Frequently Asked Questions

Moments of Grace + Prayer is an independent ministry offered through a non-profit Missouri corporation formed for that purpose. The ministry is performed out of the community of spiritual companions. This ministry is ecumenical and not affiliated with any particular denomination.

Since each participant is unique (as well as each spiritual companion), exactly what happens during the retreat is different for each person. During the one-on-one meetings, the spiritual companion typically is much more of a listener and reflector than a teacher or sharer of wisdom. The participant brings to these sessions his/her experiences of what happened during the prayer times as well as other life events and experiences relevant to his/her relationship with God. The spiritual companion listens and responds with a welcoming, non-judgmental, compassionate presence – not only to the participant, but also to God’s Spirit moving in their midst.

By reflecting back to the retreatant what is heard, by asking an open ended question, by sitting together in silent prayer, or in various other ways, the spiritual companion can often help the retreatant listen more deeply to what God wishes to communicate, as well as help the retreatant get more in touch with what s/he wishes to communicate to God. All of this occurs under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Another important source of guidance is the specific, unique desire for this retreat provided by the participant to the spiritual companion. With God’s grace, the feedback about the retreatant’s desires and experiences during the retreat, and the knowledge of the spiritual companion, suggestions may bubble up regarding specific techniques, Scripture passages and other materials that may be helpful for each particular retreatant to employ during his/her private prayer times. Since all suggestions are given in freedom, the retreatant may choose to use them or not.

The roots of this ministry trace back to the early 1980s when John Veltri, SJ was asked by Bishop Remi de Roo of Victoria, Canada to “put something together” for loggers in the woods whereby they could pray during the course of their busy lives. Later, John decided to adapt this to parishes, composing a manual in 1984 entitled “Week of Directed Prayer in a Church Setting.” Sr. Mary Funge, a member of the Society of Helpers religious order, brought the Week of Guided Prayer to St. Louis in 1995. Mary was introduced to this retreat format in Liverpool, England in 1991 and over a period of two years served in eight such retreats. Since that time, we have conducted over 120 retreats serving a total of over two thousand retreatants in the greater St. Louis area.

All spiritual companions have the charism and formation to serve in this ministry. About two thirds of the companions have received Certificates in Spiritual Direction or post graduate degrees in spiritual direction from major theological institutions (such as Aquinas Institute of Theology, Creighton University) or reputable retreat and spirituality centers (such as Chiara Center, Shalem Institute, Siena Retreat Center). Others have received formation such as through the Bridges Foundation which offers the 19th Annotation of The Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius of Loyola (which has its own two year post retreat training program). Spiritual companions are not allowed to serve in their own church/parish, nor may accompany someone they know.

It is amazing how many times the retreatants and companions remark about how well they are matched with each other. The simple reason for this is that God is at work. There are several factors that guide the pairing process, but the underlying factor is that this is done in prayer. Other factors include the time of day you request to meet with a spiritual companion. For instance, if you request to meet during the afternoons, then that narrows you down to only those companions available in the afternoons. Another factor is that the same companion may not accompany two people who have close relationships. For example, a husband and wife (unless they are meeting as a couple) or a mother and daughter would have different companions. Another factor is that a spiritual companion may not accompany someone they know. Finally, it comes down to matching names of retreatants (and often that is all that I know) with a particular spiritual companion. In and through this process, God works.

No worries. If possible, you and your companion will meet over the phone or via Skype at a mutually convenient alternative time to your regularly scheduled session. In fact, some retreatants have participated entirely via Skype and others entirely via phone.

No worries. This happens sometimes, and although it is better if you can attend the opening session, it is not essential to the retreat experience. It is helpful if we know this at the time you register because this will allow us to email you the information that you would have received at the opening.

No worries. This happens sometimes, and if you tell us before your last session with your spiritual companion, we will give you then the materials that ordinarily are distributed at the closing session. Some retreatants find the closing session their favorite part of the retreat, so attendance is encouraged.

We have two. First, as much as practical, try to clear your calendar for the period of the retreat. This will make it easier to find the time for your personal prayer. To be clear however, it is a retreat in everyday life, so there is no need to schedule vacation or put your life on hold. Integrating your prayer and experiences of God during this retreat with the rest of your life is one of the beautiful aspects of this retreat format. Second, start praying for three graces: openness, courage, and generosity.