Side-By-Side Spiritual Companions

The Side-By-Side volunteer companions are trained Spiritual Directors from qualified programs in the Art of Spiritual Direction. Most are members of Spiritual Directors International (for more information on Spiritual Direction visit www.sdiworld.org). Side-By-Side offers additional training beyond the basic certification, and supervision specific to working with those on the margins.

Compassion and respect, in addition to deep listening for the sacred story, are our main tools in this informal setting.

Side-By-Side spiritual companions seek to grow and deepen their own spiritual lives and life of faith. To that end they:

1. maintain a life of prayer, contemplation and study

2. meet regularly (at least monthly) with our own spiritual director

3. attend monthly Side-by-Side volunteer meetings and retreats as scheduled

4. maintain a life of faith and community by relating to a faith-based group or congregation

5. volunteer a minimum of 2 hours a week

6. discern annually our call to this ministry

Qualifications for Volunteer Spiritual Companions:

1. feel called to work with the poor and homeless

2. have completed qualified training in the Art of Spiritual Direction, or in the process of completion

3. submit letters of reference from pastor or spiritual leader, a friend, a colleague

4. submit a 1-2 page written statement of what draws you to this ministry

To determine if the ministry is right there is an initial assessment prior to acceptance, and a trial period. While all qualified Spiritual Directors are welcome, this specialized ministry is not suited to every individual’s gifts as they are expressed at this time.

Contact Side-By-Side to become a volunteer:

Linda Kelly, Director

Phone: 916-443-4362 E-mail: revlinda@sbcglobal.net