JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012

The Word Among Us
Read, reflect, pray and share with other committed Christians seeking to grow
in reflecting on the challenges of Scripture for everyday life. Participants are given a guide
and encouraged to read and reflect on a Scripture passage each day. We share a new book
each month. Presenter: Sr. Charlotte Sonneville, OSB
2 Mondays monthly Jan. 9-May 21; 7-8:30 pm; Fee: $5/session + cost of books

Centering Prayer
Centering Prayer is an ancient form of praying based on the words of Jesus, “When you pray,
go to your inner room, close the door and pray to your Father in secret.” (Mt. 6:6) Join others
in a weekly practice of this method for fostering a deeper relationship with God. Contact Sr.
Catherine Cleary, OSB, for more information: (309) 283-2118 or ccleary@smmsisters.
org. Wednesdays Jan. 11-May 30, 1-2 pm.

Silent Directed Retreat : A Time to Grow in Favor before God
Begin the New Year with this three-day retreat offering time for prayer, reflection and
silence. Daily conferences with a Spiritual Director provide opportunities to speak about
your relationship with God, your prayer life, and other faith issues in your heart. Spiritual
Directors: Sr. Catherine Cleary, OSB, MA Theology, MS Psychology; Fr. Mark DeSutter, MA
Theology. Sun. Jan. 15, 4 pm registration–Wed. Jan. 18, 4 pm. Fee: NEW EARLY BIRD
SPECIAL: Register and pay by Dec. 31 to save $15! Registrations and payment received
after Dec. 31: Pay $240.

Seeking God Always and in All Ways
This retreat is for single women 25 – 45 who desire to seek God more deeply in their lives.
Enjoy time for quiet, prayer (private and with the Sisters), and reflections on Seeking God
always and in all ways. Presenter: Sr. Bobbi Bussan, OSB, MA Religious Education
Fri. Jan. 27, 7 pm-Sun. Jan. 29, 1 pm; Fee: $155

Moral Issues in Decision-Making for Health Care
We will reflect on Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services as
well as on other sources for decision-making in health care. Our time will be spent not only
in understanding ethical principles, but also in applying these principles in actual cases.
Presenter: Rev. Michael Schaab, Pastor of St. Pius Parish, Rock Island; STL from
CUA and Doctor of Ministry from Chicago Theological Seminary. Sat. Jan. 28, 9
am-12 pm; Fee: $15, plus an option for lunch $7.50

The Brothers K
Using this book as an example of a “great” book, Dr. Paul Olsen will challenge the
group to explore the themes of good and evil, God’s role in human experience, war
and peace, and the power of love. The Augustana students who have participated in
his classes promise an evening of humor, insight, and affirmation of life. Presenter:
Dr. Paul Olsen, PhD, Augustana College Faculty. Thurs. Feb. 2, 7-8:30 pm; Fee:
$15

Break-A-Way Retreat
This retreat is for single women, 20-30 years of age, who need a quiet, peaceful
and prayerful break from the daily routine of college and/or work. The time can
be adapted to fit just what you need for a break. Presenter: Sr. Bobbi Bussan, OSB
Fri. Feb. 10, 7 pm-Sun. Feb. 12, 1 pm (or by special arrangement: Contact Sr.
Bobbi at (309) 283-2300 or rbussan@smmsisters.org to arrange a time that
works for your schedule). Weekend Fee: $155

Love ... For Better, Forever!
Rekindle your love and commitment during our annual Valentine program. Explore
the emotional, spiritual, social and physical intimacies of your marriage. Join other
couples for enrichment, reflection and renewal of your marriage commitment. Bring
the evening to a close while relaxing with a candlelight dessert. Presenters: Donna
& Jeff Merideth, leaders of “Grace Ministries” at Christ the King Parish in Moline.
Fri. Feb. 10, 6:30-9:30 pm; Free Will Offering. Couples may stay overnight at
Benet House for an additional $50

