
Who we are
Sacred Encounter ministers are part of a global community whose ministry for Christ and his Church through the Centre for Applied Carmelite Spirituality (CACS) involves facilitating a sacred encounter for those amongst whom we minister. Some of us are spiritual directors in one-to-one or group direction, hosts for the Carmelite Contemplative Circle, facilitators for individual or group retreats, accompaniers on the Spiritual Direction Formation Programme, and reflective supervisors for spiritual directors.
Our Mission
To provide a safe and sacred space where people can encounter the God who is love.
• To support spiritual formation and renewal drawing on the venerable Carmelite tradition.
• To offer a contemplative approach to soul care ministries.
• To assist people to discover the inviolable sacredness of their core identity as ‘beloved of God.’
Our Aim
We aim to help people deepen their experience of the mystery of God and of themselves in a safe and sacred space; an experience that is always a sacred encounter.
Our Covenant
In the footsteps of our saintly forbears in Carmel and living a life of allegiance to Jesus Christ (cf. 2 Cor 10:5), we the members of the Community of Sacred Encounter Ministers adhere to this Covenant:
• Intimacy with God
We strive to deepen our intimacy with God who dwells within (cf. John 14:3) through commitment to a lifestyle nurtured by prayer, the word of God and the sacred mysteries.
• Human Flourishing
We serve people considering their wellbeing and flourishing as priority; and we respect their views and differences; maintaining a professional relationship with them and, supporting them to avail of their own inner resources or to find assistance from others in the appropriate area of competence required.
• Dignity of Persons
We work to promote the dignity and worth of all human beings as beloved of God who in their deepest reality are of magnificent beauty and marvellous capacity.
• Ministerial Competence
We recognise that soul-work is to walk on holy ground and so the attendant need to continually grow in ministerial competence and theologically informed best practice, commit to ongoing resourcing of our practice through study programmes and retreat days.
• Spiritual Charism
We acknowledge the ministry of spiritual direction as a spiritual charism freely given and so we exercise this sacred ministry in freedom and for free according to the divine directive: “Freely you have received; freely give” (Mt 10:8); receiving with gratitude whatever may be given in appreciation (Mt 10:10; Lk 10:7). All who are thirsty have been invited to come to the waters; and “you who have no money, come, buy, and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost.” (Isa 55:1)
• Accountability
We value the support of spiritual companionship found in our pilgrim and learning community whose integrity is founded in keeping our covenant commitments to one another; and providing opportunities for accountable ministry practice through peer supervision.
• Spiritual Friendship
We honour the Teresian ideal that, “In this house, all must be friends, all must be loved, all must be held dear, all must be helped.”
Our Spiritual Directors

Fr Alexander Ezechukwu
(Oxford)

Fr Kelvin Ekhoegbe
(Oxford)

