Spiritual Direction

A retreat is a time of silence set apart for reflection, prayer, and spiritual growth. It can be for only a few hours, a day, a weekend, or even longer. A person on private retreat spends time in quiet and solitude. In this quiet and solitude, the Divine is sought.

Spiritual direction is an opportunity for spiritual growth, an age-old tradition in the Church of journeying with another in order to help see and hear the workings of God more clearly. The focus of spiritual direction is to enable an individual to grow in his/her relationship with God, others, self and all of creation in the ups and downs of life's journey.

A spiritual director generally meets with an individual on a monthly basis for about an hour, and on a daily basis in the course of a directed retreat.

Villa Maria has an on-going ministry of spiritual direction. Our spiritual directors bring a listening heart as well as the theological background and training for the ministry of spiritual direction. The following are available for spiritual guidance. Please call the Villa to make arrangements.

Sr. Rose Elsbernd, Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration

Sr. Rose has been active in retreat ministry and spiritual direction for the past 25 years. Additionally she is the director at the Villa Maria Retreat Center. Her qualifications include masters degrees in Religious Education and Counseling as well as certification in spiritual direction and retreat ministry. In addition, Rose holds the responsibilities of the operational administration of the Villa Maria Retreat Center. Rays says, "It is a great privilege to provide spiritual nourishment while occupying others on their journey through prayer, quiet and reflection."

Jean Lauer

Jean has a master's degree in Servant Leadership and additional training in spiritual direction and clinical pastoral education. Jean's undergraduate work blends spirituality, expressive arts and psychology. She has been facilitating retreats for close to twenty years and offering spiritual direction for over ten years. Jean says, "I chose the ministries of spiritual direction and retreat leadership to honor the sacred relationships of our lives and to invite others to explore their creativity and spirituality as paths for healing, renewal and growth."

Arrangement for individual retreats and spiritual direction can may be made contacting us by phone or e-mail. Accommodations can be arranged for almost any day, weekend or week.