demands of everyday life.

Jeannine Levasseur, CSJ   Sr. Jeannine Holds an M.A.  from St. Rose College in Albany, N.Y., A Certificate of Biblical Studies, and A specialization in prophets from the Center of Biblical Studies in Sao Paulo, Brazil.  She also served in Olancho, Honduras in the aftermath of hurricane Mitch, and in the formation house of the Sisters in Ivory Coast. She is a Certified Spiritual Director from the Center for Religious Development in Boston.

Is Spiritual Direction a form of counseling?

Spiritual Direction is not a form of counseling, although the two may be compared.  Counseling is person-centered.  It looks at a person’s problems and relationships and works toward self-knowledge and self-realization.  Spiritual Direction is God-centered.  It asks where God is to be found in the person’s life, tries to explore that God, and considers the developing relationship between the person and God.  In the process, a person develops greater self-knowledge, but the final objective is to know God more.

What kind of commitment is involved in Spiritual Direction?

A commitment is involved in Spiritual Direction on the part of both people concerned.  On the part of the director, a regular prayer life, reverence for the individual’s spirituality, and adherence to confidentiality and other professional standards can be expected.  On the part of the directee, a desire to know God, a commitment to try to notice and relate to God, and a one-hour meeting per month would be typical.