Kathy grew up in Western Massachusetts and is the eldest daughter of seven children. She studied nursing at St. Vincent School of Nursing and, after brief jobs working with chronically disabled children and in labor and delivery, she worked for over thirty years in the areas of psychiatric and high school nursing. She is a former Director of Campus Ministry at St. Bernard School in Uncasville, CT, and Director of Religious Education at St. Matthias Parish in East Lyme, CT. Until the pandemic, Kathy volunteered in the Niantic Women’s Prison. Since 2008, Kathy has devoted herself to the ministry of spiritual direction, having completed a four-year program at Mercy Center in Madison, CT. She is an experienced retreat leader specializing in the area of spiritual restoration, reflections on prayer and scripture, and addictions. She is a facilitator and companion for BioSpiritual Focusing. Kathy has written two books, Ordinary Awakenings and Pause Ponder Pray. She resides in Norwich, CT, with her husband of 42 years and has two married children and six grandchildren.
“Spiritual direction has helped me to navigate the joys and sorrows and ups and downs of everyday experiences. Companionship with my directors over the years has helped lead to insights regarding my faith and my responses to it. Spiritual direction helps us to deepen our relationship with God and others in a healthy and discerning way. I love companioning others on their spiritual journey and watching growth take place within the individual. Jesus says we are his eyes and ears, hands and feet here on earth. Spiritual direction has been an amazing way to companion people on their journey.”
I am available during the day and evenings Monday through Friday via zoom or in person.
To schedule a spiritual direction appointment with Kathy Irr, please fill out this form. She will then contact you to confirm the details of your appointment.