Alumni Feature: Mark Richards

Mark Richards graduated from the IMF in 2021 with a certificate in the Spiritual Direction Program. He resides in Calgary in Alberta, Canada with his wife, Patricia. Between them, they have six adult children. Mark has his own consulting company focused on leadership development for executives. As he begins to transition into retirement over the next few years, Mark hopes to do more spiritual direction, ministry, and volunteer work with his newfound free time.

In 2019 at a conference at Mount Angel Abbey, Mark heard about the IMF and began to take Spiritual Direction classes. It surprised Mark how much learning about and practicing spiritual direction helped him with his leadership development and coaching work. Accompaniment and listening well when people are working through difficulties is key, Mark says.

The Sacramental Theology course was one of Mark’s favorite courses with IMF. It was very impactful and aided him in delving deeper into the Liturgy of the Eucharist. He also enjoyed the Moral Theology course and learning about stages of growth in the spiritual life.

In the past, Mark has been a part of Alpha, RCIA, “Feed the Hungry,” and other various faith formation programs. He is currently involved with his parish as a Eucharistic minister and has recently started prison ministry. Additionally, Mark provides spiritual direction for individuals a few evenings a month.

Mark recommends that the IMF students make time for learning and practicums, and that application is crucial. “The Holy Spirit is the spiritual director,” Mark reminds us. “Learn to get comfortable with your own poverty as a spiritual director — this we were warned about at the start and it is important to remember that. This ministry requires a deep trust in the Lord and I found it has stretched and challenged me in a good way.”

Mark wishes the best for the continued growth of the ministry here at the IMF. We are very grateful for his time here as a student and his continued ministry in his community. Thank you, Mark!