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News from the Benedictine Center of St. Paul's Monastery

In This Issue
Meditation: Presence--Learning for the Future
Walking the Labyrinth of St. Paul's Monastery
Learn the Welcoming Prayer and Practice Letting Go
A Pilgrimage of Trust with Brothers of Taize
Openings Available for Spiritual Direction
Other Events of Related Interest
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Didn't get around to registering, but still want to come? While we welcome walk-ins, we advise guests to call ahead (the lobby is 651.777.8181) to ensure that an event has not been filled or cancelled. 
 

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Schedule a Personal Retreat

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Come for quiet in a private room, pray with the Sisters, and explore the art and library. Learn more

Email or call 651.777.7251 to schedule. 

Is Spiritual Direction Right for You?

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Check Online

Spiritual directors are trained to listen well as one explores spiritual questions. Learn more.


Talk One on One
Call 651.777.7251 or email the Benedictine Center for an initial conversation. 

(photo above) from the current exhibit

The Art of Forgiveness: Images of the Prodigal Son by Various Artists
from the Jerry Evenrud Collection housed at Luther Seminary

May 15-31, 2012

Dear Sam,

 

Consider this week's reflection by S. Virginia Matter OSB after walking the labyrinth of St. Paul's Monastery. Guests are always welcome to visit the labyrinth, whether or not they are on retreat.

Meditation:
Presence...Learning for the Future

by Peter Senge, Joseph Jaworski, C. Otto Scharmer, and Betty Sue Flowers

 

"I worry much more today about unquestioned answers than about unanswered questions. Whether religious or political, fundamentalism allows us to avoid deeper issues and the real need to listen to one another." (p. 194)

 

This excerpt comes "Presence: Human Purpose and the Field of the Future" (The Society for Organizational Learning: 2004). Used to underscore the Benedictine Center's commitment to helping people move more deeply into purposeful conversation, relationship with God and others, and more response to God's call.

Walking the Labyrinth of St. Paul's Monastery
A Reflection by S. Virginia Matter OSB 

I stepped into the circle of the Labyrinth with an open heart. I heard the bird songs in many directions the circle of the earth and the four elements opened before me.

The WIND in the breath of God, the FIRE in the Sun's warmth, the EARTH in the Holy Ground I was walking, the WATER in the dew giving moisture to the grass and small violets on the path.

As I met the different turns I became aware of the turns in my life and there invitation. I entered the inner circle, welcomed with St. Benedict's invitation continue to "LISTEN WITH THE EAR OF YOUR HEART".

I gently carried the invitation with me as I returned to my work. I hope you are able to come and enjoy our Labyrinth also (located on the west side of the Monastery, not far from the parking lot).

Learn the Welcoming Prayer
Practice "Letting Go" 

Laurie Erickson

Sat., May 19, 9a-3:30p

$45

 

The Welcoming Prayer is a practice of "letting go" in the present moments of daily life. The ordinary routines of daily life present emotional challenges that drain the reservoir of interior silence that we establish through a regular practice of contemplative prayer.

 

The Welcoming Prayer practice helps us respond instead of react when we meet such challenges. Participants will learn and practice "letting go" and letting the Spirit work in the present moment, becoming less conflicted by anxieties, fears, anger and other afflictive emotions. Supports other forms of prayer, including lectio divina, centering prayer, and more.

 

Register online.

A Pilgrimage of Trust with Brothers of Taizé
taizecrossInviting Young Adults to a Pilgrimage of Trust in Chicago, May  

 

The Taizé gathering, "A Pilgrimage of Trust across the Earth," will take place in Chicago over the Memorial Day Weekend. Participants will come together-much as they do at Taizé itself-for prayer, reflection, workshops and fellowship.

 

Three Taizé brothers are now living in Chicago and coordinating preparations in the city and the region. They are working with friends from Chicago to find accommodations with families for the young adults coming from outside the metro area.

 

Both a detailed program and an excellent video made especially for the Chicago meeting are online.

Info: chicago2012@taize.fr or www.taize.fr/chicago.

Sponsored and organized by the Taizé Community, hosted by DePaul University.
Openings Available for Spiritual Direction
Groups and Individuals 

 

The Benedicitine Center is hosting Group Spiritual Direction as well as one-on-one opportunities. 

 

We have spaces for both men and women in some established groups.  In a group setting, participants share the opportunity for both prayerful and intentional reflection on God's presence in one's life and in the life of others. One-to-one spiritual direction affords the opportunity to do so more privately.

 

If interested in a group experience contact S. Carol Rennie; if you are interested in one-one Spiritual Direction contact Sam Rahberg.

 

Other Events/Resources of Related Interest

Art-A-Whirl
The largest open studio tour in the country. Tour private artist studios, galleries, and over 50 locations in Northeast Minneapolis; connect with artists; and purchase orginial artwork. May 18-20.

Retreat for Men in Sandstone, MN
MN MALEs (Men As Learners & Elders)
 
at the Audubon Center Jun. 22-24, 2012
 
Learn more. 

Becoming Who God Intends Us to Be
with Deena Burnett-Bailey
St. Edward's Catholic Church
Fri, Jul. 20, 5:30-8:30p
An inspiring evening of food, music, and uplifting conversation featuring Deena Burnett Baily, whose husband helped bring down Flight 93 on September 11, 2001.  Deena is the author of Fighting Back, a book which inspired the movie Portrait of Courage: The Untold Story of Flight 93. She was also touched personally by the Ministry of Mothers Sharing. Register online.

Sincerely,

Samuel Rahberg, director
Benedictine Center of St. Paul's Monastery