The Benedictine Sisters of St. Mary Monastery gathered on a recent morning to bless the site of the Benet House Retreat Center expansion (above).

“The mission of the Benet House Retreat Center is to provide a welcoming and spiritually nourishing space for all who need it,” Prioress Sr. Phyllis McMurray, OSB, says. “Since Benet House opened in 2001, the demand for the services we offer has increased significantly. We recognize the need to add a second meeting area to better meet the needs of our retreat ministry.”

Currently, Benet House offers 12 private bedrooms and a small meeting room. The new space will better serve those who are on group retreats, adding flexibility and opportunities for breakout sessions.

Benet House was built when the Sisters moved to Rock Island from Nauvoo, Ill., in 2001. Designed by architect J. Van Dyke of Amery, Wisc., as “a place apart to seek God,” Benet House welcomes people of all faiths in group or private retreats. For more information about Benet House, visit www.smmsisters.org.