New Spiritual Directors by Dianne Rachal

St. Joseph Shreveport to Host a Pet Blessing New Spiritual Directors By Dianne Rachel

St. Joseph Catholic Church is excited to announce a Pet Blessing in celebration of the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, on Friday, October 4. Father Matthew Long, Pastor of St Joseph Catholic Church, will bless the animals at 6 pm at University Veterinary Hospital on East Kings Highway. Pet owners may arrive between 5:15-6:00 pm at the UVH fenced pet park and parking lot, and may park at UVH and across the street at Ladies in Waiting. UVH will provide refreshments and treats, and those attending will receive a blessed St. Francis medal.

All socialized animals are welcome! Pets may include leashed dogs and/or cats, birth or small animals in carriers. Photos of pets are also welcome, if it is difficult for your pet to attend the blessing.

St. Francis of Assisi is the patron saint of animals and the environment. The Church celebrates the Feast of St Francis of Assisi on October 4th each year, commemorating the life of St Francis, who was born in the 12th century. St. Francis died on October 4, 1226, and Pope Gregory IX pronounced St Francis a Saint in 1228.

St. Mary of the Pines Church will also be hosting a Blessing of the Pets on October 6. For more information please check the calendar on page 31.

The Diocese of Shreveport welcomes two new spiritual directors. Congratulations to Nadalie Thomas and Deacon Mike Straub on their completion of two years of formation in the Archdiocese of New Orleans Internship in Spiritual Direction. Nadalie and Deacon Mike join nine certified spiritual directors in the diocese, all of whom have completed at least a 2-year internship at an approved spiritual direction formation program.

All spiritual directors in the diocese are trained in the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius, as retreat leaders, and in one-on-one spiritual direction. All spiritual directors participate in on-going peer supervision.

What is spiritual direction? Spiritual direction assists a person in becoming more aware of God’s presence in their life, and guiding a person in growing a deeper, more intimate relationship with God. Who is spiritual direction for? Everyone who is in a relationship with God would benefit from spiritual direction with a trained spiritual director. If you would like more information about spiritual direction, please contact a spiritual director.

You can find a spiritual director at: http://www.dioshpt.org/ StraubThomas