The Office of Spiritual Life at Drake University is excited to announce several new program offerings for the Drake community this semester:

Wednesday Drop In Meditation Sessions
Drake community members are welcome to join us for standing weekly meditation sessions with instructor Jenny Jones every Wednesday in Olmsted Center, Room 310, from 12–12:30 p.m. starting Wednesday, Feb. 9.

Group Spiritual Direction Opportunity
Spiritual Direction is not counseling, and it is not coaching, and it is also not necessarily religious. Rather, spiritual direction is a safe place to explore meaning and purpose and other issues that have a spiritual component, such as commitment and calling. In group spiritual direction, a small group of people meet once per month to support each other’s spiritual growth. Dr. Catherine Gillespie, who is the associate dean of the School of Education, and a spiritual director, will be present at all the meetings to act as a facilitator. There will also be an introductory meeting on Monday, Feb. 21, from 1–2:30 p.m. so that each group member can know what to expect. This group is limited to six students. Each student will have one opportunity to be the presenter. Those who are interested should sign up at: https://drake.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1WWWSLk6HO6UIKy. Information about Catherine’s Spiritual Director services can be found at: https://www.sdicompanions.org/about/what-is-spiritual-direction-and-companionship/

Monday, Feb. 28, 2022
1–2:30 p.m.
Max Capacity: Six Participants

Monday, March 28, 2022
1–2:30 p.m.
Max Capacity: Six Participants

Monday, April 25, 2022
1–2:30 p.m.
Max Capacity: Six Participants

Individual Spiritual Direction Sessions
Spiritual Direction involves meeting with a spiritual director (also called a spiritual companion), usually for one hour once per month, to explore your own spiritual life. Dr. Catherine Gillespie, who is the associate dean of the School of Education, and a spiritual director offers individual spiritual direction sessions to students. These sessions include asking questions to help students explore the spiritual aspects of their life. These sessions can be made via STARFISH by looking for Catherine Gillespie and making an appointment.

Spiritual Counselor Update
Ted Lyddon-Hatten, who has served as Drake’s spiritual counselor is unavailable for the Spring 2022 semester. Should anyone have questions regarding Spiritual Life at Drake, please contact Rudy Trejo, assistant dean of students, at rudy.trejo@drake.edu.

— Rudy Trejo, Assistant Dean of Students