FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT SPIRIT HOUSE

What is the mission of Spirit House?

Our mission is to serve women who are in need of renewal, rest, reflection, and personal growth.

Is Spirit House open only to Roman Catholic nuns?

No, any adult woman may ask to be considered for the Spirit House program.

Are there numerous programs like Spirit House from which to choose?

No, to our knowledge, Spirit House is the only preventive mental health program of its kind currently in existence.   The women who come to us are not mentally ill; rather they are experiencing major life stresses, rooted in various issues, and are seeking renewal for mind, body, and spirit.

What types of challenges bring women to Spirit House?

Depression, sexual abuse, inability to form and maintain satisfying relationships, inability to identify and pursue work that is meaningful and rewarding, major life transitions, unresolved grief and anger, and family of origin issues are typical catalysts.   As our executive director points out, when grace and pain come together, the time is right.

What age group of women comes to Spirit House?

The Spirit House program is appropriate for women of all ages; our residents have ranged from 35 to 80, with midlife being an average range.   Our younger sisters return to active ministry with renewed self esteem and energy.   Retired sisters return with a deeper sense of their own beauty and act as powerful role models in their communities.   The message is the same regardless of age- positive change is always possible; indeed it is our birthright as God's beloved children.

How long does a woman stay at Spirit House?

Each woman who comes to us is unique, so length of stay varies widely, from a month or two, to a year or longer.   Some complete their work more quickly than expected; others take more time than originally planned.   There is no annual beginning or ending date, thus sisters have the benefit of living with others who are at various stages of the journey.   Decisions relative to arrival and departure are made in conjunction with the executive director, the sister, and her leadership team or community liaison.

Can a potential resident visit Spirit House before committing to the program?

Yes, some sisters find an assessment visit helpful in the discernment process, and it can also be requested by the executive director if she feels that the phone interview and written application are insufficient to make a decision.   Every effort is made to avoid costly trips however, and many sisters come ready to stay and begin their work.

Can residents go home while at Spirit House?

Most sisters who come to Spirit House have had little chance to nurture themselves and make their own needs a priority in a very long time.   The work of Spirit House is deep and intense with interruptions often disruptive to the process. Therefore, we discourage unnecessary travel.   Exceptions to this could include major congregational assemblies, family emergencies, and unbreakable commitments made prior to deciding to come to Spirit House.   In addition, the program closes for two weeks at Christmas, at which time sisters return to their communities or to host communities in the case of international sisters.

What about confidentiality?

What information is shared and with whom is up to each individual participant.   Most sisters have a person in leadership, or a spiritual director at home with whom they discuss at least part of their work.   Sisters are never identified for purposes of marketing, education or statistics, or for any other reason without permission.

Are sisters asked to return to Spirit House for follow up work when they complete the program?

No, there is no formal aftercare component.   Our executive director remains available to residents when they return home, however.   A visit to the sister and her community to participate in a welcome home prayer service, and phone consultation and support are options many sisters find helpful.   After sisters leave Spirit House they are always welcome to return for visits.   We typically host several sisters each summer.

Can't sisters do similar work by seeking counseling or making retreat?

What we place our attention on is largely what we become.   Spirit House offers the opportunity to fully give oneself over to the workings of the Spirit without the multitude of daily distractions and commitments that occupy so much of our time and energy.   We believe this engenders especially deep and lasting life change.