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Schulenburg — God’s Embrace Ministries (GEM) joyfully announces that 16 men and women have been certified as Spiritual Directors, with their certificates signed by both Bishop Brendan Cahill of the Diocese of Victoria and Dr. Michael Fonseca, founder of GEM.
These directors are commissioned to accompany others in their walk with Christ, and several will serve as mentors in GEM’s first Spiritual Directors Institute cohort, which began September 11, 2025. The Institute, endorsed by Bishop Cahill and led by Dr. Michael Fonseca, offers a three-year program of formation in prayer, discernment, and spiritual accompaniment.
Spiritual direction is a treasured practice of the Catholic Church, helping individuals deepen their relationship with God through prayerful listening, discernment, and guidance. Many saints, including St. Teresa of Ávila, St. Ignatius of Loyola, and St. John of the Cross, relied on spiritual directors to grow in holiness. Founded through the vision and prayer of Dr. Michael and the late Cherrie Fonseca, GEM began in 2006 in response to a deep hunger for authentic Catholic formation and discipleship.
Inspired by the Holy Spirit, GEM exists to “teach and empower Catholics to experience daily the loving embrace of our Triune God.” From its beginnings, GEM has created user-friendly programs rooted in prayer, Scripture, and the wisdom of the Saints, designed to form disciples who joyfully live their covenant union with the Lord.
Its history includes publications like: Lead Me Into the Deep, Lord; Instruct Me In Your Ways, Lord; Mold Me As Your Disciple, Lord; Hallow Me As Your Disciple, Lord, as well as international pilgrimages, weekend silent retreats, and the expansion of programs across dioceses in Michigan and Texas.
To celebrate these milestones and continue the mission of forming disciples, GEM warmly invites the community to its Annual Benefit Dinner. This special evening will highlight the transformative work of the ministry, honor those who have completed their spiritual direction certification, and provide a glimpse into the exciting future of GEM’s programs.
Guests will enjoy fellowship, a del icious meal, and inspiring testimonies of God’s work through GEM.
Event Details: 9th Annual Evening in High Hill Friday, Nov. 7, St. Mary’s High Hill Parish Hall 2833 FM 2672, Schulenburg.
All proceeds from the Benefit Dinner will directly support GEM’s mission of empowering Catholics through spiritual direction, retreats, pilgrimages, and ongoing formation programs. Tickets, tables and sponsorship opportunities are available now. To reserve a seat or support the event, visit www.godsembrace. org/benefit-dinner.
God’s Embrace Ministries is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.To learn more about spiritual direction, connect with a director, or support programs like the Institute, please visit www. godsembrace.org, contact [email protected] or call 979-561-8883.