Fr Yamai Bature

Candida Kirkpatrick
(Phoenix, Arizona)
I have been married for 30 years with two adult children. I have been a member of OCDS for over 20 years. I love to hike, travel and learn about other cultures, …
Read more… read, write, drink coffee, and dance. I follow the way of beauty and merciful love found in Carmel, and seek to abide in this with receptivity and expand in this space amidst my littleness, so that I can share it with others through spiritual direction, retreats, talks and writing.
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Jane-Marie Rief
(Minnesota, USA)
I am a retired software engineer and agile software coach. I have a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and a Master’s in Business, a Project Management Professional and Agile Coach certifications.
Read moreI am a wife, a mother of 4 and a grandmother of 11. I belong to the Catholic Church of St Patrick’s in Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota of the Archdiocese of St Paul and Minneapolis. I enjoy caring for my home, traveling, bike riding, reading, time with my family and friends, and I dabble in writing. My blog is at www.advicefrommymom.net. I graduated with a diploma in spiritual direction from the Spiritual Direction Formation Programme in the Carmelite tradition in October 2023 offered by the Centre for Applied Carmelite Spirituality (CACS). I am a Third Order Franciscan (OFS) and a Cursillista. I love our Lord and spending time with Him in contemplative prayer and have been under the direction of a Third Order Carmelite spiritual director for many years. I offer spiritual direction in the Carmelite tradition with the Holy Spirit as your spiritual director and myself as His servant.
I am also a trained reflective pastoral supervisor, offering a safe and sacred space for support and accountability to anyone in ministry who wishes to share. Peace and All Good to you.
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Marc Nomadicus
(Africa)
IMarc is a wilderness guide and spiritual mentor who has always felt closest to God …
Read more… out in creation. A mid-life crisis of faith turned him from an evangelical with all the answers into a spiritual seeker lost in the darkness. He studied and practiced many of the world’s wisdom traditions and spiritualities, but it was John of the Cross who showed him that the Dark Night is an essential part of the journey to union with Christ. This ten year journey led him to then train with the Carmelites as a Spiritual Director. Marc’s passion is helping people make sense of the spiritual journey, and connecting with themselves, with the creation, and with the Creator. He has much experience of different esoteric traditions both ancient and modern, and believes that the heart of spirituality is opening to Love and living with an awareness of the divine presence who is always with us. Marc lives with his wife and children in Africa.
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Lynn Miyake
(New Mexico, USA)
Lynn specializes in Carmelite Spirituality, Christian meditation, contemplation, and inner sanctification. She serves as a spiritual director for individuals and groups….
Read moreLynn is a definitively professed member of the Discalced Carmelite Secular Order (OCDS). In community, she has served as president, council member, formator, and newsletter editor. In addition, she has served on the OCDS Provincial Council for the CA-AZ Province of St. Joseph.
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Breda Cuniffe, OCDS
(Glasgow)
Being accompanied by a Spiritual Director for many years has led to the kind of inner freedom that still takes me by surprise and continues to be an ongoing source of sustenance, humour and all kinds of discovery.
Read moreStudying with the Carmelites at Boars Hill, having completed their Diploma course in Spiritual Direction in Oxford in 2020, I can offer you a space that is yours to question, explore and ponder where, who and how God is at work in your life. This can and does lead to experiencing more deeply the very personal relationship which draws you closer to God and draws Him closer to you. Having grown up in Ireland, living near Glasgow for about 30 years, I am self-employed part-time as an accredited Cognitive Behavioural Therapist. As a Mum and grandma, I can only marvel at the many and varied ways God speaks to us in the day to day. I have been a secular Carmelite since 1998, and familiar with the times when nothing seems to be happening, when your sense of God seems to vanish and prayer becomes a struggle. Discerning that it’s all part of the journey, and having an experienced and understanding accompanier to sound things out with can be a blessing.
I have also trained and qualified as a Reflective Supervisor, having completed the Reflective Pastoral Supervision course offered by the Centre for Applied Carmelite Spirituality. Now I am available to offer a safe and nurturing space online to those seeking supervision from a variety of pastoral settings and different traditions.
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Karen Shurety
(Haverhill, Suffolk)
I am a lay missionary and Spiritual Director in the, Roman Catholic Tradition. I trained as a spiritual director on the 2 year course run by CACS. I have a bachelor of …
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ministry from Cambridge University. I have experience of both the charismatic and contemplative traditions of spirituality. My desire and passion is to enable those I journey with to become who God calls them to be, and to explore their relationship with God. Later this year I hope to start training and formation in the ministry of Supervision. My vocation and working life has been very much rooted in the ‘pastoral care’ of others; I find this life-giving. More recently I have been drawn to a better understanding of the place of ‘Neurodiversity’ in our spiritual lives. I was diagnosed with Dyslexia in my mid-40s, and this has deepened my self-knowledge. I see spiritual accompaniment as two friends walking each other home, guided by the Holy Spirit.

Martha Hanley
(Cedar Rapids, Iowa)

Marian Long
(Leigh-on-Sea, Essex)
For several years I worked in the UK as a lay missionary in evangelisation and am now parish based. My spirituality has been formed within the …
Read more… Roman Catholic tradition and I participate in both the contemplative and charismatic traditions. My spiritual direction formation started with a two-year course in the Carmelite tradition run by CACS.
Spiritual accompaniment, for me, is a journey that directee and director take together in search of God in the everyday events of life. Our self-knowledge deepens whilst discovering that God has always been waiting for us to desire and search for a closer relationship with Him. The Holy Spirit is always encouraging us to draw closer and be more open to God’s love.
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Michael Woodward
(Abergavenny, Wales)
Michael Woodward has a love of both Carmelite and Benedictine spirituality. He was elected first leader of the Lay Community of Saint Benedict in 2003.
Read moreHe is an experienced spiritual director having been formed at the Centre for Carmelite Spirituality in Oxford, following earlier participation in an Ecumenical Ignatian accompaniment team in South Wales. Michael brings extensive experience in leading retreats and pilgrimages. During spiritual direction he offers a safe space to explore your spiritual journey towards a deeper relationship with God. You will take time to explore what God is doing in your life, and seek to listen and respond with grace and compassion to the guidance of the Holy Spirit during the session.
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Sue Watson
(Powys)
During spiritual direction I offer a safe space to explore your spiritual journey towards a deeper relationship with God. We will take time to explore what God is doing …
Read more… your life, and seek to listen and respond with grace and compassion to the guidance of the Holy Spirit during the session. I graduated from the SDTP with CACS in 2022 and now offer Carmelite spiritual direction online via Zoom. I am happy to work with all people of faith, including those who are tentatively questioning or exploring their spirituality.
I am a Secular Carmelite and member of the mid-Wales OCDS group. I am married with two grown-up sons, and have lived in a small village in rural mid-Wales for 24 years. I am also a qualified social worker and work part-time for the Local Authority.

