by Therese Horvat
Special to The Leaven
To a person, those interviewed about their experience expressed deep gratitude for the spiritual mentorship program. They have found it spiritually beneficial on a personal level. They believe it equipped them to walk with and help guide other Catholics on their faith journeys.
Nancy and Dave Kronoshek
Annunciation Parish, Baldwin City
While Dave Kronoshek initially agreed to participate in the Catholic Spiritual Mentorship program because his wife wanted to, he emerged as a true believer in the training. “It exceeded my expectations and taught me the importance of prayer and how to pray,” he said.
The church has always been an important part of their marriage and family life. Nancy believes the timing was right to do something more. Dave had recently retired from a job in corporate America. Nancy’s friends had urged her to go through the spiritual mentorship program.
The Kronosheks enrolled in the 2014-15 cohort for several reasons. Nancy sought to deepen her spiritual life and she wanted to develop the spiritual courage to express her faith — to have the conviction to verbalize her thoughts and feelings.
“I went in thinking I would learn more about my faith and what it means to be spiritual,” Dave recalls. He was impressed with the methodology of the program and considers the training and the School of Faith as valuable resources in the archdiocese.
Neither Kronoshek initially envisioned being a spiritual mentor, but both have assumed this role. Dave considers the men he mentors his “spiritual workout buddies.”
Nancy views the program as the very best thing she’s ever done. She believes the experience of going through the program as a couple enriched their marriage of 50-plus years. She appreciated the discipline imposed in making time for God, Jesus and prayer. She also fell in love with eucharistic adoration.
Her advice to others considering the program: “Think and pray about it, and ask participants about it. Don’t dismiss it. It’s the road less taken, but you’ll be happy on the journey.”
Father Barry Clayton, pastor
St. Philip Neri in Osawatomie; Sacred Heart in Mound City; and Our Lady of Lourdes, La Cygne
Father Barry Clayton enrolled in the spiritual mentorship program with more questions than expectations. Looking back, he describes it as a “great blessing” for his own spiritual growth and for helping others on their faith journeys.
He found it so valuable, in fact, that Father Clayton is now serving as chaplain of the program that he completed in 2019. He has provided sacramental ministry during in-person sessions at Savior Pastoral Center. He celebrates Mass and the sacrament of reconciliation. Additionally, he helps facilitate small groups and practice mentoring sessions with priest participants in the two-year course.
Father Clayton registered for the program at the encouragement of his own spiritual director. He particularly enjoyed sessions exploring the theory behind different topics, the faith formation and the practical tips.
Going through the program with laypersons was a great collaborative experience for the archdiocesan priest.
“The more lay faithful who are able to offer spiritual direction for others, the greater the reach of our efforts to evangelize,” he said. “This becomes a blessing and support to a parish.”
Given a priest’s schedule, Father Clayton found that the commitment of two weeks out of two consecutive years for training was doable. He manages to meet with a few laymen for spiritual direction and has purposefully been doing spiritual mentoring with some permanent deacons. In addition, he applies skills learned and knowledge acquired by sharing insights through his homilies and in parish faith groups such as Bible studies.
Acknowledging that participation in the program takes some sacrifice, Father Clayton thinks that other priests would find this program beneficial and worth the time invested. He encourages them and laypersons to give it some thought.
“God is never outdone in generosity. He will bless you in your spiritual growth and help others in their spiritual journeys as well,” he said.
Becca Schroeder
Holy Trinity Parish, Lenexa
When she originally felt pulled to apply to the Catholic Spiritual Mentorship program, Becca Schroeder had reservations. As a mom with six young children, she barely had time to shower let alone navigate a two-year course.
Another baby and a couple of years later, Becca can’t say enough good things about the incredible experience of the program. She and cohort 2025 participants wrapped up their training earlier this month.
“Before I started this program, I was prayerful and had a relationship with the Lord,” Becca recalled. “I have selfishly learned so much through the program. It has prepared me with skills and transformed my relationship with the Holy Spirit and the Blessed Mother. It has taught me to be disciplined when I don’t want to pray.”
Becca also developed the language and vocabulary to share her experiences with her family — her husband, who has been accepted into the permanent diaconate program that starts in September, and their now seven children, ages 4 months to 10 years.
Becca believes God cleared the path for her to go through the program. She credits Stephanie Jacobson, program director, with pairing her as a spiritual mentor with other young women in the early stages of motherhood as her practice mentees.
She literally has met these women where they’re at — at 8:30 p.m. by Zoom or at a park as their children play. Paired with the young moms as their spiritual mentor, Becca said, “A piece of the puzzle in my heart fell into place. I felt I was fulfilling a purpose.”
Becca highly encourages others to prayerfully discern applying to the Catholic Spiritual Mentorship program.
“God will guide you every step of the way,” she promised, “if you are willing to answer his call.”
