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Dr. NickiVerploegen comes from a Montana farming-ranching family and has traveled extensively worldwide, exploring many spiritual traditions. She is Co-Founder of TATENDA International, a nonprofit which provides retreats for caregivers in difficult international environments. For eight years she served as Director of Spiritual and Ministerial Development and Visiting Professor at Weston Jesuit School of Theology in Cambridge, Massachusetts and she has served as a visiting professor at graduate schools of theology in the United States. She presently teaches in the Diaconate Formation Program for the Archdiocese of Boston in addition to being on the faculty of the Redemptorist Renewal Center’s Sabbatical in the Desert in Tucson, Arizona.
She holds a Ph.D. and M.A. Formative Spirituality from Duquesne University, and M..A. Spiritual Theology from Gonzaga University. Her four books include From Monks to Missionaries; Planning and Implementing Retreats: A Parish Handbook; Organic Spirituality: A Sixfold Path for Contemplative Living, and Meditations With Merton.
Dr. Verploegen has been involved in spirituality work for over 30 years. She has provided support to religious communities like the Jesuits, the Franciscans, the Redemptorists, and Maryknoll Missionaries. In addition, she spent time in the Philippines with the Christian Brothers de la Salle in 2016 and 2018, working with laity and brothers on spiritual companionship. She has been conducting retreats for over 25 years and giving spiritual direction since 1983, as well as being involved in liturgical ministries as a dancer, cantor, and planner in her parish. She participates in social outreach programs and youth work in her local parish. Her books can be obtained by contacting Wipf and Stock, Eugene, OR @ 541-344-1528
Spiritual Direction
“For me spiritual direction is a sacred companionship with the directee, myself, and God. I see my eyes and ears as a another set of those listening to the Spirit along with the directee’s. Anything in life is welcome in the session, but it is my job to ask the question, “What might God be saying in this?” Key to this process is noticing the movements of God within the whole context of the person’s life. I believe God acts within the full spectrum of human experience. For me as director it is important to offer support, safety, and questions on which to reflect to assist the directee in discovering their own answers to God’s invitations.” – Nicki Verploegen, Ph.D.
