SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER, 2008

Finding Peace in Times of Turmoil
A TV journalist shares his depression; a mother, her grief over a son killed in Iraq; a Sister, her journey as a cancer survivor, and how each found - and you can find - peace.
Sat. Sept. 13, 9 am - Sun. Sept. 14, 1 pm $90 (private room), $80 (each for shared room).
Sr. Bobbi Bussan, OSB; Marilyn & Fran Riley

Women's Retreat:
Praying with Mind, Body, Spirit
A 24-hour retreat focusing on praying with mind, body and spirit. Be like the woman in the Gospel with the yeast: let your love of God grow physically, mentally, and emotionally, through prayer, quiet, discussion and conferences. Payment to provider following optional yoga ($10) and massage ($15).
Fri. Sept. 19, 7 pm - Sat. Sept. 20, 7 pm, $70
Sr. Catherine Cleary, OSB

God’s Word Today
Grow in reflecting on the challenges of Scripture for everyday life with a new book of the Bible every month.
Mon. 7-8:30 p.m. August 25, Sept. 15, Oct. 6, 20, Nov. 3, 17 $5 per session
Sr. Charlotte Sonneville, OSB

Sunday by Sunday
Ponder & pray Scripture for Sunday liturgy. $5/session. Weds. beginning Sept. 3, 9-10:30 am
Sr. Charlotte Sonneville, OSB

Evening at the Monastery
Join the Sisters for Vespers and dinner, followed by reflection and sharing on Scripture.
4:45 - 7:45 pm $15 Thurs. Sept. 18
Sr. Charlotte Sonneville, OSB
4:45 - 7:45 pm $15 Thurs. Nov. 20
Sr. Phyllis McMurray, OSB

Loving the World
Through reflections and music, Fr. Patrick Collins leads us from our intimate loves toward caring about and loving the public order.
Thurs. Sept. 25, 7-8:30 pm $10

Rev. Patrick Collins, Ph.D, Visiting Scholar at University of Notre Dame

Christianity as Counter-Culture
Dr. Mahn will help us to read Jesus’ message not only in spiritual terms but also as having real-world, political consequences. The goal is not to make Jesus into a Democrat or Republican, but to reflect on the ways in which Christ summons and shapes our collective action for the poor, the outcast and the imprisoned.
Mon. Sept. 29, 7–8:30 pm Free will offering
Jason A. Mahn Ph.D, Assistant Professor of Religion, Augustana College

Living Simply in a Complex World
For those who are just becoming aware as well as those who are experienced in the ways of simple living, this workshop will:
*Grapple with the concept of simple living
*Learn what the experts say on the subject
*Create ideas of how to actualize simplicity in our lives – personal and cosmic
*Uncover opportunities to join a broad network of support
Thurs. Oct. 9, 7-8:30 pm Free will offering
Sr. Norma Reiplinger, OSB

3rd Annual Muslim/Christian Women’s Dialogue

Development of Spirituality for Families with Special Needs Two parallel sessions:
1. Panel discussion for Parents and Caregivers Dr. Don Healy Ph.D, Dr. Marcia Carter Re,D., CPRP,CTRS, members of SPEC community.
2. Spiritual Enrichment Experiences with Children Debbie Bracke EdS, Sharon Dodd and SPEC staff and volunteers
Thurs. Nov. 6, 6:30-8:30 pm
Free will offering

Let Us Give Thanks!
Come and give thanks for all that has been, and learn to be grateful for all that will be. We will pray and reflect, listen and observe, share and be silent, and nourish grateful hearts and souls. Come and together – let us give thanks.
Thurs. Nov.13, 9-3pm $25.00 (incl. lunch)
Sr. Mary Core, OSB

DECEMBER, 2008/JANUARY, 2009

God’s Word Today
See description above.
Mon. Dec. 1 and 15; Jan. 5 and 19

Sunday by Sunday
See description above. Weds. except 12/24.

What Light Does St. Nicholas Shed on Advent?
Through prayer, presentations, reflection and discussion, the true meaning of the season of Advent will be explored using the life of St. Nicholas as a focal point. Sat. Dec. 6, 9-3 pm $25 (incl. lunch)
Deacon Steve and Kathy MacDonald noted homilists, authors, “Gold Star” teachers, active in retreat ministry in Dubuque, Iowa

Directed Retreat (Silent)
Reflect on the experience of God in your life through prayer, solitude and quiet. Meet daily with a spiritual director.
Sr. Catherine Cleary, OSB; Fr. Mark DeSutter
Sun. Jan. 18, 4 pm - Wed. Jan. 21, 5 pm, $225

Evening at the Monastery
See description above
4:45 - 7:45 pm $15 Thurs. Jan. 15 Sr. Marilyn Ring, OSB

Finding Peace in Times of Turmoil
See description above. Sat. Jan. 24, 9am - Sun. Jan. 25, 1 pm.

VOCATION RETREATS

Benedictine Experience Weekend
Try life with women who have a goal, purpose and know where they are going. Walk in the woods-with the graceful, leaping deer. Converse with women steeped in a life of prayer. Read in a quiet, book-filled library. Pray in a sunlit grace-filled chapel. Explore your religious vocation with other single Catholic women between the ages of 18 and 50, Oct. 17-19, Dec. 5-7, Feb. 27-Mar 1, April 3-5. Contact Sr. Roberta Bussan at (309)283-2300 or rbussan@smmsisters.org.

GIFT CERTIFICATES

Give friends and family members a gift of renewal and rejuvenation. Benet House offers gift certificates for retreats, programs and personal days of prayer. Contact Sr. Charlotte Sonneville, OSB, at (309) 283-2108, or at retreats@smmsisters.org.