|
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.
[ back to top ]

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.
[ back to top ]

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.
[ back to top ]
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.
[ back to top ]

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.
[ back to top ]

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.
[ back to top ]

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.
[ back to top ]
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.
[ back to top ]
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.
[ back to top ]

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.
[ back to top ]

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.
[ back to top ]

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.
[ back to top ]
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.
[ back to top ]

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.
[ back to top ]

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.
[ back to top ]

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.
[ back to top ]

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.
[ back to top ]
For more information or to register
Email the Benedictine Center or call 651.777.7251
|