Rosaleen Cowie
(Buckinghamshire)
I trained originally as a Nurse and went on to work in the community as a Health Visitor and Community Practice Teacher.
Read moreAs an Accredited Counsellor I have over 25 years’ experience of offering therapy and as an experienced Spiritual Director since 2013 in both Ignatian and Carmelite Spirituality with an MA in Pastoral Theology and involvement in catechesis, I am also a Secular Carmelite.
I see people in person, on Zoom and for the camera shy by telephone. Although a cradle Catholic myself I have an ecumenical outlook that I believe is welcoming to all on the spiritual journey. I have a background professionally as a clinical supervisor and trained in supervision for spiritual direction in 2019.

Ben O’Neill
(London)
I am dedicated to guiding individuals on their spiritual journey through the ancient practice of Contemplative Spiritual Accompaniment. I offer a space where we can …
Read more… together delve into the depths of your being, nurturing an authentic connection with Spirit. Drawing from both ancient wisdom and modern insights, I facilitate a process of deep inner exploration, inviting you to “take a long, loving look at the real.” As a trained spiritual director and Internal Family System (IFS) therapist, I accompany you on this journey with compassion and reverence, supporting you in a safe sacred space of exploration and discovery, I honour the uniqueness of your path and the diversity of spiritual backgrounds. Whether you resonate with established traditions, other faith traditions, or creative worldviews, I am here to walk alongside you, offering guidance and support. My journey of learning and growth includes a Diploma in Contemplative Spiritual Accompaniment from the Carmelites in Oxford. I trained at the Centre for Action and Contemplation’s Living School, as well as a Masters in Applied Spirituality. Together. Let us embark on a pilgrimage of the soul, where we honor the sacredness of each moment and each breath, allowing your true self to unfold and thrive in the embrace of divine love.
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Ellen Sarewitz
(Hereford)
I live in a small village above the river Wye where I moved from Cambridge 6 years ago. From a rational, scientific anti-religion background I gradually found – it was …
Read more… found by – God through music, history, grace and John of the Cross. I spent several years in a contemplative Benedictine monastery: the need for contemplative prayer has never left me and for years I struggled to assuage the hunger for the desert and the call of the inner space. The result was a long dark night but one fortunately punctuated with glimmers of light. Once freed from the toils of wage slavery I was able to embrace more music and prayer. did the first spiritual direction training programme with the Carmelites and now am a joyous alumna of CACS. I now spend my time singing early music, lead a Lectio Divina group at Belmont Abbey, with others am exploring a new form of coenobium. I have a small but growing group of directees and am an associate of the Cistercian monastery at Whitland.
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Thelma Rogers
(Bristol)
As a Roman Catholic lay woman, NHS Chaplain and Spiritual Director I have found that any ministry and way of life which invites the healing of the Peace of Christ is
Read more… centred in and through prayer. It enables the discovery of ourselves in Christ and is our greatest and highest vocation bringing us to spiritual maturity as fully human. It is the way to finding our calling in Christ and the foundation of spiritual direction as I experience it. In the Carmelite tradition for me there has been a profound deepening of my spirituality and calling to a life of peace and service to others. To walk with others in the light of faith is my way of living the Gospel life and the deepest joy and privilege. I have also spent some time with Richard Rohr and his Living School and have developed a contemplative prayer life which has extended to facilitating in many Christian communities. I hold an MA in Pastoral Care and Chaplaincy from the Cambridge Theological Federation a ecumenical learning experience where I was formed alongside Orthodox, Catholic and Protestant clerics and lay people. I have a very diverse and beautiful family for which I am eternally grateful. As a member of the Secular Franciscan Order I have served in several ministries which has been a privilege and a blessing.
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Martin Faingnart
(Bruges, Belgium)
I am Fr. Martin prior and novice master in Carmel community of Bruges. I was ordained priest in 2015. Followed a 2-year programme of spirituality in Toulouse (France). …
Read more… Then followed a 2 year programme in SD at CACS Oxford from 2020-2022. In 2023 I was asked to be novicemaster.
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Heather Ward
(Essex)
Qualified in social work; trained with & counselled for Clinical Theology Association; BA in English Lit; PhD English & Theology; MEd in RE & Catechesis (Maryvale)..
Read more| – dissertation on contribution of Carmelite spirituality to spiritual education in schools. Tutor (short term) in English at Nottm University; course book author & tutor for BTh (Applied theology), MA (Pastoral ministry) ITT for Maryvale Institute. Taught English & RE at secondary level. Pastoral assistant in university chaplaincy & linked parish. OCDS in vows, involved with initial formation 20 years+; CIBI – academic board member, responsible for editing initial modules for distance-learning , tutor for modules at adult diploma & BTh levels. Married with one married daughter & grand-daughter – experience of infertility & dealing with ethical issues (ie maintaining opposition to IVF in a hospital pioneering it.) Experience of living with my daughter’s ME from age of 17 to present & dealing with the associated problems – eg ME denial, the welfare system. I was for some time an Anglican Benedictine oblate & increasingly interested in the relationship between the 2 ways. Also keenly interested in the relationship between Carmelite & Salesian spirituality. My experience of therapy & training with the Clinical Theology Assoc means I am particularly oriented towards the interface between spiritual & psychological experience, especially of darkness & PTSD (of which I have personal experience.) |

