Dr. Karen Shields Wright
The Ignatian Spiritual Exercises & Spiritual Direction for Catholics in Discipleship & Leadership
Spiritual Direction
Individual spiritual direction is accompaniment along a person’s path of conversion and sanctification, supporting the person in listening for and responding faithfully to God’s will.
It "addresses what is in one’s daily life as one prays their way through life’s complex decisions and interpretations of their spiritual experiences in those everyday life circumstances." Fr. Joseph Tetlow, SJ
Group & Individual
Themed retreats and liturgical-year offerings, rooted in the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius, for groups and individuals, in person or virtually
Individually Directed
The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola are a school of prayer and discernment, inviting us into a deeper and more intimate relationship with Jesus Christ through contemplation of His humanity and divinity.
This journey of conversion and transformation unfolds as we grow in our capacity to receive and respond to God's grace, becoming increasingly attentive to the presence and action of the Holy Spirit.
Through this ongoing process of spiritual growth, we are drawn into deeper union with God, allowing His love to transform our understanding of ourselves, our relationships, and the way we live our daily lives.
Consulting
Individually Directed Discernment for those facing significant decisions related to career, leadership, vocation, retirement, or other life transitions.
Rooted in Ignatian spirituality, this process fosters attentiveness to the movements of the Holy Spirit and growth in interior freedom from disordered attachments. Through prayerful reflection, decisions are considered in light of personal circumstances, moral responsibilities, and the principles of Catholic Social Doctrine.
Education
Ongoing formation for leaders and professionals seeking to live their vocation with greater knowledge and purpose.
Karen Shields Wright, MS, DC, DM
About
My approach to Catholic spiritual accompaniment integrates Ignatian discernment and the principles of Catholic Social Doctrine across the personal, professional, and vocational dimensions of life.
For twenty-three years, I have accompanied Catholic lay leaders in business, the professions, and healthcare; members of religious communities and clergy; as well as individuals facing life-altering health concerns as they discern God's will amid the decisions and responsibilities of daily life.
My services include ongoing spiritual direction, the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola, and accompaniment in significant undertakings requiring discernment. I serve at Fairfield University's Murphy Center for Ignatian Spirituality and maintain a private practice.
As a retired chiropractic physician and former hospital chaplain, I bring clinical experience and continuing medical education to an understanding of the human person grounded in Catholic anthropology: the unity of body and soul, created in the image and likeness of God.
My background in Catholic Social Doctrine includes leadership and teaching with CAPP-USA and its graduate-level Catholic Social Teaching Certificate Program, co-sponsored with The Catholic University of America. I am also a Dame of Magistral Grace in the Order of Malta, American Association.
