NEWSLETTERS

Conference of Spiritual Directors Australia (CSD Australia) produces bi-monthly newsletter for members. The latest Newsletter can be downloaded now CSD Australia Newsletter July 2026

Invitation to contribute to the newsletter: Contributions are welcome from members of CSD Australia and other organisations of spiritual directors. Please email Karen the Chair with your contributions or suggestions.

Closing Date for the next Newsletter:  Monday 25th August 2026 for the September 2026 issue.

Past newsletters

CSD Australia Newsletter May 2026

CSD Australia Newsletter March 2026

CSD Australia Newsletter December 2025

CSD Australia Newsletter September 2025

CSD Australia Newsletter July 2025

CSD Australia Newsletter May 2025

CSD Australia Newsletter March 2025

CSD Australia Newsletter November 2024

CSD Australia Newsletter September 2024

CSD Australia Newsletter July 2024

CSD Australia Newsletter May 2024

CSD Australia Newsletter March 2024

CSD Australia Newsletter November 2023

CSD Australia Newsletter September 2023

CSD Australia Newsletter July 2023

CSD Australia Newsletter May 2023

CSD Australia Newsletter March 2023

CSD Australia Newsletter November 2022

CSD Australia Newsletter September 2022

CSD Australia Newsletter July 2022

CSD Australia Newsletter May 2022

CSD Australia Newsletter March 2022

CSD Australia Newsletter November 2021

CSD Australia Newsletter September 2021

CSD Australia Newsletter July 2021

CSD Australia Newsletter May 2021

CSD Australia Newsletter March 2021

CSD Australia Newsletter December 2020

CSD Australia Newsletter September 2020

Artist: Therese Quinn

NEWS FROM NATIONAL CHAIR

From the National Chair

Winter has a way of slowing us down.

The trees stand bare, the mornings ask us to linger a little longer, and the earth appears quiet. Yet we know winter is never empty. Beneath the surface, roots continue their hidden work. Seeds wait with quiet confidence. Life gathers itself for what is yet to come.

As I look across CSD I sense a gentle movement beneath what might first appear still. Our Reference Group has begun the important work of reviewing our Constitution. Not simply changing words, but listening for how our structures might better serve the life that is emerging amongst us.

We also warmly welcome Didier as our new Communications Coordinator. He brings a wealth of professional skill and experience, but perhaps even more importantly, a genuine connection to the heart of our ministry and our community. I have no doubt his presence will help us imagine new possibilities for how we connect with one another and the wider sector.

Across our formation providers there has also been movement. We acknowledge with gratitude those who have completed their service, carrying with them years of wisdom and faithful accompaniment. At the same time, new leaders and new expressions are emerging. Such is the rhythm of every living community, honouring what has been while making space for what is becoming.

As the months ahead unfold, many opportunities for professional development and formation invite us to continue to grow together. Each gathering is more than an event, it is another opportunity to deepen our practice, strengthen our community, and remain attentive to the  movements of the Spirit in our own lives and in those we accompany.

Winter reminds us that transformation is often quiet. It asks us to trust what cannot yet be seen, to notice the small signs of life, and to believe that even in seasons of stillness, God is already preparing something new.

May this winter be a season of attentive hearts, gentle hope and quiet explorations..

With every blessing in your ministry

Karen Englebretsen

National Chair

BOOK REVIEWS

The Spiritual Director: Practising the Charism of Presence and Attention by Julia Mourant here

In the Stillness, Waiting: Christian Origins of the Prayer of the Heart  by Nicholas Worssam here

Dark Night of the Soul by Gerald May here​

Supervision of Spiritual Director: Engaging in Holy Mystery by Mary Rose Bumpus and Rebecca Bradburn Langer reviewed by Karen Englebretsen. here​

Pope Francis Hope: The Autobiography reviewed by Rita Malavisi. here​

Every Day is New by Michael McGirr reviewed by Mark Needham. here​

Enneagram Companions: Growing in Relationship and Spiritual Direction by Suzanne Zuercher reviewed by Patricia Naughton. here

Present Moment, Wonderful Moment by Thich Nhat Hanh reviewed by Fran Smullen. here

Spiritual Direction Supervision: Principles, Practices, Storytelling by Lucy Abbott Tucker reviewed by David King. here

Conversations with Silence: Rosetta Stone on the Soul by Sally Longley reviewed by Maureen O’Halloran. here

Walking the Labyrinth as the Beloved in John’s Gospel by Sally Longley reviewed by Marie O’Shea. here

The Immortal Diamond: The search for the True Self  by Richard Rohr reviewed by Gerry Kalinowski. here

Christ-Figures: There on our Screens by Peter Malone msc reviewed by Rita Malavisi. here

The Simple Care of a Hopeful Heart: Mentoring Yourself in Difficult Times by Robert J Wicks reviewed by Gail Paxman. here

Intercultural Ministry: Hope for aa Changing World by Grace Ji Sun Kim and Jann Aldredge – Clanton (Eds) reviewed by Gail Reneker. here

The Moment of Life: How Empowering Women Changes the World by Melinda French Gates reviewed by Rita Malavisi. here

The Life You Can Save by Peter Singer reviewed by Marlene Foote. here

The Joy of Ageing: A Spirituality for Oldies by Brian Gallagher msc reviewed by Carmel Tedesco. here

10 Minutes: Gospel Reflections for Minds & Hearts by Peter Malone msc reviewed by Jeff Hood. here

Strengthening Spirit – Releasing Potential: Spiritual Direction for Leadership and Organizational Development by Bernadette Miles Read a review by Kristen Hobby here.

Three recent book releases from Brian Gallagher MSC can be viewed here.
Set Me Free: Spiritual Direction and Discernment of Spirits;
The Eyes of God: Living Discernment;
God’s Foolishness: A Spirituality of Heart.

No Greater Love by Brian Gallagher MSC. Read a review by Michelle Vass here.

See with the eyes of the heart by Chris Monaghan CP. Read a review by Tim McCowan here.

Grace by Michael Casey OCSO. Read a review by Tim Moloney CFC here.

AECSD CODE OF ETHICS

Code of Ethics for Spiritual Directors (Revised March 2019)

Introduction

In presenting this revised Code of Ethics we acknowledge the desire of the gathering of religious leaders to preserve the integrity of the practice of spiritual direction. We also acknowledge and give thanks for the wisdom and dreaming of the interim council which led to the birth of AECSD. ….

For the full text of the revised AECSD Code of Ethics click here.

Supervision Guidelines

In 2025 AECSD released Supervision Guidelines. They provide clarity for spiritual directors seeking supervision, outline the attributes and formation required for supervisors, and offer guidance for spiritual direction formation programs. The document emphasizes the importance of supervision in fostering life-giving and ethically responsible spiritual direction

For the full text of the AECSD Formation Guidelines for supervisors of Spiritual Directors click here.