The Spiritual Directors Network grew organically from a shared vision among a small group of spiritual directors in mid-Michigan. Beginning with informal gatherings in a member’s home in 2007, SDN gradually took shape — developing structure, establishing a web presence, and building a community committed to the practice and support of spiritual direction.
Purpose
From the beginning, SDN was guided by four core priorities:
- Maintaining the professional standards of spiritual directors, which includes pursuing reputable training, receiving spiritual direction, and participating in a peer supervision group.
- Sharing helpful spiritual direction resources among members.
- Deepening supportive and caring relationships with one another.
- Providing a list of well-trained spiritual directors with their biographies for those seeking a qualified spiritual director.
Meetings
Over the years SDN has gathered in a variety of locations. The idea for SDN was first initiated in Patricia Wilson-Perkowski’s home. Early meetings were held at St. Casimir, and later at Gone Wired, a coffee shop on East Michigan Avenue in Lansing, and at Schuler’s Book Store Cafe at the Meridian Mall in Okemos. Two or three SDN-sponsored retreats were held at St. Francis Retreat Center in DeWitt. For a number of years meetings have been held at April Allison’s home in Okemos. During the Covid pandemic the group met online via Zoom.
Meeting frequency evolved over time as well. Initially the group tried to meet monthly or every other month, eventually settling into a fall, winter, and spring rhythm that continues to this day. Meetings are currently held from 10 a.m. to noon on the second Friday of October, January, and May.
Meeting agendas also evolved over time. Early meetings included a check-in, a devotional, a short business meeting, sharing of spiritual direction experiences, questions and concerns, a sharing of resources, and a time of prayer. As the group matured, a teaching and learning component was added, usually led by a member and occasionally by a guest speaker.
In 2021, with the creation of a program coordinator position, a more structured seasonal format was established, guided by three core intentions: to improve skills as spiritual directors, to benefit from the knowledge and experience in the group, and to expand horizons in the field of spiritual direction.
The seasonal formats are as follows:
- Fall: A lecture presentation on a given topic, followed by group interaction.
- Winter: A facilitator shares a spiritual direction resource, followed by resource sharing among group members.
- Spring: A workshop presentation, including an introduction and instructions, a group activity, and sharing and wrap-up.
Milestones
- In 2026, the website was redesigned with a fresh look and new organization, making it more accessible and informative for both spiritual directors and those seeking direction.
- In 2012 and 2018, SDN conducted membership surveys to better understand the needs and engagement of those in its network. (See Membership Surveys for full details.)
- SDN was registered as a non-profit from 2011 until 2014.
- On May 27, 2009, SDN was awarded a $3,000 grant by the Sustaining Pastoral Excellence (SPE) program. As a result, a day-long retreat titled “The Art of Being a Healing Presence” was held at St. Francis Retreat Center on May 29, 2009, led by the Rev. James Miller of Willowgreen in Ft. Wayne, Indiana. Forty-six participants attended.
- In May 2009, an MSU Credit Union account was established for SDN. The account was closed in June 2014, after which funds were handled informally by the treasurer.
- In November 2008, SDN registered its website domain, spiritualdirectorsnetwork.net. The website included a description of spiritual direction, a directory of spiritual directors with biographies, events and resources, retreat locations, internships and training, and contact information.
- In the early years, Jannel Glennie gave a presentation at St. Francis on the topic of “Pilgrimage,” drawing on her own recent pilgrimage in Europe.
- April Allison’s gracious invitation to meet regularly in her home added a welcome sense of peace, tranquility, and privacy to the group’s gatherings.
Executive Roles
SDN began with Carol Ingells serving as president, with members taking turns facilitating meetings. Over time a secretary and treasurer were added to the Executive Committee. These three officers met between seasonal meetings to plan the agenda and reported to the membership at each gathering.
In 2021 the secretary and treasurer roles were combined into a single position, and a program coordinator was added to the Executive Committee.
Members
SDN was founded in 2007 by a small and committed group of spiritual directors. The founding and early members were:
- April Allison
- Anita Smith Buckwalter
- Peggy Caputo
- Charlie Homeyer
- Carol Ingells, first president of SDN
- Carolyn Lucas
- Sharon Mick McAuley
- Merry Stanford
- Sr. Marlene Taylor
- Denise Waytes
- Patricia Wilson-Perkowski
- Paula Young
In 2022, SDN had ten members and forty-four people on its mailing list.
In 2026…
With Gratitude
This history was compiled by Pat Zandstra in September 2022, with memories and reflections generously contributed by Sharon Mick McAuley, April Allison, Peggy Caputo, Carol Ingells, Denise Waytes, and Pat Zandstra herself.
