Laurence Leopold, OCDS, Certified Catholic Spiritual Director

610-656-1519 | Leopoldcm1@gmail.com

Let me share a bit about our practice.

Laurence Leopold, OCDS is a Certified Catholic Spiritual Direction. Our mission is to help you develop a relationship with and listen to the Holy Spirit who dwells within your own heart. The Director is not the one with the answers, the Holy Spirit is. We will accompany you on your spiritual journey. By listening attentively to your heart and spirit, I pray that the right questions will help you establish and deepen your relationship with the Holy Spirit. Fidelity to the Divine Will of God and obedience to His Holy Church and its Magisterium are faithful guides. But your spiritual journey is yours alone, the saint that God calls to you to become is your deepest identity placed there by the Creator since time began. And your home is with your Divine Lover who has been calling you home to Himself.

As a Roman Catholic, an author with a Marian and Divine Will spirituality, Marist Seminary trained, a Secular Carmelite and a husband, father of seven, and grandfather of 28, I also am an ICC Certified Life Coach and a certified, Spiritual Director trained by the Redemptorist Fathers. We served in Leadership in the Catholic Charismatic Movement for 15 years, and formed by the Order of Carmel Descalsed Secular (OCDS) for over 13 years. Finally, I have been learning and living in the Gift of the Divine Will for over 30 years.

My work with individuals from my home in Prospect Park, PA 19076. Many of my clients work with me virtually via phone, WhatsApp or Zoom.

What happens in Spiritual Direction

A spiritual direction session can cover any number of things: your prayer life, movements of consolation and desolation,
spiritual joys and difficulties. All this, of course, requires a great deal of trust, humility, and honesty.

How to prepare for Spiritual Direction

For most Catholics, regular personal prayer and participation in the prayer life of their parish, the sacraments, prayer groups and other faith formation opportunities are enough to keep them deepening their relationship with God.

Before your spiritual direction, take some time to sit down and ask the Holy Spirit for light. Analyze the following areas, making notes where relevant. Remember, always include the question “Why?” The analysis will leave you with questions to ask. This will be the agenda for your spiritual direction.

Questions to reflect upon before a session

A) The general state of your soul

B) Difficulties or failures in your moral life

C) The effectiveness of your motivational phrases

D) Progress on and results of the concrete actions you have chosen

E) The main points of your program of life.

F) Challenges and progress in your prayer life.

G) The quality of the key relationships and responsibilities of your state in life.

I meet directees in person at my home, or via phone, Skype, Messenger or Zoom. Sessions are 55 minutes. The frequency of meetings will depend on your need and where you are on your spiritual journey.

What if We Don’t Click?

If you feel we are not a good “fit”, it’s okay to look for another. I think orthodoxy should be the top consideration when looking for a director. But sometimes a director’s personality or style just doesn’t work with yours, and that’s fine. Don’t be afraid to be choosy if the first director you see doesn’t work for you. Finding a spiritual director is like finding a therapist or a doctor. You want one who knows what they’re doing and who you’re comfortable with!

That said, be aware of the growing pains that can come with having a new director. If you didn’t previously have a spiritual director this will be an adventure of the three chairs; one for you, one for your director and one for the Holy Spirit.

Many are called by God who are rich in the Spirit, but financially challenged. If you are able, consider becoming a sponsor for someone else.

Compensation and Spiritual Direction

When you’ve found a good spiritual director, make them worth your while and theirs. If your first session goes well, show initiative and interest by requesting another meeting.

Compensation is never a good reason for not getting Spiritual Direction. While Priest and Religious receive a stipend for their work from their diocese or order, lay spiritual directors do not. For myself this is my core ministry, I request that you pray about what you can or cannot afford. No one is ever turned away. However, the recommended donation is on a sliding scale of $45.00 to $75.00 per session. Payable by PayPal, Venmo or check. It is important to invest in your growth, know that your growth is my mission.