About Me
Renata McNeely — A Sacred Welcome
My interest in spiritual direction was piqued in a class I took in 2016. Being a spiritual director was compared to the role of a midwife, someone creating safety and holding space for another person, being a witness and companion to the birth of something new. I felt a deep stirring within and still feel a particular joy at that memory. It drew me in. I knew that someday I would be invited into that role in others’ lives. Curiosity was awakened in me and revealed a path toward a deepening journey of a quiet faith in God that embraced more mystery, grace, and a stronger belief in my belovedness and belonging.
My contemplative journey continued, bringing healing and peace through a more expansive view of God. Over several years I took classes in contemplative spirituality, participated in groups offered through Selah Center, and began to see a spiritual director monthly. I graduated with a certification in spiritual direction in the spring of 2023 through St. Placid Priory in Lacey, WA, and began to meet with directees as A Sacred Welcome, both in person in Tacoma and online.
I continue to see my own spiritual director monthly. I also have a peer supervision group where I uncover the work that is mine to do with the Spirit and grow in my ability to notice and respond to God’s presence as I offer spiritual direction to others.
In addition to being a spiritual director, I work as a licensed real estate assistant for a local firm. I love long walks in my neighborhood or a nearby forest. I drink coffee with friends like it is my third job. I relish the creativity involved in making jams and kombucha. And I delight in the sacred act of laughing loudly beside my teenagers as we stream something together or as I play board games with my tweens. Born outside Vancouver, BC, I am a very proud Canadian, but Tacoma is the place where I have set my roots and co-created a community that I love.