Welcome to our spiritual accompaniment service. Please be aware that while we will continue to accept applications, our processing time for matching those interested in spiritual accompaniment with a qualified director or one in formation may take longer than normally expected.
We will soon be in touch with you to explore your needs, but because of high demand, the process of matching may take much longer … even up to 3 months. We are looking to speed up the process in the near future.
We define spiritual accompaniment as “help given by one believer to another that enables the latter to pay attention to God’s personal communication to him or her, to respond to this personally communicating God, to grow in intimacy with this God, and to live out the consequences of this relationship”. (Barry and Connolly p.8)
It is closely connected with the Celtic tradition of Anam Cara, or “Soul Friends”. “A Soul Friend is a person you trust enough to share some of the deepest matters of your heart, someone who will listen to what you share without any kind of judgment, without trying to fix anything, and without flattering or criticizing you. He or she will, however, listen lovingly to whatever you share and then perhaps reflect back what seems to be stirring you most deeply, possibly also challenging you in firm but gentle ways…” (Silf p.47)
The ISCM forms individuals to be spiritual accompaniers. This generous team offers their services without cost; however, the ISCM relies on donations from those we serve to continue offering our ministry.
To be matched with a spiritual accompanier fill this form.
Fields marked with an asterisk (*) are required.
Spiritual accompaniers are sympathetic listeners rather than problem solvers. They help the people they accompany recognize and respond to God’s presence in their lives, discern new faith experiences, understand their image of God, and become aware of areas for spiritual growth. They are committed to fostering their own development by receiving spiritual accompaniment and supervision throughout their time of ministry.
Spiritual accompaniment is not a mission one can give or seize for oneself. Rather, it is a call which must be discerned prayerfully and be affirmed by others.
Individuals interested in becoming spiritual accompaniers must:
The first step in formation is the Prayer Companion Program. This is a two-year formation program designed to introduce participants to the basic elements of the spiritual life and to learn and practice listening skills in order to be actively present to another person.
For more information, please contact the ISCM Director of Formation.
Thank you for your interest. Please fill out this form. We will contact you shortly.
