The Rev. Canon Susan Colley Joplin Retirement
The Rev. Canon Susan Colley Joplin is retiring from her role as Dean and Founder of the Saint Brigid School of Spiritual Direction. Mother Susan founded this diocesan school and has guided many spiritual directors through the program. She also developed the popular Retreat in Daily Life program, which follows the prayer style of St. Ignatius.
We are deeply grateful for all that Mother Susan has done for the School and the Diocese; she will be greatly missed.
Please join us for a retirement celebration honoring Mother Susan on Friday, May 15, from 5:00–7:00 PM at St. Augustine of Canterbury Episcopal Church in Oklahoma City.
Bishop Poulson Reed shared these words on her retirement:
“Christian friendship is an essential part of congregational vitality, and spiritual direction is one of its most ancient and effective forms. Canon Susan has, through her example and the development of the School, made spiritual direction available throughout our diocese, and I am immensely grateful.”
Mother Susan reflects on her ministry and the beginnings of the School:
How long have you been the Dean?
Although the vision for a school to train spiritual directors in the Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma began many years ago, the first gathering took place in October 2020. The inaugural cohort of students was present, and Bishop Poulson provided a strong foundation in the nature of spiritual direction and its importance for our diocese in caring for souls.
Why do people need spiritual direction?
In the Episcopal Church, we are given many opportunities to engage with Scripture—through the Daily Office and in communal worship at the Sunday morning Holy Eucharist. Spiritual direction offers a safe and intentional space to explore one’s personal life of faith more deeply. In the presence of a trusted spiritual companion, we begin to see more clearly where our lives intersect with the love of Christ and where we are being called to grow more fully into alignment with our Christian values. Spiritual direction often deepens our faith, while church life broadens it; these two dimensions beautifully complement one another.
What have you loved about being the Dean?
Founding the School and serving as its first Dean has been one of the great joys of my life. Watching students grow into a deeper understanding of who they are—and then seeing them use that growth to help others draw closer to God—has been an exquisite gift. It has also been exciting to witness graduates take their newly developed leadership skills and serve the broader community in creative and unexpected ways. Seeing that unfold has been truly inspiring.
Why is the work of Retreat in Daily Life important?
Five hundred years ago, St. Ignatius of Loyola offered the world a remarkable guide for living in relationship with God. The Spiritual Exercises—often experienced today as Retreat in Daily Life—emerged from his own conversion and were refined over his lifetime. This program provides daily spiritual guidance shaped by liturgical rhythms that align with the seasons of the Church. Participants in the 32-week program come away with a deeper awareness of their life in Christ and a clearer sense of how their lives intersect with the life of Jesus. Through a variety of prayer practices, participants gain lifelong tools to navigate the complexities of life—holding onto what is life-giving and releasing what is not. In short, they grow in their ability to walk in love as Christ loved us. In addition to the traditional 32-week program, the Diocese now offers 12-week and 8-week options.
What will you do in retirement?
In retirement, I look forward to spending more time with family and enjoying both old and new friendships. I have also returned to one of my first loves—music—and I am eager to devote more time to the piano. I encourage others in their 70s to explore new joys by trying something they have never done before. Recently, I joined the Taizé choir, where I sing alto, and even a beginner’s basketball team. I will continue my involvement with Retreat in Daily Life, as well as St. Brigid Listening Circles, which I believe nurture a deeper dimension of the soul and offer something meaningful to the world.
What will you miss most about this work?
I will deeply miss my involvement with the students, faculty, and the wider diocese. These relationships have been a great source of joy. Watching students grow up close has been especially meaningful. I will miss seeing the many ways future cohorts will come into their own and contribute in significant ways.
