If you are seeking spiritual guidance, please contact Father or one of the Sisters below to set up a time to meet and speak:

Fr. Peter Zorjan: fatherzorjan@yahoo.com
Sr. Silvia Tarafa: srsilvia@piercedhearts.org
Sr. Sara Kowal: srsara@piercedhearts.org

What is Spiritual Guidance?
Spiritual Guidance is done by trained religious professionals - priests, religious, or lay men or women. It is an aid to help students spiritually - to discern God's will for their lives, to grow in their spiritual maturity, to come to know and love Jesus better, to answer questions about the faith, etc. Very simply, it helps guide students down their path toward God. Below are some reasons one might seek spiritual guidance.


Faith Choices
With all its choices and new-found freedom, college life can be overwhelming.  You may wish to talk to a priest or a religious sister if you face the intellectual challenges of Faith or when someone causes you to examine your own beliefs.

Need to Talk
If you're worried about your grades or career choices. If you're in conflict with your roommates, friends or other relationships. If you or someone you know is experiencing an unplanned pregnancy, or if you have concerns about your family.  Just talking to someone can make a difference.

Questions about your Sacramental Life
If you're considering becoming a Catholic, or need preparation to receive the Sacraments of Baptism, Reconciliation, the Eucharist or Confirmation,  The JPII Newman Center has a process to assist you- the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults, R.C.I.A. If you are weary about the Sacrament of Reconciliation because it has been a long time or because you have questions about the Sacrament, a campus minister can help pave the way for you to return to Reconciliation.

When You're Ill
When you or someone you know is ill, the opportunity to receive the Sacrament of the Sick or to call on the prayers of the Newman community can be a powerful gift.  If there's a possibility that you or someone you know is HIV positive,  talking to a confidential and compassionate priest or religious can help.

Death and Dying
If you're grieving or troubled by the death of a friend, a relative or someone you love, a listening ear can provide consolation.   Issues of death and dying are challenging sources of sorrow.

Questions of Morality
How do you choose between right and wrong?  Facing complex ethical issues in the context of your personal and professional life continues throughout your life.  A priest or religious sister can help you look objectively at your moral choices.

Vocation Decisions
The decision to live a Christian life involves not only the work we do by the careers we choose.  It also involves the vocation God calls us to: as married, single, consecrated lay person, ordained minister (priest/deacon), or a member of a religious order (sister or brother).  As you are discerning which of these God is calling you to, you can speak to a priest or religious Sister about making these decisions, you will have opportunities which will allow you to explore your gifts and the meaning of the Gospel message by serving others.