Benet House Retreat Center

Benet House Retreat Center

Benet House Retreat Center at St. Mary Monaster

Upcoming Programs

Woman at the Well (Onsite):  The story of the Samaritan woman Jesus meets at the Well is a rich example of love, truth, redemption, and acceptance.  The woman gleans much from her conversation with Jesus, leaves her water Jar, and follows Jesus becoming a disciple, sharing the Good News with everyone she encounters.  This retreat will unpack the woman’s experience and provide an opportunity to encounter the same love she found in Jesus.  Retreat Leader:  Suzanne Carter, Retired Director of Religious Education St. Christian, Chicago, Boundless Compassion Facilitator.  Fri. Mar. 1, 4:30 pm-Fri. Mar. 3, 1 pm; Fee:  $290 (single); $275 (double); $220 (commuter).  Deposit is 25% at registration.  Fee includes meals, materials, and accommodations (overnight participants).  Scholarship assistance available.  Inquire at registration.    

Spiritual Authors Reading Group (Virtual and Onsite)This monthly group is an opportunity to learn about and read some writings from classic and contemporary spiritual authors.  C.S. Lewis and Flannery O’Connor are the focus of the group. Future authors will be decided by the whole group. Leaders:  Sr. Bobbi Bussan, OSB and Lorene Knobbe. 1st Tuesdays monthly; Next session:  Mar. 5; 1:30-3 pm; Fee: $15/session, plus cost of books.   

Lectio Divina: Weekly Prayer (Virtual)Lectio Divina is the foundation for Benedictine prayer. Consider making it a steady prayer in your life. Slow sacred reading of Scriptures, poetry, nature, and art; the Word of God comes to us in many forms. Join us each week to savor God’s voice in your daily life and share with others. Tuesdays:  Mar. 5, 12, 19, and 26; 9-10 am; Leader:  Linda Clewell, SMM Oblate. Fee:  Free will offering.

Break-a-way:  Day of Prayer and Quiet (Onsite):   Take time out from your busy! The day begins with opening reflection prayer video from a series by Margaret Silf. The rest of the day is for whatever nourishes you such as a contemplative walk, reading, prayer, time in Chapel, etc. Wed. Mar. 6; 9 am-Opening Reflection (Optional); 3:30-Closing Prayer (Optional).  Retreat Leader:  Sr. Bobbi Bussan.  Fee:  $15; with lunch $25. 

Centering Prayer (Virtual):  Facilitator:  Carol Mizeur, Coordinator for Mississippi Valley Centering Prayer; Weekly on Wednesdays:  Mar. 6, 13, 20, and 27; 1-2 pm; Free will offering.

Sharing the Lenten Journey:  Lessons from Joyce Rupp (Virtual and Onsite)We will use Joyce Rupp’s dailyreader, Jesus, Guide of My Life for sharing our Lenten journey.Group meets weekly sharing inspirations from Joyce’s daily reflections. This is an opportunity for faith-sharing during Lent. There is a morning and evening group. Choose what best fits your schedule!  Dates:  Feb. 15, 22, 29; Mar. 7, 14, and 21.  Times:  9-10 am; OR 6:30-7:30 pm; Retreat Leaders:  Lorene Knobbe and Sr. Bobbi Bussan, OSB, Benet House Staff. Fee:  $50 and book purchased on your own. Scholarship funds available. Please inquire at registration. 

The Word Among Us (Onsite):  Mar. 11 and 25; 1-2:30 pm; Retreat Leader:  Sr. Charlotte Sonneville, OSB.  Fee:  $50 series.  Participants order own subscription to Word Among Us Publication.

The Psalms: Prayers for All Life’s Experiences (Virtual)The Book of Psalms is the heart of Benedictine prayer.  The Psalms express a variety of life’s experiences including pain, anguish, joy, and praise.   Mar. 14; 9:30-11 am; Retreat Leader:  Sr. Bobbi Bussan, OSB.  Fee: $15/session.

Merton Group (Virtual)Merton wrote over 60 books and hundreds of poems and articles on topics ranging from monastic spirituality to civil rights, nonviolence, and the nuclear arms race.  Special guest speaker, Judith Valente, will present virtually, “Merton on Contemplation and Prayer.” 3rd Monday of month.  Next session:  Mar. 18, 6:30-8 pm.  Facilitator:  Sr. Bobbi Bussan, OSB.  Fee:  $15/session.  

Spirituality and Poetry (Virtual):  3rd Thursday each month.  Next session:  Mar. 21, 9-11 am. Retreat Leader:  Lisa Breger.  Fee:  $25.  

Wisdom Women Series:   Rejoice in and Discover Our Wisdom (Virtual)We will nurture our Wisdom by reflecting on and discussing Wisdom in Scripture; Wisdom Women in the Bible and throughout history; Wisdom Women today and our Wisdom.  Articles, books, videos, and music will inspire our discussion.  3rd Thursday each month.  Next session:  Thurs. Mar. 21, 9:30-11 am. Retreat Leader:  Sr. Bobbi Bussan, OSB.  Fee:  Whatever donation participant would like to make. 

For more information and pricing:

Sr. Jackie Walsh, OSB

Phone:  309-283-2108 

Email:  retreats@smmsisters.org  

Web:  www.smmsisters.org/retreats