BENEDICTINE RETREAT CENTER
Seeing God: Art and Spirituality

sustaining and expanding the spiritual imagination,

deepening a sense of awe

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Current Exhibit: (now thru Jan)
Water: Mirror of the Soul
Oil Paintings by Margaret Carroll

Seeing God
Art and Spirituality at the Benedictine Center of St. Paul’s Monastery

Over the centuries, Benedictines have encouraged women and men who use color, form, sound, and word to express the beauty one experiences in the encounter with God’s own creativity.

Their work contributes to keeping us mindful of God’s abiding presence. Seeing God seeks ways to cultivate the sacramental sense that infuses religiously-themed art and to deepen the role of art as a formative part of Christian life and discipleship. Learn more


Current Exhibits

open 9a-6p daily

freewill offerings

Browse the Benedictine Center pages to view other images from the exhibit.

Seeing God: A Juried Exhibit of Sacred Art at the St. Paul's Monastery Gallery

works by various artists

 

Once Lost, Now Found

a visual reflection on forgiveness and a

permanent exhibit in the Benedicta Riepp Room.

Explore past exhibits


Upcoming Exhibits

Seeing God: A Juried Exhibit of Sacred Art (Feb)

Prodigal Son Works (Mar-May)

James Quentin Young (Jun-Aug)

Feb
1   Seeing God: A Juried Exhibit of Sacred Art
10 12 Hermitage Experience
Mar
1   The Story Within: Movies and Meaning
9   Steadfast: Living the Benedictine Sense of Stability (public eve with Abbot John Klassen OSB)
9 11 Steadfast: Living the Benedictine Sense of Stability (retreat with Abbot John Klassen)
Apr
24   In Others' Words: A Reflection on Music and Prayer with Katy Wehr
May
18   Taizé Prayer
19   The Welcoming Prayer: Attending to What Is
Jun
15   Taizé Prayer
19   Great Conversations Series: When Can Doubt Strengthen Faith?
Jul
6 11 School of Lectio Divina (with S. Meg Funk OSB)
20   Taizé Prayer
27 29 Lectio Pilgrimage to Saint John's Abbey
Aug
17   Taizé Day of Reflection
17   Taizé Prayer
     

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.


FEBRUARY

Hermitage Experience

S. Virginia Matter OSB

Fri., Feb. 10, 7p to Sun., Feb. 12, 1p

$150

After a common orientation, participants spend the weekend in silence as they read, pray, meditate, and rest in the hospitality of the monastery. Limit 10 participants. Register online.

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Shape of the Divine: Working with Clay as Spiritual Practice

S. Virginia Matter OSB

Mondays, 6:30-8:30p, Feb. 20 thru Mar. 26

$150

Under the direction of an experienced potter and gentle teacher, learn how making hand-built vessels can be a process of meditation. Cost includes materials. Register online.

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MARCH

The Story Within: Movies and Meaning

Jackie Witter

Thu., Mar. 1, 6:30-9:30p

$15

Movies can serve as contemporary parables, providing insights into life, faith and the human condition. Join Jackie Witter for a stirring movie followed by a conversation exploring the story it tells and the layers of meaning it reveals. Register online.

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Steadfast: Living the Benedictine Sense of Stability

Abbot John Klassen

Fri., Mar. 9, 7p to Sun., Mar. 11, 1p

$200 includes lodging and meals Fri thru Sun;

$100 commuters Fri thru Sun;

$35 for Fri eve only

The Benedictine commitment to stability has stood the test of time, continuing to serve as a clarion call amid society’s clamor for consumption and relentless activity. Abbot John Klassen OSB of Saint John’s Abbey will explore stability as a keystone of Benedictine spirituality and indispensable aspect of Christian discipleship. A Friday evening lecture is open to the public and introduces broad themes. Register for Friday evening only or register for the entire weekend (overnight or commuting) as Abbot John continues to unpack the riches of Benedict’s lasting insights on stability. Space is limited.

