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Pamela Shilling, MA

I am deeply honored to walk alongside you on your spiritual journey. I look forward to meeting you and exploring the presence and love of God in your life. With a strong foundation in the Ignatian tradition, I bring a wealth of experience in guiding individuals of all backgrounds and ages. Additionally, I accompany participants in Spiritual Direction Formation programs. Drawing from my diverse background as wife, mother, caregiver of an elderly parent, teacher, hospital chaplain and nonprofit board member I offer empathetic and compassionate support through life’s varied joys and challenges.

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Available for New Directees

Times and Days Flexible 

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Spiritual Director & Chaplain 

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Background and Formation:
 

As a member of the College of Directors at the Murphy Center for Ignatian Spirituality at Fairfield University, I offer spiritual direction, the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola and retreats to individuals of all ages and backgrounds. At the Yale Divinity School I accompany the students in the Spiritual Exercises. Within the realm of academia, I provide spiritual direction as an integral part of semester-long courses such as Finding God in All Things and Christian Spirituality. Additionally, I extend spiritual guidance to participants in the Diocese of Bridgeport’s Leadership program and Our Lady of the Way retreat center.

I am honored to offer spiritual direction and the Spiritual Exercises to candidates enrolled in Spiritual Direction Formation programs. I also offer spiritual direction within the USA Eastern Province of the Society of Jesus’ Contemplative Leaders in Action Program. This involves providing spiritual care to young adults aged 24 – 36, fostering their leadership development through the lens of Ignatian spirituality.

My dedication to spiritual care extends to the vulnerable and those suffering from trauma. I have served as the Spiritual Director and Chaplain at Malta House, a transitional home for women in crisis. At Malta House I provided spiritual care to residents and facilitated retreats for residents, staff and board members. Currently, I serve as a board member and hold the role of Vice Chair with primary focus on programs.

I trained as a chaplain at the Norwalk Hospital in the Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) program. While
there I ministered to patients, families and staff during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. I also
trained to become a member of the PACT Peer Support team that provided emotional support to
members of the hospital community during the pandemic.

 

 
Education

  • Fairfield University – Certification in Spiritual Direction

  • Fairfield University – Certification in the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola

  • Fairfield University – Certification in Supervision – Available for supervision in 2025

  • Sacred Heart University – Master of Arts in Teaching

  • Pennsylvania State University – Bachelor of Science

  • CT State Department of Education – Teacher Certification

  • Clinical Pastoral Education – Chaplain Internship Norwalk Hospital

  • VIRTUS Certification in Protecting God’s Children and Vulnerable Adults

  • PACT Peer Support Certification

  • Ongoing Education and Training – Monthly continuing education through the Murphy Center for
    Ignatian Spirituality at Fairfield University

 

Experience:

  • Spiritual Director – Murphy Center for Ignatian Spirituality at Fairfield University (offering
    spiritual direction, Spiritual Exercises and Retreats)

  • Spiritual Director – Yale Divinity School (offering Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola)

  • Spiritual Director - Contemplative Leaders in Action – USA East Province of the Society of Jesus

  • Spiritual Director, Chaplain, Board Member, Board Vice Chair – Malta House

  • Spiritual Director, Board Member – Our Lady of the Way Retreat Center

  • Private Practice as Spiritual Director working with adults and students (undergraduate and
    graduate)

  • Chaplain – Norwalk Hospital

  • Experience working with diverse populations including undocumented migrants; English
    Language Learners; mothers and children in crisis; people experiencing poverty; people
    experiencing homelessness, those with incomplete high school or college education;
    people from diverse races, ethnicities, and cultures; and the unemployed or
    underemployed.

  • Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion – Silver Hill Hospital and St. Aloysius Catholic Church

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Memberships & Listings:​

  • Murphy Center for Ignatian Spirituality at Fairfield University – College of Directors

  • USA East Province of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits)

  • CatholicSpiritualDirectors.com

  • SeekDirection.com

  • Order of Malta – Dame of Magistral Grace - 2008

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Services

  • Virtual and In-Person

  • Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola, Spiritual Direction and Retreats. Supervision available
    in 2025.

  • Spiritual Direction for individuals in Spiritual Direction Formation programs.

  • Spiritual Direction with those suffering from trauma in their past or current life.

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