God’s Embrace Ministries Celebrates Completion of Year One of Spiritual Directors Institute and Annual Retreat
God’s Embrace Ministries joyfully celebrates the completion of Year One of its Spiritual Directors Institute, a three-year formation program designed to prepare faithful Catholics to accompany others in the spiritual life through the ministry of spiritual direction.
The conclusion of the institute year was marked by a weekend retreat at God’s Embrace Ministries Retreat House in Schulenburg, Texas, where participants gathered for prayer, reflection, fellowship, formation, and a deeper encounter with the Lord. The retreat brought together institute participants, certified spiritual directors, mentors, and members of the accelerated certification track, offering a meaningful close to the first year of formation.
Throughout the year, participants have engaged in ongoing formation rooted in Catholic teaching, prayer, personal spiritual direction, mentorship, and the wisdom of the spiritual tradition. The institute, uniquely shaped by the teachings and leadership of God’s Embrace Ministries founder Dr. Michael Fonseca, D.Min., and endorsed by The Most Reverend Brendan J. Cahill, Bishop of the Diocese of Victoria, seeks to form spiritual directors who are grounded in the life of prayer, faithful to the Church, and prepared to serve with humility, reverence, and pastoral sensitivity.
God’s Embrace Ministries also recognized those who have previously been certified as spiritual directors, as well as those completing certification through the accelerated track. These individuals represent an important step forward in the ministry’s mission to help Catholics experience daily the loving embrace of the Triune God and to support parishes and communities through the ministry of spiritual accompaniment.
“We are deeply grateful for the response of those who have entered into this formation journey,” said Stacy Oeding, Executive Director of God’s Embrace Ministries. “The completion of this first year is not only a milestone for the participants, but also for the mission of GEM as we continue forming faith-filled Catholics who can serve the Church through prayer, accompaniment, and spiritual maturity.”
God’s Embrace Ministries will continue its institute formation in the coming year, including a retreat for additional participants in Michigan later this summer. This retreat will provide another opportunity for prayer, renewal, and continued formation as participants move more deeply into the journey of spiritual direction.
This year also marks a significant milestone for God’s Embrace Ministries as it prepares to celebrate its 20th anniversary in August. For two decades, GEM has served the Church by offering Catholic formation, retreats, spiritual direction, pilgrimage opportunities, catechetical programs, and resources that invite people into a deeper relationship with God.
In addition, God’s Embrace Ministries invites supporters and friends of the ministry to save the date for the 10th Annual Evening in High Hill, which will be held on Friday, November 13, 2026. This annual benefit dinner is one of GEM’s most important gatherings of the year, bringing together the wider community to celebrate the mission, support the ministry, and help continue the work of forming faith-filled Catholics.
More information about the Spiritual Directors Institute, upcoming retreats, anniversary events, and the 10th Annual Evening in High Hill can be found at www.godsembrace. org.