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MARCH

The Story Within: Movies and Meaning

Jackie Witter

Thu., Mar. 1, 6:30-9:30p

$15

Movies can serve as contemporary parables, providing insights into life, faith and the human condition. Join Jackie Witter for a stirring movie followed by a conversation exploring the story it tells and the layers of meaning it reveals. Register online.

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Steadfast: Living the Benedictine Sense of Stability

Abbot John Klassen

Fri., Mar. 9, 7p to Sun., Mar. 11, 1p

$200 includes lodging and meals Fri thru Sun;

$100 commuters Fri thru Sun;

$35 for Fri eve only

The Benedictine commitment to stability has stood the test of time, continuing to serve as a clarion call amid society’s clamor for consumption and relentless activity. Abbot John Klassen OSB of Saint John’s Abbey will explore stability as a keystone of Benedictine spirituality and indispensable aspect of Christian discipleship. A Friday evening lecture is open to the public and introduces broad themes. Register for Friday evening only or register for the entire weekend (overnight or commuting) as Abbot John continues to unpack the riches of Benedict’s lasting insights on stability. Space is limited.

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APRIL

Triduum Retreat with Spiritual Direction

S. Carol Rennie OSB

Thu., Apr. 5, 6p to Sat., Apr. 7, 9p

$160

Join the Benedictine community in celebrating these holiest days of the Christian year and in deepening your appreciation of the narratives, symbols, and lived experience of Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday. The schedule includes worship, group spiritual direction, rest, and free time. You will have the option of one on one spiritual direction and will be home again for Easter Sunday. Register online.

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In Others’ Words: A Reflection on Music and Prayer with Katy Wehr

Katy Wehr

Tue., Apr. 24, 7-9p

$20

What is the relationship between music and prayer, or what could it be? Local musician Katy Wehr will explore this theme in an open discussion with attendees interspersed with her own music, especially her most recent album, "In Others' Words" which sets classic spiritual poems and prayers to original melodies. In the second half of the evening, Wehr and accompanying musicians will present a full set of acoustic folk music to further explore how music gives voice to prayer and the experience of God. Cost includes a free CD. Register online.

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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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JUNE

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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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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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

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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Past Exhibits    

Psalms: A New Rendering

by Frank Rivas

 

The Strength Within: A Contemplative Interpretation of the Inner Journey by Ashley Dull

Vision Inspiring Beauty:
A Franciscan Legacy

The Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls

 

Journey With St. Paul

by Chillon Leach

New Testament Images
by Kirsten Malcolm Berry

 
Illuminating the Scriptures: The Saint John's Bible

An Experience of Color and Spirit: Retrospective Exhibit of Art
by S. Sarah Voss OSB

 

The Fruitful Season: Prayers for the Autumn of Life

Cathy Whiteman and David Whiteman

Seasoned Voice

Margaret Carroll & Ardie Medina

 

Seeing the Sacred Text

Joan Bohlig

New Directions

Joan Bohlig

 

Community of the Soul
Ken Green

Season of Hope

 

Art of the Incarnation

Faces of Vietnam

Pat Connolly

 

Word and Image

Clem and Elizabeth Nagel

Capturing Inspired Energy

Chillon Leach

 

The Benedictine As Artist

The Icon Perspective

Mark Roberts

 

Seeing God: Suzanne Runte,

High School artists, Sisters of SPM

The Art of Peter Lupori

 

The Green Exhibit

Margaret Carroll (Peggy Thompson)

Art of St. Paul's Monastery Mixed Media

 

Come and See: A Photojournalist's Journey

Into the World of Mother Teresa

Linda Schaefer

Perceptible Signs of God's Presence

Kirsten Malcolm Berry

 

Faces of Madagascar:

A Habitat for Humanity Photojournal  

Pat Connolly

Energies of Change

Elisabeth Horst

 

Learning from the Divine Potter

Virginia Matter OSB

Contact the artist to commission a piece

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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