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Our Lady of the Pines Retreat Center
Spiritual Direction
Gentle guidance through conversation with a Spiritual Director to deepen one's relationship with God.
The Importance of Direction
Spiritual direction is not receiving directive but receiving tools on how to be more spiritually aware of our relationship with God, our surroundings, and even ourselves. It is taking a deeper focus on our values within our mind, body, and soul. It is not pastoral counseling wherein one receives advice to solve a problem, nor is it confession wherein you get absolution. Rather, it is learning guidance which helps us feel more spiritually enlightened and closer to ourselves and God. It is to explore, deepen, and celebrate your relationship with the Lord. It is a living encounter with the Lord.
Get to Know Our Spiritual Directors
Wanda Smith, RSM is a member of The Sister of Mercy of the Americas. She completed her internship in spiritual direction at the Jesuit Renewal Center in Milford, Ohio, and has years of experience in retreat ministry and spiritual direction. Sister Wanda holds an MA in Theology from Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio. She also enjoys using various aspects of art in her retreat experiences. She has been in parish pastoral work, vocation ministry and congregational leadership. Wanda lives in Fremont, Ohio fulfilling spiritual direction and retreat ministry.
wandasmithrsm@pinesretreat.org
Tel: 419-332-6522 ext: 104
Wanda Smith, RSM
Jayne Nachtrab
Jayne completed her two-year Spiritual Direction training program through the Dominican Center in Adrian, MI. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Religious Studies from Lourdes University, Sylvania, OH. She also has over ten years of ministry experience as a hospital chaplain, including serving as a front-line worker during COVID. Jayne has provided crisis, emotional and spiritual support to patients and families in both trauma and behavioral centers. Jayne has facilitated parish retreat work and has led spirituality groups and workshops. She enjoys using a variety of approaches to help discern and recognize the voice of God in everyday life. Jayne lives in Southeast Michigan, has been married for 27 years, and has two adult children.
Amy Marcum, MA, BCC
Amy Marcum received a Master of Arts in Religious and Pastoral Studies from the College of Mount St. Joseph in Cincinnati and a Bachelor of Psychology from Miami University (Ohio). She completed her internship in spiritual direction from Manresa Jesuit Retreat Center in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan and has a background in Ignatian Spirituality. Amy is a Board Certified Chaplain with the National Association of Catholic Chaplains and serves as a mission leader with Bon Secours Mercy Health. She has experience in group and individual spiritual direction. Amy values the “holy listening” experienced through spiritual direction and journeying with others as they seek to deepen their relationship with God and discover how God is uniquely speaking in their life.