Morning at the Monastery
Enjoy a reflection and sharing on Scripture and the monastic way of life followed
by Noon Day Prayer and lunch with the monastic community.
Presenter: Sr. Margaret Murphy, OSB. Thurs. Feb. 16, 10 am-1 pm; Fee: $15
Lenten Day of Prayer: Taking Jesus Seriously
The day will prompt us to ask, “Would my life be different if I really listened to the
teaching of Jesus?” Presenter: Sister Marilyn Ring, OSB. Thurs. Feb. 23, 9 am-3
pm; Fee: $30 (incl. lunch)

MARCH/APRIL 2012

Why Do We Suffer?
Join us as we look at the whys and ways of suffering in the Bible and in Catholic tradition,
including such figures as Pope Gregory the Great and Edith Stein. We will examine
questions such as: “Why is suffering necessary? What good comes from suffering? Does
God suffer?” There will be time for small group sharing, prayer and journaling, Scripture
study and Lectio Divina. Presenter: Hal Green, PhD, author, former pastor, therapist, and
certified teacher of Centering Prayer. Sat. Mar. 10, 9 am-3 pm; Fee: $30 (incl. lunch)

The Mystic Within
Ordinary people, you and I, can be mystics. In fact, all of us are called to be in
union with the Spirit of God (“I am in my Father and you in me and I in you.” John
14:20). Spend a morning reflecting on who the mystics are and what characterizes
their lives. Learn prayer practices that will provide you with quiet and deeper insight
into the Presence of God everywhere. There will be time for reflection, discussion,
prayer and silence. Presenters: Sr. Catherine Cleary, OSB, and Sr. Helen Carey, OSB.
Sat. Mar. 24, 9 am-12 pm; Fee: $15, plus an option for lunch $7.50

Holy Week Retreat
Participate with the monastic community in silence, prayer and the solemn liturgies
of the Last Supper, Death and Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. Thurs. April 5,
4 pm-Sun. April 8, 1 pm. (Contact Sr. Catherine at (309) 283-2118 or ccleary@
smmsisters.org to discuss participation that works for your schedule.) Fee: $155

Centering Prayer Retreat : The Pursuit of Hapiness
Deepen your experience of Centering Prayer during this silent retreat of Centering, Lectio
Divina and individual conferences. Three months experience of daily Centering practice
is required. Presenters: Florrie Dammers and Chris Kraft, Central Illinois Contemplative
Outreach. Thurs. April 12, 7:30 pm–Sun. April 15, 1 pm; Fee: NEW EARLY BIRD
SPECIAL: Register and pay by Mar. 12 to save $15! Registrations and payments
received after Mar. 12: Pay $250

Evening at the Monastery
Enjoy Vespers and dinner with the monastic community followed by reflection and sharing
on Scripture and the monastic way of life. Presenter: Sr. Helen Carey, OSB.
Thurs. April 26, 4:45–7:45 pm; Fee: $15

Men’s Retreat : Discovering the Spiritua lity You May Not Have
Known You Already Have
As the title suggests, this retreat will help you unwrap your relationship with God. It will
open up to you ways in which you already know, love and serve God, but are uncertain
if God hears you. Come and enjoy the time to listen, to pray, to be reassured and to
strengthen your faith. Presenter: Rev. Michael Schaab, Pastor of St. Pius Parish, RI;
STL from CUA and Doctor of Ministry from Chicago Theological Seminary. Sat. April
28, 8:30 am-12 pm; Fee: $15, plus an option for lunch $7.50

MAY/JUNE/JULY 2012

Mary, Model of Maturing Christians
Many of us remember “ May altars” and “May Crownings” to honor Mary, the
Mother of God. But have we looked deeply into the Scriptures and personally entered
into the stories and what they can teach us about being true “Christians” today?
Through reflection, discussion and prayer, we will explore how Mary models our life in
Christ in the 21st century. Presenter: Sr. Charlotte Sonneville, OSB.
Thurs. May 3, 9 am-12 pm; Fee: $15, plus an option for lunch $7.50

