Spiritual Direction

Guidance for Deep Listening

Spiritual Direction is conversation with a spiritual companion. A Spiritual Director is not a therapist, but a person who listens and may be able to offer observations about your relationship with God, understanding of God, or how the Holy Spirit may be working in your life. St. Ignatius of Loyola understood the role of a spiritual director as one who helps another grow in relationship with God by listening, offering, and then getting out of the way. Ignatius House honors this commitment.

While On Retreat

During a retreat, you may have the option to meet privately with any of these individuals for a spiritual conversation. If on a silent retreat, this is a permitted time to speak with someone about the burning questions on your mind or stirrings of your soul. Participation is optional and included in the cost of your retreat. Your retreat director will offer instruction about how to sign up and where to meet.

Maria Cressler

Executive Director

Maria G. Cressler, MTS, is the Executive Director of Ignatius House Jesuit Retreat Center and has served in this role since September 2009. She received a B.A. in Sociology from Georgia State University and a Master of Theological Studies and Certificate in Spiritual Direction from Spring Hill College. Her heart for Ignatian Spirituality has broadened…

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Peter Fink, SJ

Retreat Director

Rev. Peter E. Fink, SJ is a retreat director and spiritual advisor at Ignatius House, having arrived in August 2016. A Jesuit from the New York Province, he was ordained to the priesthood in 1969 and has presided in both the Latin and Maronite churches. Peter came from St. Francis Xavier Church in New York,…

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Joe Lingan, SJ

Associate Director

Rev. Joseph E. Lingan, SJ was raised in Alexandria, Va., attended Gonzaga College High School and Virginia Tech, earning a degree in Public Administration. Following his graduation, he entered the Society of Jesus in 1979 and pronounced his first vows in 1981. He continued his studies at Creighton University, St. Louis University, Weston School of…

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Susan Arcaro, r.c.

Retreat Director, Spiritual Director

Sister Susan Arcaro, r.c., is part of the Cenacle Sisters community with a threefold mission of prayer, community, and spiritual ministry. Spiritual direction and retreats are central to the Cenacle mission to help us rekindle and deepen faith our faith. She leads retreats for women at Ignatius House.

Bob Fitzgerald

Spiritual Director

Bob Fitzgerald served as executive director of Ignatius House from 2002-09, following a distinguished career in corporate law. His stewardship of the Atlanta Jesuit Community and Catholic causes has included establishment of Cristo Rey Atlanta Jesuit High School, the expansion of Mercy Care in Atlanta, and more.

Andy Otto

Retreat Director, Digital Program Manager

Andy Otto, MA, is a member of the Pastoral department at Ignatius House where he guides digital programming and leads retreats. He also works in Adult Faith Formation at St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Decatur, Ga., a Jesuit parish. He holds an M.A. in Theology and Ministry from Boston College. Originally from Boston, Andy…

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Sarah Otto

Retreat and Program Director

Sarah Otto, M.Div., serves on the Pastoral Team at Ignatius House. She studied theology as both an undergrad and graduate student, receiving her Master of Divinity from Boston College. Her passion has focused on the intersection of faith and justice, which led her to study in El Salvador. Sarah spent a year in the Jesuit…

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Kay Satterfield

Group Sales Manager, Spiritual Director

Kay Satterfield, MA, serves on the Pastoral Team and is also the Group Sales Manager at Ignatius House. She holds a Masters in Pastoral Care from Fordham University and a Certification in Spiritual Direction from the Spiritual Renewal Center in Syracuse, NY. For several years, Kay worked as part of the pastoral ministry staff at…

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Apart from Retreat

Schedule time outside of retreat for monthly spiritual direction with any of these directors from our affiliated network. Meetings may occur at Ignatius House or at another location that is convenient for you. All Spiritual Directors are trained in Ignatian Spirituality and may hold certification or licensure in additional fields such as law, behavioral health, mindfulness, or social work among others.

There typically is a cost to support the time of your Spiritual Director. Please consult the individual about what might be appropriate. Some may suggest a voluntary offering of $20-100 per session to Ignatius House, St. Thomas More Catholic Church, or another charity. Others may request a fee paid directly to them. No one is ever turned away due to lack of funds.

Let us help you select the right individual for your goals.

For assistance selecting the best director for your goals, contact Sarah Otto or call 404.255.0503.

Begin Your Silent Getaway

Let us help you choose the right retreat experience.

Staff can assist with choosing the right retreat, understanding what to expect, making payment arrangements or other questions you may have. We look forward to welcoming you.