Maria McGuire graduated from Loyola University, New Orleans with a Master’s Degree in Theology/Religious Education. She holds a Spiritual Direction Certificate from Mercy Center, Burlingame. With a BS in Science and trained in the Jesuit educational approach, she values both the academic and spiritual aspects of faith issues. Her theological interests are multi-faceted. Much of her focus centers upon the power of metaphor to address common human truths regardless of culture, faith perspective or gender. In particular, she contemplates Scripture with an eye towards Midrash: the stories and metaphor therein are the stories of each human being in every generation. Additionally, metaphor speaks to us through songs, movies, literature and the culture around us. She is interested in the dialogue and intersection between masculine and feminine perspectives on spirituality, believing both contribute to a balanced faith vision. She is attentive to those who experience marginalization in society and is interested in what lies at the threshold of liminality. Her work in Spiritual Direction supports her understanding of reverence for the individual journey and giftedness of all people. It is her belief that theology ought to include a “so what” factor, with an eye towards servicing the well-being, growth and understanding of humanity. She is currently a Chaplain with Hospice. She enjoys leading retreats and workshops, offering Spiritual Direction, and spiritual readings. She has a keen interest and love for writing. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends at sports events, on hiking trails, in the gym and at home.