New Catholics Retreat
Have you gone through the RCIA Process and become a member of the Catholic
Church within the last five years? Do you miss the enthusiasm and support that you
experienced during the RCIA journey? Renew your commitment and find support
with others who are searching for a deeper relationship with God and in the Christian
community. Presenters: Sr. Kathleen Mullin, BVM, Sr. Sandra Brunenn, OSB, Sr.
Judy Herold, SSND, Sr. Charlotte Seubert, FSPA, and Barbara Roedel.
Sat. May 5, 9 am-12 pm; Free Will Offering, plus an option for lunch $7.50

Seeking God Always and in All Ways
See previous description. Fri. May 18, 7 pm-Sun. May 20, 1 pm; Fee: $155

Women’s Retreat : Sacred Moments in Everyday Life
This is an invitation to those who are seeking a deeper life of prayer. We will gain
insights from the Rule of St. Benedict and challenges from “The Monastery of the
Heart,” by Joan Chittister, OSB. Sr. Marilyn Ring, OSB, Associate Campus Chaplain,
Augustana College. Fri. June 22, 7 pm–Sun. June 24, 1 pm; Fee: $150 (private
room), $135 (shared room). NEW EARLY BIRD SPECIAL: Registrations and
payments received by May 24 save $10!

Silent Directed Retreat : Listen with the Ear of Your Heart
Reflect on the experience of God in your life through prayer, solitude and quiet during
this silent retreat. Meet daily with a certified spiritual director: Sr. Mary Schmidt,
OSB, MA in Religious Education; Abbot Philip Davey, OSB, MA in Theology and
Counseling. Sun. July 22, 4 pm-Wed. July 25, 5 pm; Fee: NEW EARLY BIRD
SPECIAL-Register and pay by June 22 to save $15! Registrations with payments
received after June 22: Pay $250.

ONGOING PROGRAMS

DIRECTED RETREATS

Prayer, reflection, solitude and silence make this retreat sacred. You will meet with a certified spiritual director daily, and thus tailor the experience to your needs. $85.00 includes one spiritual direction session, one overnight and meals. For information contact Sr. Catherine Cleary, OSB: (309) 283-2118 or ccleary@smmsisters.org; or Sr. Mary Schmidt, OSB: (309) 283-2100 or mschmidt@smmsisters.org.

PRIVATE RETREATS

As above, without spiritual direction
$60 includes one overnight and meals
$45 includes one overnight and continental breakfast

SPIRITUAL DIRECTION

Deepen your relationship with God, guided by a certified, experienced spiritual director. For information contact Sr. Catherine Cleary, OSB, as listed above. Fee: $25 - $50 per session, sliding scale.

BENEDICTINE OBLATES

Women and men committed to Benedictine values meet monthly. For information contact Sr. Ruth Ksycki, OSB: (309) 283-2106 or rksycki@smmsisters.org.
2nd Tuesdays, 7-9 pm
3rd Saturdays, 9-11 am

MEETING SPACE

Space is available for up to 42 people who wish to lead their own retreat programs or have a staff member lead them.

HERMITAGE

For those seeking a secluded retreat, Benet House’s Hermitage offers a bedroom, bath, kitchen and living room, as well as a private patio. $55 per night includes continental breakfast. Minimum 3 night stay required.

OUTREACH

Trained, experienced personnel will come to your location to conduct workshops and lead retreats.

BENEDICTINE EXPERIENCE WEEKENDS

Join other single women who are exploring a religious vocation as they learn about Benedictine life and joy. There is time for prayer and quiet as well as interaction with the Benedictine Sisters. Sr. Bobbi Bussan, OSB, Vocation Director, presents the weekend experience. There is no cost; you are our guest. Next weekend: Jan. 27-29, 2012.

GIFT CERTIFICATES

Give friends and family members a gift that will renew their spirit and rejuvenate their minds and bodies. Benet House gift certificates are available for retreats, programs and personal days of prayer. Call (309) 283-2108 for information.

REGISTRATION

To register, call (309) 283-2108 or email retreats@smmsisters.org. A 25% nonrefundable deposit is required where applicable.

Grants are available to those who need financial assistance. Please inquire.