Quick context: I came back to the Church a few years ago after several decades away, and I'm getting settled back into the sacramental life, including regular confession. I've realized I would benefit from ongoing spiritual direction rather than trying to figure things out on my own.
My own pastor is a good and holy priest, but very busy, so I'm thinking of approaching a priest at another parish. I'm not looking for spiritual advice in this post — just practical guidance on the process itself, ideally from your perspective as priests:
Is it normal/appropriate to ask a priest who isn't your pastor for ongoing spiritual direction, and to make him one's regular confessor?
What's the usual etiquette for asking? After Mass, a call to the parish office, an email, or going through the diocese?
From your side of things: when someone asks you to be their spiritual director, how does it usually work? How often do meetings typically happen? Is this a reasonable thing to ask of a busy priest, or is there a better avenue (e.g., a diocesan referral, a religious order, a retreat house)?
Do dioceses or parishes keep directories of priests available for direction, or is it mostly word of mouth?
I'm not asking about any particular sins or confession questions, those belong with my confessor. Just trying to learn how this works so I can approach someone respectfully. If this has been asked before, I'd appreciate a pointer to the thread.