Loyola Spirituality Center | St. Paul, Minnesota


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War does things to us.
But it doesn’t have to destroy your life.

It helps to talk things out, to focus, process, and get back in control of life. While some can talk with friends or family, others can’t.

There is someone who can relate to what you have been through, who will listen, encourage, suggest options and who believes that you and God can make it through.

It takes courage to ask for help.

If you can’t do it for yourself, do it for those you care about, or for those who care about you.

Welcome Home:
A Listening Ministry for Veterans and their Families

Most returning veterans will reintegrate into their families and communities with minimal problems—given enough time. The Listening Ministry is designed to shorten that time by providing a confidential, safe setting to talk about experiences or problems that are affecting your ability to reintegrate into civilian life—particularly questions of meaning and faith.

Sheila Laughton, LtCol USAF, an associate staff member at Loyola, will meet with you to talk about your journey.

She is retired from the military and has an active duty spouse and son.
She served in the Vietnam era and is a Gulf War veteran
Has a Masters degree in Theology and a Masters certificate in spiritual direction
Holds a Masters degree in Counseling
Is a member of Spiritual Directors International

How does it work?
You meet with Sheila for about an hour, usually once a month, for an ongoing conversation about your life journey and experiences. Sheila listens with you as a spiritual companion or guide.

With an experienced and understanding guide, you and God together can heal memories and remove their disruptive power over you. You may also want to examine your understanding of a God who seems to allow bad things to happen to good people. This process begins with an honest reflection on who you really are—a child of God.

What is Spiritual Companioning?

It is an old and respected tradition (also called spiritual direction or spiritual mentoring).
It is a chance for you to focus and integrate various life experiences with a trusted guide who will listen as you find your way.
It is a process that encompasses all areas of life, including images of God, questions of faith, integrating traumatic or troubling experiences, renewing relationships, understanding fears, sorrows and joys.
It invites you to discover, or rediscover, God in your life.
Its goal is your self-understanding, personal growth and the establishment of a conscious connection with the Sacred.

Who is it for?
Anyone who could use a place to talk about things that are bothering them. Anyone uncomfortable with how he or she has been handling changes or turmoil in their lives. Anyone searching for meaning, purpose or discerning a life change. Anyone.

Is it counseling or psychotherapy?
No. It’s an opportunity to look at and understand yourself in relation to God—to see yourself from God’s perspective.

What does it cost?
The Listening ministry is free of charge for veterans and their families, and is funded by grants and donations through the Loyola Spirituality Center—from people who want to welcome you home. Special thanks to the St. Paul Guild of Catholic Women whose initial grant has made this ministry possible.

Who should I call?
For more information, or to schedule a meeting (daytime or evening), call Loyola at 651-641-0008 ext. 13 to reach Sheila Laughton. Or email: sheila@loyolaspiritualitycenter.org