When was it started?
Advent House was started as an outreach ministry of Christ Church Cathedral to meet the need of making Spiritual Direction available to the clergy, their families and lay ministers of the Diocese of Louisiana. Fr. Steve Holzhalb began the work as Director of Advent House in July of 1996 and the house was ready to receive guests in early 1997.

What is the program?
Advent House is a ministry of spiritual direction, guidance, friendship, nurture, and education. It serves as a resource for spirituality for the diocese of Louisiana, the clergy, clergy families and lay ministers.

Advent House offers Spiritual Direction for those seeking a companion to walk with them on their spiritual journey as they explore their relationship with God. Additional programs such as retreats, quiet days, continuing education opportunities and support groups are also offered as announced or requested.

Who does the ministry?
The Director, selected by the Advent House Board and hired by the Dean of Christ Church Cathedral is primarily responsible for the ministries of Advent House. Others with skill and training in Spiritual Direction or other expertise assist in the ancillary relationship with Advent House.

What is Spiritual Direction?
Spiritual Direction is a way (or a path) for one who wants a companion with whom to walk on his/her spiritual journey and to share what is happening in his/her relationship to God. This is not pastoral counseling or a therapeutic relationship designed to heal personality problems. The focus is to develop the life of prayer, spiritual disciplines and to share the journey. The policy of Advent House is to offer names of spiritual directors who have completed an approved training program and/or have extensive experience in offering spiritual direction to clergy and lay people. One hour sessions can be arranged by appointment at various hours of the day or evening. To ask questions or request individual Spiritual Direction, call the Director of Advent House.

The qualifications of the Advent House Director?
The Director of Advent House, Linda Nelson, has completed an approved two-year training program in Spiritual Direction and has been a Spiritual Director, Retreat Leader, and Consultant in the Episcopal Church setting for thirty years. As Director of Advent House, she serves on the staff of Christ Church Cathedral.

Why was the ministry started?
In 1996, the Dean and Vestry of Christ Church Cathedral saw that there was an increasing interest and great need in the diocese regarding spirituality. The Church's long and specific ministry in Spiritual Direction is experiencing a renewed importance throughout the Church. Advent House was established to nurture that interest locally and to extend the Cathedral's ministry to the diocese, city, and state.

Who may use the services of Advent House?
Anyone is welcome, but especially the clergy of the Diocese of Louisiana, their families, and lay ministers of the parishes of the diocese. Small groups from parishes and schools also use Advent House for Quiet Days of reflections and spiritual nurture. Appointments may be made simply by calling the Advent House number (504-895-0553) and asking for Linda Nelson or email LHN@aristotle.net.

Is there a fee?
No. Advent House is funded by Christ Church Cathedral, the Holzhalb Fund, a legacy of the late Mildred Howles, and contributions from our many Friends of Advent House. Gifts in support of the ministry may be designated for the work of Advent House. Gifts are important for the development of the ministry and are much appreciated.

Do all the activities of Advent House take place at Advent House?
No. The Advent House Board of Directors encourages the Director to offer programs, Quiet Days, and Workshops to parishes in cities throughout the diocese. Anyone can call to discuss the possibilities of a program or activity in his/her church setting.

What are the facilities at Advent House?
We have a large living room, a refectory or dining room, a library, a small oratory for private or small group prayer, and a meeting room for small groups. The two apartments upstairs are arranged to accommodate a flexible number of guests. The larger apartment has a large fully-equipped kitchen with a washer/dryer, living room and bedroom. The smaller apartment has a cook-top, microwave oven, and a bedroom/sitting area. Each apartment has its own private bath. Public areas of the house are available to apartment guests, giving great flexibility in the use of the house.

Is the location convenient?
Located on the grounds of the Cathedral, in the Garden District of New Orleans, and on the St. Charles Avenue streetcar line, Advent House is ideally located for walking in one of the most beautiful areas of the city and gives easy access to Tulane and Loyola universities as well as the Central Business district.

Is there a library?
Yes, for in-house or checkout use. Through the generosity of many who have given either collections of books, or individual volumes, audio tapes and CDs in thanksgiving or as memorials, the library continues to grow.

When is the house open?
We make every effort to work with your schedule by asking you to call ahead for an appointment.

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