Dear Friends
         
          “Walking the Way – Who will walk with me?”

In this Diocese, it is the policy that all those in training for ministry should have a Spiritual Companion (or ‘director’ as it is usually called) –
This person will give support and a listening ear at a time when big changes are afoot in their lives.
And because we are all on a journey, it would also be good if  lay people   were to take advantage of the opportunities for growing in faith and prayer that this offers.  There is no one, lay or ordained whose life would not be enriched by this holy companionship.

There is a Network of people throughout the Diocese of Norwich who are committed to offering this ministry.  They meet regularly for mutual support and development and may be contacted through your vicar, churchwarden or member of the local Ministry Team.

What should I expect?
He/she will not tell you how to pray or what to do  but will help you work this out for yourself.  He/she will be able to help you to grow in prayer and to see  the hand of God in your life – so you do not have to have ‘problems’ to bring with you but you may benefit from a challenge.  A Spiritual Director will try to help you to see yourself through God’s eyes.

How does it work?
Once you have found a person whom seems to be right for you, either on your own, through the Network or via your vicar, you will arrange a preliminary meeting to get to know each other.  This is usually followed by two further meetings of exploration, at monthly intervals, to build up a creative relationship and to make sure that the two people are on the same wavelength.  If they are not, then an honourable end can be made and another ‘director’ can be approached.  Once the relationship is established, the frequency of meetings is up to the two of you (or group).

If you would like help in finding a Spiritual Director, you can write to Canon Pamela Fawcett, 47 High Street, Mundesley, Norwich, NR11 8JL.