Benedictine Retreat Center
Ministry to Ministers

supporting ministers as they seek to be faithful to their ministerial vocations

For more information or to register

Email the Benedictine Center or call 651.777.7251

Registering last minute?

While we welcome walk-ins, it is always wise to call 651.777.8181

to insure that an event has not been filled or cancelled.

Personal Retreats, Self-Care Days

Plan a day of quiet reflection, an overnight stay, or a retreat of several days tailored to individual needs and interest. Spiritual direction available as desired. Call 651.777.7251 or email the Benedictine Center.

MAY

Taizé Prayer

Fri., May 18, 7-8p

Taizé prayer uses simple chants based on the Scriptures and periods of silence to create an environment for encountering the mystery of God. Walk-ins welcome.

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The Welcoming Prayer: Attending to What Is

Meredith Schifsky

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.

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Men’s Contemplative Spirituality Group

Mon., May 28, 7-9p

Freewill Offering

This time of prayer and conversation is for men seeking to integrate contemplative spirituality into their active lives. The evening includes time with Scripture and silent prayer, as well as dialogue about men’s spirituality and personal experience. No experience with contemplative prayer is necessary. Walk-ins welcome.

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JUNE

iLLUMINARE Ministry Renewal Day

Fri., Jun. 8, 9:30a-3p

$30 includes lunch and materials
iLLUMINARE Ministry Renewal Days are ecumenical days of reflection for full-time and volunteer ministers (lay and ordained) that draw on Scripture and the wisdom of the Christian tradition to reflect on as they illuminate the practice of ministry. The days include theological reflection, lectio divina, time for personal prayer and reflection, brief presentations, and conversation with other ministers. Guests new to iLLUMINARE are welcome. Register online.

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Taizé Prayer

Fri., Jun. 15, 7-8p

Taizé prayer uses simple chants based on the Scriptures and periods of silence to create an environment for encountering the mystery of God. Walk-ins welcome.

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Great Conversations Series: When Can Doubt Strengthen Faith?

Rev. Paul Witmer

Tue., Jun. 19, 9a-1p

Conversation has the power to inspire and transform. In that spirit the Benedictine Center has commissioned six facilitators to host six unique conversations over the course of 2011-2012. This final morning includes a brief reflection leading into dialogue. Afterward the facilitator will assemble a summary of the insights which emerge from the discussion. The conversation is limited to 12 participants. Contact the Benedictine Center or register online. Lunch is included in the experience. Register online.

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Men’s Contemplative Spirituality Group

Mon., Jun. 25, 7-9p

Freewill Offering

This time of prayer and conversation is for men seeking to integrate contemplative spirituality into their active lives. The evening includes time with Scripture and silent prayer, as well as dialogue about men’s spirituality and personal experience. No experience with contemplative prayer is necessary. Walk-ins welcome.

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JULY

2012A School of Lectio Divina

S. Meg Funk OSB

Fri., Jul. 6, 1p to Wed., Jul. 11, 1p

$700

The Benedictine Center of St. Paul’s Monastery is offering the School of Lectio Divina to adapt the ancient monastic riches of sustained lectio divina to contemporary people. Through an intensive retreat experience set in the rhythm of life at St. Paul’s Monastery, participants receive teaching about lectio, spend time meditating on a sacred text significant for them, have the opportunity for individual spiritual direction, and participate in reflective conversation with other participants. In addition, the Center will provide a variety of on-going support activities and resources after the retreat participants make sustained lectio core to individual prayer and spiritual development. Limit 15. Download materials below or email benedictinecenter@stpaulsmonastery.org.

Click here for a description of the School of Lectio Divina.

Click here for a PDF copy of the application form.  

Click here for a Word copy of the application form.

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Taizé Prayer

Fri., Jul. 20, 7-8p

Taizé prayer uses simple chants based on the Scriptures and periods of silence to create an environment for encountering the mystery of God. Walk-ins welcome.

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Men’s Contemplative Spirituality Group

Mon., Jul. 23, 7-9p

Freewill Offering

This time of prayer and conversation is for men seeking to integrate contemplative spirituality into their active lives. The evening includes time with Scripture and silent prayer, as well as dialogue about men’s spirituality and personal experience. No experience with contemplative prayer is necessary. Walk-ins welcome.

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Creating and Holding A Space: Insights from Group Spiritual Direction

S. Carol Rennie OSB

Thu., Jul. 26, 9a-1p

$30

S. Carol Rennie OSB is committed to and experienced in drawing others into conversation that helps each person become more attentive to the movements of God. Participants in this session will gain insights into creating and holding a space for meaningful conversation. Ideal for those working with small groups, group spiritual direction, and other more intentional conversations around the spiritual life. Includes lunch. Register online.

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Lectio Pilgrimage to Saint John’s Abbey

S. Carol Rennie OSB

Fri., Jul. 27, 7p to Sun., Jul. 29, 2p

$250

The retreat begins at St. Paul’s Monastery with an introduction to key texts that have been brilliantly illuminated in The Saint John’s Bible. The next day, retreatants travel to Saint John’s Abbey where they will continue their meditation on the texts with the original illuminations. After spending the night at the Abbey Guesthouse, they return to the monastery for Eucharist and brunch. Participation limited by accommodations; shared lodging welcomed, but not necessary. Registration deadline Jun. 30. Register online.

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AUGUST

iLLUMINARE Ministry Renewal Day

Fri., Aug. 10, 9:30a-3p

$30 includes lunch and materials
iLLUMINARE Ministry Renewal Days are ecumenical days of reflection for full-time and volunteer ministers (lay and ordained) that draw on Scripture and the wisdom of the Christian tradition to reflect on as they illuminate the practice of ministry. The days include theological reflection, lectio divina, time for personal prayer and reflection, brief presentations, and conversation with other ministers. Guests new to iLLUMINARE are welcome.
Register online.

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Taizé Day of Reflection

S. Carol Rennie OSB

Fri., Aug. 17, 10a-8p

$40

A time of reflection flowing into the celebration of Taizé prayer. This month’s reflection explores the universal, contemporary, and timeless nature of the psalms. They are treasured songs of the heart. Register online.

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Taizé Prayer

Fri., Aug. 17, 7-8p

Taizé prayer uses simple chants based on the Scriptures and periods of silence to create an environment for encountering the mystery of God. Walk-ins welcome.

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Centering Prayer and Lectio Divina Retreat

S. Virginia Matter OSB

Fri., Aug. 17, 7p to Wed., Aug. 22, 1p

$375 includes lodging and meals; $180 thru Sunday only

Experience a time of profound silence and praying the Scriptures as you enter into deeper relationship with God and self. Blends a rhythm of centering prayer, lectio divina, and prayer with the monastic community. $180 through Sunday only. Register online.

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Men’s Contemplative Spirituality Group

Mon., Aug. 27, 7-9p

Freewill Offering

This time of prayer and conversation is for men seeking to integrate contemplative spirituality into their active lives. The evening includes time with Scripture and silent prayer, as well as dialogue about men’s spirituality and personal experience. No experience with contemplative prayer is necessary. Walk-ins welcome.

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For more information or to register

Email the Benedictine Center or call 651.777.7251

St. Paul's Monastery | 2675 Benet Road | St. Paul, Minnesota 55109 | 651-777-8181 | info@stpaulsmonastery.org
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