Group Spiritual Direction: Listening for the Sacred Together (In-Person with online sessions in winter)

“I have been a part of this group for two years. Once a month, I find respite in my busy life to connect with the divine as I understand it. Cathy holds a container that allows for deep reflection in community with other spiritual seekers.” – Rev. Karyn Marsh

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“We are all just walking each other home.”
– Rumi

Do you yearn for a deeper connection to God, Spirit, the Divine? Perhaps you sense an inkling that there is something more wanting to be explored – whether you come from a formal faith tradition or none at all.

Group Spiritual Direction (GSD) offers a safe, sacred space for individuals to gather in community, slow down, and listen deeply—for the movement of the Spirit in their lives and in each other. Unlike therapy or problem-solving groups, spiritual direction is a contemplative practice rooted in the belief that the Divine is already present and available in each person’s journey.

In this group, faith traditions vary in formality and intensity, some may have none, and their name for God may differ, but all are deeply committed to exploring their spiritual paths and supporting the spiritual journeys of each group member. The intent is not to ‘fix’ or advise, but to listen attentively, and as members caringly share what they feel and hear, they help each other look, with a finer lens, at their own spiritual relationship. Gently guided by long-time Spiritual Director, Cathy Rosensteel, the group cultivates compassion, connection, and clarity, helping each person notice the movement of Spirit in their lives.

September through November and March through May, Cathy’s group starts their time together with a few minutes of conversation in the kitchen at Well for the Journey. During the colder months, December – February, they gather on Zoom from the coziness of their homes. When at the Well, the group transitions from the kitchen to the living room to form a contemplative, confidential and sacred listening circle. Using the GSD process formed at the Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation in Washington, DC., Cathy invites the group with an opening reflection from a variety of sources, such as, Scripture, poetry, texts, and/or prose and a time of gentle silence. When ready, members share a response flowing from their deep listening and curiosity. This simple format, repeated throughout each session, invites meaningful conversation and deepening. The session closes with the sharing of prayer intentions.

Whether you’re seeking a deeper relationship with the Sacred by whatever name, navigating a life transition, in need of discernment, curious about that nagging inkling, or simply yearning to be seen and heard in a soulful way, GSD provides a space for deep listening, soulful reflection, and support for your unfolding path.

If you would like to join Cathy’s group or simply want to know more, please contact the Well at 410-296-9355 or email us at programming@wellforthejourney.org. Please provide your name and phone number and Cathy will be in touch to discuss your interest.

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“I have been a member of Cathy’s spiritual direction group since the fall of 2020. Each session I jot down what speaks to me. Recently I went back and typed up my notes and then created this word cloud. Every session sparks deeper thinking and honest reflection for me. I look forward to our gathering each month.” – Becky Boynton

DATES (In-Person at the Well): Saturdays – 9/13, 10/11, 11/8/25 and 3/14, 4/11, 5/9/26

DATES (Online via Zoom): Saturdays – 12/13/25 and 1/10, 2/14/26

TIME: 8:30 – 11:30 AM

COST: $250

LOCATION: Well for the Journey – 120 W. Seminary Ave, Lutherville-Timonium, MD 21093 and ZOOM

TO REGISTER: Please contact the Well at 410-296-9355 or email us at programming@wellforthejourney.org.  We will put you in touch with Cathy so that you may chat and determine if  this program is a mutual fit.  Once that happens and if you’d like to move forward, we will provide you with a sign up link.

FACILITATOR: Cathy Rosensteel

FACILITATOR BIO:
Cathy facilitates group spiritual direction in the Shalem tradition at The Well. She has an M.A. in Spiritual Direction and Pastoral Care from Loyola University Maryland. Kindled by a week-long silent Ignatian retreat, she developed a deep appreciation for silence and the Spiritual Exercises. Furthering her interest, she completed the 19th Annotation of the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises in Everyday Life. Her work in this area includes leading retreats on finding silence in everyday living and walking the labyrinth. Through private practice, Cathy is honored to provide individual spiritual direction in the Middle River and Towson areas.

Cathy’s background includes teaching teacher education candidates and directing the Special Education programs at Loyola University Maryland. She also had a notable career developing innovative programs for students with special needs, as a teacher and administrator with the Baltimore City Public School System.

Drawn to the outdoors, Cathy treasures time at home on Seneca Creek with her husband and dog. She enjoys designing engraved affirmation stones, gardening, and swimming. Often, she can be found happily reading, near or in a body of water, or just sitting, very still.