Maria Micheletti
(Nottingham)
I am a member of the Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites with a Diploma in Spiritual Direction in the Carmelite tradition from CACS….
Read more… Leading me to that was my previous work as a volunteer counsellor in various settings and as a member of the BACP until I retired. From such experience I became aware that, like C. Jung said, the spiritual dimension is an essential aspect of psychological well-being.
I love contemplative prayer as a unique way to enter in close intimacy with God.
I offer Spiritual Direction and Accompaniment in the Carmelite tradition with the Holy Spirit as the Spirit of Truth, in Jesus’s words (John 14:16-17) “ I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you”
In accompaniment and Spiritual Direction we will share our journey together from our lives of tasks, duties, and of seeking meanings and direction from God. We will open together to the Holy Spirit becoming aware of His Presence in our lives right now, as it was before even if we might not have been aware of it yet and as it will be “ until , like St Therese said, “ I am able tell you of my Love in an Eternal Face to Face!”
I embrace with joy such a journey together.
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Anastasia Selby
(Sandbach)

Kate Keefe
(Oxfordshire)
I experience life as one of movement, hence the photo of myself in a car. Central to that movement is my growing relationship in intimacy with God which …
Read more… Carmelite Spirituality and belonging to the Carmelite religious and lay community of CACS and my local parish continues to be nurturing and life giving. My CACS training as a spiritual director was inspiring and enriching. This was followed some years later by a contrasting, robust and wonderful training as a supervisor by the Jesuits.
I work in supervision and project management in Spiritual Communities, my work now focuses mainly on supervising those undertaking spiritual direction, leadership roles, or project management.
Previous to this I have worked extensively in different voluntary ministries in the church and have held paid professional senior educational roles in a university, the Catholic Education Service, and other sectors in education in the Uk.
I enjoy working as a supervisor with:
. those recently qualified as spiritual directors
. or with Spiritual directors or pastoral or parish leaders who are leading innovation and transition in a systemic sense in their parish or religious community
. those spiritually directing directees with mental health issues or identifying as having ongoing trauma.
I am married with an adult son who joined our family at five years, I have learnt much about what it is to be human and overcome adversity from my son, from being married for many years, and from the many teams I have been a member of. I am inspired by St. Teresa of Avila’s a leader and by her deep understanding of so much about the human journey on earth and the path to heaven. I am also inspired by the spirituality of John of the Cross and St. Therese of Lisieux. They both enabled me to see suffering and non attachment in new ways. Having always lived in global cities I am committed to inter-faith dialogue and to working for the common good in society.
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Simon Cocksedge
(Derbyshire)

Vivien Foster
(Oxford)
Vivien is a Carmelite Secular with a particular love for the spirituality of St John of the Cross. She completed CACS Spiritual Direction Formation Programme …
Read more… in 2022 and has continued to accompany subsequent students and provide group facilitation. She works professionally as an academic and has significant experience mentoring young professionals. Vivien is married with a teenage son. Thanks to her family background, she also speaks fluent Spanish. She has lived on both sides of the Atlantic, now being based in Oxford UK in the GMT time zone.
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Fr. Liam Finnerty
(Oxford)

