Spiritual Direction

Candace Bahr is a Certified Spiritual Director & Soul Companion. Spiritual direction is a process aimed at helping individuals to notice, savor and respond to the presence of divinity / spirit / essence in their lives. As an Interfaith Spiritual Director, Candace pulls from a rich history of education in world religions, traditions, and spiritual philosophies. She has a diverse history in spiritual direction companioning those with different faith and religious backgrounds. She specializes in Twelve Step Spiritual Direction. Her work with a growing population of people who identify themselves as NON (Not relating to any sect denomination or religion) has been extensive. She is available for individual or group direction and Days of reflection and retreats. Also available for end-of-life Soul Companioning. “We are all just walking each other home”

Father Dennis Lynch is a senior priest of the Diocese of La Crosse with over fifty years of experience in parish ministry and hospital chaplaincy. He received his training and certification from the Franciscan Spirituality Center in La Crosse, enabling him to provide personal and group spiritual direction. He also has provided parish renewal programs and made presentations on various spiritual and ecclesial topics. He resides at St. Casimir Parish Rectory in Stevens Point.

Joe Nowak lives in Wausau, and he has taught middle school students in the Diocese of LaCrosse for thirty-four years. He was a member of the extended preaching staff at St. Anthony’s for seventeen years before entering the spiritual direction program at the Franciscan Spirituality Center in LaCrosse in 2014.

Judith obtained a certificate from the Spiritual Direction Preparation Program at the Franciscan Spirituality Center in La Crosse, WI in 2019. Professionally she has been blessed with a career in nursing. For 25 years she was privileged to accompany those seeking healing from depression, anxiety, grief, and loss. For ten years she led small groups for the Divorced and Separated ministry at Our Lady of Peace Parish in Marshfield, WI. She invites you to allow her to accompany you as your companion on your spiritual journey as and reflect together on your sacred story together, recognizing God’s love and light in your life.

Kathy is a trained spiritual companion, facilitates workshops, and is an advocate. She completed a three-year Spiritual Direction Program, holds a Master of Theological Studies Degree, and is a lifelong student of vipassana meditation. Kathy is a spiritual companion to people of all walks of life. She uses a trauma-informed approach for those who have experienced trauma. Through writing and speaking she addresses spiritual trauma. For more information see: kathrynwalczyk.weebly.com

RaeAnn is a Spiritual Companion who completed her training at the three year Spiritual Direction Preparation Program at Franciscan Spirituality Center in LaCrosse WI. She is a Counselor and Healthcare Administrator professionally and an Affiliate of the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration. RaeAnn is Catholic, but enjoys providing spiritual companionship to people of all faiths and backgrounds. She is a storyteller by nature, and enjoys using metaphor to help people find their deeper relationship with the divine.

Rev. Tammy has been a spiritual director/companion since 2005 when she completed a 3 year certificate program at the Franciscan Spirituality Center in LaCrosse, WI. She also has been an affiliate with the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration (FSPA) since 1997. Rev. Tammy feels continually called by God to deepen her spirituality and ministry to others. In 2015, she received a Masters of Divinity (MDiv) from Wartburg Theological Seminary and was called as a Minister of Word and Sacrament to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA ). Her passion is to walk with others on their spiritual journey, companioning them as they seek a deeper spiritual awakening. She is also a retreat director, offering retreats on creativity, spirituality, and self-care.

Sallie is a trained spiritual director who considers it a privilege and blessing to companion others on their spiritual journeys as she listens to their stories and struggles and witnesses the presence of what is sacred and holy in their lives. She received her training and certification from the Franciscan Spirituality Center in La Crosse WI and is currently a supervisor in that program, training and mentoring others who are on the path to becoming spiritual directors. She was on the team of presenters for the theme retreats at St. Anthony’s for seven years and has offered other programs and workshops of her own. She lives in Merrill, WI with her husband.

Sandy Setterlund has received certification as a spiritual director and retreat director through a three year Spiritual Direction Program at the Franciscan Spirituality Center in La Crosse, WI. She received a BA degree in Theology from Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI and a MA degree in Theology from St. John’s University, Collegeville, MN. Sandy has many years of experience in spiritual leadership and pastoral ministry which have included being a hospital chaplain, the author of spiritual wellness programs and a presenter of various topics in spirituality for days / evenings of prayer and reflection. As a spiritual director / companion, she feels it is important to listen deeply and remain faithfully present to others on their spiritual journey. She is privileged to be a companion with others of all ages and backgrounds, including those in the LGBTQ community, women religious, and those in recovery.

Terri has been a spiritual director/companion since 2010 following the completion of her training at the Franciscan Spirituality Center in La Crosse, WI. She has been privileged to companion people from various backgrounds. These include Protestants, Catholics, married, single, clergy, divorced, widowed and gay people in their desire to go deeper in their spiritual life.