Bev McDonald
Northland
Catholic, Ecumenical, Inter Denominational
Abuse survivors, Chaplaincy, Creativity and Spirituality, Grief and Loss, Hearing God in nature, Mental Health, Motherhood/parenting and faith journey, Recovery from Trauma, Spirituality of ageing, The Environment, Wellness, Women's spirituality
Charismatic, Contemplative, Covid Vaccinated, Evangelical, Facilitates spiritual formation groups, Leads Retreats, Teacher of meditation in the Christian tradition, Welcomes LGBTQI+
Contact details
Religious background
As a Catholic I first encountered God’s love during a personal crisis in my twenties, which led me to study Theology and later complete Spiritual Direction formation with SGM in 2006. Since then, Christian spirituality has come alive in my life through ecumenical work with the NZ Catholic Bishops and the Aotearoa/NZ Anglican dialogue, and ten rich years working with the Society of Mary facilitating retreats and groups across the country.
Mary’s way of relating to God, people, and everyday life inspires me to walk alongside others to help them notice the divine hidden in their midst. My husband and I were blessed with the unexpected joy and challenge of raising our grandson, now 16—and family life continues to shape my faith. In 2026 I am looking forward to working with a team of spiritual directors at the St Francis Friary in Auckland. God never fails to surprise, and the excerpt below inspires and challenges me.
“If friends ask for me, tell them I’m off on an adventure, I’m lost on purpose to be found by love” Author unknown, quoted by Craig Larkin SM, An Inner Music. Living Life in God. Pg 169, FitzBeck Publishing 2016
Approach to spiritual direction
Spiritual direction offers a safe contemplative space for a graced conversation with a trusted companion who helps you notice and respond to God’s presence in all aspects of life. Every human experience offers a window into God at work within and among us. Through reflective listening, silence, prayer, creativity, scripture, interactive drawing or dreamwork – tailored to your needs and preference – we invite a deeper awareness of God and how you might become more attuned and responsive to that.
Rather than offering advice, the director supports your discernment, reflection and unique faith journey. It is not counselling but may be helpful to someone in therapy provided clear boundaries are established. So, whether you are experiencing consoling joy or intense struggles, spiritual direction can help your graced response to the invitation to keep growing deeper into knowledge and relationship with God, oneself and others. My SGM Special Interest project explains more about my approach as a Lay Marist. Spiritual Direction SGM Paper
As Thomas Merton said, “the real Director is the Holy Spirit hidden in the depths of our soul.”