Anne Burr
(Howell, Michigan USA)
IAnne completed the Carmelite SDFP in 2025 and provides SD both in person and via Zoom. She also facilitates Contemplative Circle small groups at her local parish and is in formation as a Secular Carmelite. …
Read more… It’s Anne’s joy and desire, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, to accompany others as they grow in closer relationship with Jesus and a greater awareness of self.
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Fr Luke Dominic Onwe
(Oxfordshire)
I am a Discalced Carmelite Friar and a priest with many years of experience in spiritual and retreat directions as well as spiritual accompaniment. I offer …
Read more… a safe space for spiritual encounters, exploring the direction where the Holy Spirit may be leading each you to a divine union. I welcome seekers and spiritual travellers from the Christian religion who are willing to discern God’s direction for them on this journey. I hold a Licentiate in Sacred Theology, a Master’s degree in Carmelite Studies and have been trained in the Spiritual Direction Formation Programme at Centre for Applied Carmelite Studies, Boars Hill, Oxford. I am also hold a certificate in Pastoral Supervision and Reflective Practice from The Institute of Pastoral Supervision and Reflective Practice (IPSRP). I have experience working as a Rector and Director of Students (formator) in Carmelite House of Studies.
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Ian Adams
(UK)
Ian has enjoyed a deep sense of belonging to the Carmelite tradition since reading the poems of St John of the Cross in 1996, and then making the first of many retreats at the priory at Boars Hill. …
Read more… He seeks to allow the love, devotion and insight of the Carmelite saints and blessed ones to shape his prayer, his life and his spiritual direction. As Beloved Life with his wife Gail, he leads retreats – themes for 2026 include ‘Strong in Love, Peaceful and Restful – the blessing of Julian of Norwich’ and ‘Let it Be – living boldly and generously with Mary and Joseph’. His experience is that beauty is a doorway to goodness and truth, and I seek to share that possibility through writing and photography. He is an Anglican priest, Spirituality Lead at Church Mission Society and author with Canterbury Press..
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Lizzie Sudlow
(UK)
After many years immersed in Carmelite spirituality and lay communities in the UK and Italy, drawing from this contemplative tradition, Lizzie offers a gentle, reflective space for both spiritual direction and pastoral supervision….
Read more… Through prayerful attentiveness, together we can discover God’s loving presence in every aspect of your life. With deep listening to your sacred story, identifying formative experiences and discerning how you are being called to deeper inner freedom, you can learn to live and flourish ever more deeply in the joy of the Lord. Learn too about contemplative prayer, gaining unique insights into your own heart and deeper union with God: precious, welcomed, accepted and loved.
Whether you are at a crossroads, discerning vocation or next life steps, facing difficulties, loss, seeking inner healing, or want to go deeper in your relationship with God, desiring to know yourself better, Lizzie offers individual or small group spiritual direction in the form of Carmelite contemplative circles.
Listening deeply, with empathy and compassion, you collaborate in a mutual exploration of your practice to reflect theologically as you grow in God directed self-awareness and discern the movements of the Holy Spirit in your practice, in a welcoming accepting space that values you and fosters your growth. Supervision is an opportunity to pay attention to the wisdom revealed in your pastoral encounters, helping you to lead from a more grounded and resilient place in your patience.
Drawing upon the theories and models of pastoral supervision, you will reflect on the content, process, and relational aspects of your work, embarking on an inner journey into your ministry. Listening to your internal experience, as you reflect on your work, incorporate skills to help you stay aware of your own reactions, triggers and unconscious dynamics to reinforce healthy boundaries within the space and grow in confidence, for the sake of those you serve.
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Paul Horcher
(Chicago, US)
I am a cradle Xatholic who has been married to my wife Lisa for 38 years. We have 6 children and 6 grandchildren with more on the way. I reside in the Chicago IL area …
Read more… I was a minister of care in a hospital for nearly 20 years. I completed a 2 year Lay Ministry training offered by the Archdiocese of Chicago in 2005 and studied spirituality at Catholic Theological Union (CTU). I completed an extensive study of St. John Paul II‘s Theology of the Body with the Theology of the Body Institute in Pennsylvania.
In 2015 I graduated from a 3 year Spiritual Direction Internship, training in the Ignatian Tradition. In 2020 I finished the 2 yr. Living School with the Center for Action & Contemplation (CAC) located in Albuquerque NM. In 2025 I graduated from the 2 yearr spiritual direction training in the Carmelite tradition through CACS.
In addition to Carmelite and Ignatian spirituality, and a Theology of the Body perspective, I have done a lot of work immersed in nature using it as a mirror for our wholeness and deepening our relationship with God.
I believe God’s love is all encompassing and can be found in every situation. God desires our healing and wholeness more than we can imagine and continuously beckons us to it using all of creation to reveal His infinite love for us.
Read lessHave you chosen your Spiritual Director, or have any questions?
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