Spiritual Direction
with Megan Van Petten
A compassionate space for spiritual companionship, prayer, and discernment.
Rooted in the Catholic faith and shaped by Franciscan spirituality. Contemplative in practice. Welcoming in approach.
Truth • Beauty • Goodness
Whether you are navigating a transition, carrying questions, deepening your prayer life, or longing for a more intentional relationship with God, you are welcome here.
Individual • Group • Retreats • Spiritual Direction Walks • Spiritual Exercises
Virtual sessions available. Chicago-based.
What Is Spiritual Direction?
Spiritual direction is a practice of holy listening, a space to bring your life, prayer, questions, transitions, grief, discernment, and relationship with God.
Rather than offering advice or quick answers, a spiritual director accompanies you through attentive listening, thoughtful questions, prayer, and discernment as together you become more attentive to the movement of the Holy Spirit.
Life Transitions
For seasons of change, uncertainty, grief, growth, or new beginnings.
Spiritual Presence
For times when prayer feels difficult, distant, or unclear.
How Can Spiritual Direction Help?
Spiritual direction may be especially helpful if you are navigating a season of change, questioning your purpose, or longing for a deeper spiritual life.
You don't need to be in crisis or have everything figured out. Many people simply come because they want to grow spiritually, make space for reflection, or explore where God may be inviting them next.
Discernment & Purpose
For questions about calling, vocation, career, relationships, or next steps.
Faith in Everyday Life
For noticing God in work, relationships, beauty, suffering, joy, and ordinary moments.
What to Expect
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Schedule a Conversation
Explore What Fits
Listen and Discern
Begin with an introductory session to get to know one another and see whether spiritual direction feels like a good fit.
Together, we can explore which form of spiritual accompaniment best reflects where you are and what you are seeking.
Each session includes prayerful conversation, reflection, and Holy Listening around your life and relationship with God.
A Franciscan Spirit
This approach is deeply influenced by the Franciscan values of simplicity, humility, hospitality, compassion, gratitude, peace, and joy.
Franciscan spirituality invites us to discover God not only in extraordinary spiritual experiences, but also in creation, relationships, service, and the ordinary circumstances of everyday life.
You do not need to be of a certain religion to find meaning in this way of seeing and encountering the world.
Simplicity
Presence
Hospitality
Compassion
Gratitude
Humility
Peace
Joy
Meet Megan
I believe every person carries a sacred story. My calling as a spiritual director is to offer compassionate accompaniment as you explore your relationship with God and what may be unfolding within your life.
I completed my formation in spiritual direction through Loyola University Chicago’s Institute of Pastoral Studies and am a member of Spiritual Directors International. My ministry is rooted in the Catholic faith and shaped by Franciscan spirituality, Ignatian spirituality and the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius, along with biblical and theological formation.
These traditions shape how I accompany others, with deep listening, contemplative prayer, discernment, and compassionate presence.
Ways We Can Meet
Spiritual direction can take different forms. Whether you are drawn to individual accompaniment, shared discernment, a retreat experience, or prayerful conversation while walking, each offering creates space to listen more deeply for God’s presence.
Individual Spiritual Direction
In Person & ONLINE
One-on-one accompaniment designed around your unique spiritual journey, offering space for prayer, discernment, and deep listening.
Group Spiritual Direction
In Person & ONLINE
Journey alongside others in a small, confidential community where shared reflection and compassionate listening help deepen your awareness of God's presence.
Retreats & Spiritual Experiences
In PersoN
Intentional experiences that create space for prayer, silence, reflection, and a renewed awareness of God’s presence.
Spiritual Direction Walks
In PersoN
Prayerful conversation while walking outdoors, creating space to listen, reflect, and become more attentive to God’s presence around and within you.
The Spiritual Exercises
Online • Inquire Throughout the Year
A guided journey of prayer, Scripture, reflection, and discernment rooted in the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius.