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

In This Issue
Meditation: Presence--Learning for the Future
Attend the Juried Exhibit Opening Feb. 1
Highlights for February, Peek at March
Other Events of Related Interest
Quick Links

Upcoming Events
  

 

Feb
1 + Seeing God: A Juried Exhibit of Sacred Art
9   When Our Hearts Are Wintry: How Do We Practice When We Don't Feel Like Practicing
10 12 Hermitage Experience
14   Dementia Support Group
17   iLLUMINARE Ministry Renewal Day
17   Taizé Prayer
20 + Shape of the Divine: Working With Clay As Spiritual Practice
21 + Benedict on Prayer Series: Come and Pray as the Bell Tolls
27   Men's Contemplative Spirituality Group
28   Benedict on Prayer Series: The Work of God
Mar
1   Great Conversations Series: Spirituality vs. Religion?
1   The Story Within: Movies and Meaning
2   Intro to Centering Prayer
6   Five Key Obstacles to Collaboration

 

 


(+ indicates series)

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

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(photo above) submitted by Rachel Limon for current exhibit

Seeing God: A Juried Exhibit of Sacred Art by Various Artists

Jan. 31-Feb. 13, 2012

Dear Sam,

 

On Feb. 1 a new exhibit opens with a reception from 7-8:30p, featuring the work of twenty-five different artists working with sacred art. Read on for details and bring a friend to the opening. Refreshments provided and awards announced for first, second, and third prize.

Meditation: Presence...Learning for the Future (Seeing Our Seeing)

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

 

"When you consider the risks involved in [seeing freshly], you beging to appreciate not only the courage required but also the personal work. By 'personal work,' we mean cultivating the ability to be more aware of our thoughts--like 'I am here and you are there'--that arise so quietly in our awareness that they remain invisible to us as thoughts. A virtually infinite variety of meditative and contemplative methods...are available to help build our capacity to slow down and gradually become aware of our 'thought stream.'" (p.37)

 

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.

Attend the Juried Exhibit Opening Reception
Feb. 1, 7-8:30p with Artists and Refreshments
photo by Rachel Limon
"Divine Light" submitted by Rachel Limon

 

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

Opening the evening of Feb. 1
7-8:30p exhibit, awards announced at 8p
Refreshments

 

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 "sacred art" contributes to keeping us mindful of God's abiding presence. This exhibit features contemporary artists who work in that spirit.

 

The Benedictine Center of St. Paul's Monastery is continuing the pioneering work of Nick and Rosemary Heille, who founded and led The Northeast Minneapolis Spiritual Art Show for eleven years.
 

Goals

  • To encourage artists in their gifts to interpret and give form to God's revelation in human life, nature, and the cosmos.
  • To demonstrate how the arts can expand one's capacity to encounter God.
Highlights for February, and a Peek at March
 

When Our Hearts Are Wintry: How Do We Practice When We Don't Feel Like Practicing

Lisa Cressman

Thu., Feb. 9, 7-9p

$25

Whether one's primary spiritual practice is lectio divina, centering prayer, writing, or another form of meditation, there will be times when the heart is wintry. This session explores wisdom from the Christian tradition about renewing and maintaining one's openness to the movements of God. Register online.

 

VirginiaMatterPotteryShape 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.

 

Benedict on Prayer Series

with S. Virginia Matter OSB, S. Carol Rennie OSB, Sam Rahberg, and Jackie Witter

Tuesdays, 7-8:30p, Feb. 21 thru Mar. 27

$75 for series; $20 for single evenings

For Benedict and throughout centuries, prayer has been the core of monastic life and community. In this series of six evenings, the staff of the Benedictine Center guides participants through an experience of Benedict's key insights on prayer and discipleship. Each evening ends with Compline. Attend all or one. Those new and experienced with Benedictine prayer welcome. Learn more.

 

Abbot John KlassenSteadfast: 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.

Other Events/Resources of Related Interest

Lenten Prayer Opportunities
at the Church of St. Pascal Baylon

Feb. 18, 9:30a-12p Labyrinth Walk

Mar. 3, 9:30a-12p Visio Divina

Mar. 14, 6:30-8p Reflections on the Paschal Mystery

1757 Conway Street, St. Paul, MN  55106
Call 651-774-1585 for details.

 

Deepen Your 12-Step Spirituality
 
Learn how an ancient Christian meditation called Centering Prayer can reinforce 12-Step healing.  Workshops are held the second Saturday of every month at Colonial Church of Edina, 9a-12p.
Come for teaching, testimonials, discussion, meditation and a caring community.  Presenters for this series represent a total of 100-plus years practicing meditation and working the 12 Step program.  For more info go to www.12stepspirituality.org, or email info@12stepspirituality.org.

 

Thin Places: An Ecumenical Newsletter

Sincerely,

Samuel Rahberg, director
Benedictine Center of St. Paul's Monastery
Benedictine Center of St. Paul's Monastery | 2675 Benet Road | St. Paul | MN | 55109