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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