January/February/March 2013

The Word Among Us

Read, reflect, pray and share with other committed Christians seeking to grow through the challenges of Scripture in everyday life. Participants are given a guide and encouraged to study a Scripture passage each day. We share a new book each month. Presenter: Sr. Charlotte Sonneville, OSB. 2 Mondays monthly Jan.7-May 20; 6:45-8:15 pm; Fee: $5/session plus cost of books. For more information call (309) 283-2109.

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 Lectio Divina, Centering Prayer and sharing how one develops and maintains spiritual practices. Contact Sr. Catherine Cleary, OSB at (309) 283-2118 or ccleary@smmsisters.org. Wednesdays Jan. 9-May 29, 1-2:30 pm; Free Will Offering.

Friday Night at the Movies
Enjoy popcorn and a good movie with a spiritual message followed by insightful conversation. Participate every time or as often as your schedule allows. Presenter: Sr. Bobbi Bussan, OSB, MA Religious Education. Jan. 18: Freedom Writers (2007) 6-9 pm; Mar. 22: Made in Dagenham (2010) 6-9 pm; Free Will Offering.

Vatican II Revisted
It has been 50 years since the epoch-making ecumenical Council of Vatican II (1962-65). We will look at the Council’s central role in challenging each of us as the People of God to live out the major Decrees of the Council. Presenter: Rev. Michael Schaab, Pastor, St. Pius Parish, Rock Island; STL, Catholic University of America; Doctor of Ministry, Chicago Theological Seminary. Sat. Jan. 19, 9 am-12 pm; Fee: $20, plus an option for lunch $8.

The Wisdom of Vatican II
In our time, religions contribute to intolerance and violence globally. In the U.S. since 9/11, we have ever greater need for knowledge of the Vatican II Document Nostra Aetate (Declaration on the Relationship of the Church to Non-Christian Religions). As Church and as Christians we are called to forget past hostilities and “strive sincerely for mutual understanding.” Presenter: Sr. Helen Carey, OSB. Thurs. Jan. 31, 7-8:30 pm; Fee: $5.

Silent Directed Retreat: “Do Whatever He Tells You”

A retreat designed to help you deepen your relationship with God, these days allow time to ponder the Scriptures, such as Mary’s almost audacious request, “Do whatever he tells you.” In addition to daily Eucharist and a conference with a Spiritual Director, there will be opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, Centering Prayer, personal prayer, silence, rest and walking the grounds. Spiritual Directors: Sr. Catherine Cleary, OSB; Sr. Mary Schmidt, OSB; Fr. Mark DeSutter. Sun. Jan. 20, Check-in: 4-6:30 pm; Retreat: 7 pm-Wed. Jan. 23, 4 pm; Register and pay in full by Dec. 20: $250. Registrations after Dec. 20: $265.

Valentine Evening: Bring Out the Best in Your Relationship
Rekindle your love and commitment during our annual Valentine program. We will share on the topic “the ten best decisions a couple can make.” Bring the evening to a close while relaxing with a candlelight dessert. Facilitators: Deacon Aaron and Elaine Hoste, St. Patrick’s Church, Colona; Deacon Art and Cindy Ries, St. Malachy Church, Geneseo. Fri. Feb. 8, 6:30-9:30 pm; Fee: $25/couple if registered and paid by Jan. 8; $30/couple after Jan. 8. Couples may stay overnight at Benet House for an additional $50.

Discerning Read
Searching for something more in your life? Wondering where God is leading you? Seeking to know how God is working through you? Edward Little’s book, Ears to Hear: Recognizing and Responding to God’s Call, will direct our focus on these questions. Facilitator: Sr. Bobbi Bussan, OSB. Mondays, Feb. 11, 25; Mar. 11, 25; April 8, 22; 6:30-8 pm; Fee: $5/session or $30 for the series (you supply the book) or $48 for the series and we provide the book.

Men’s Retreat: Becoming a Better Christian in this Busy World
Just as Jesus went into the desert seeking a place of quiet and prayer, retreat this year into your heart seeking and finding Jesus Christ who calls you. Abbot Philip Davey will lead you into quiet and discernment as you ponder how you can live and work in this busy world and still respond to God’s call. Join with other men exploring questions that arise from daily issues in the world and in the Church today. Director: Abbot Philip Davey, OSB. Fri. Feb. 15, 7 pm-Sun. Feb. 17, 12:30 pm; Fee: Register and pay in full by Jan. 15: $165 (private room), $150 (shared room). Registrations after Jan. 15: $175 (private room), $160 (shared room).

Lenten Day of Prayer: Our Life Journey and a Burst of Light
Our journey of life is one of sacrifice, prayer and a call to continuous openness to God, the sacredness within us. During Lent we prepare for the resurrection, that moment when we experience a burst of light, realizing that the tomb is empty. Through a morning of prayer and reflection, we invite you to come to recognize that moment in your life. Presenter: Sr. Mary Schmidt, OSB. Thurs. Feb. 21, 9 am-12 pm; Fee: $20, plus an option for lunch $8.

Morning at the Monastery
Enjoy reflecting 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. 28, 10 am-1 pm; Fee: $15.

March/April 2013

Viewing the New Creation Story with Faith-Filled Eyes

We will view the video “Journey of the Universe” and consider how our new creation story affects our understanding of God and our role in the universe. Time for quiet reflection and sharing will be included. Presenter: Sr. Sandra Brunenn, OSB, Prioress St. Mary Monastery. Sat. Mar. 16, 9 am-3 pm; Fee: $33 (incl. lunch).

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. Mar. 28, 4 pm-Sun. Mar. 31, 1 pm. (Contact Sr. Catherine at (309) 283-2118 or ccleary@smmsisters.org to discuss participation that works for your schedule.) Fee: $160.

Centering Prayer Retreat: The Journey Continues
Deepen your experience of Centering Prayer during this silent retreat. In addition to periods of Centering, there will be opportunities for 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 11, 7:30 pm–Sun. April 14, 1 pm; Fee: Register and pay in full by March 11: $250. Registrations after March 11: $265.

The Spirituality of Gardening

Do you recognize your garden as a true blessing? As each seed breaks forth and sprouts, do you stand in awe of God’s gift of life? People in many ways are gardens, too, needing nourishment and warmth for growth. Join us to reflect on and celebrate the gift of life sprouting forth in our midst. Presenter: Sr. Mary Schmidt, OSB. Thurs. April 18, 9 am-12 pm; Fee: $20, plus an option for lunch $8.

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 25, 4:45–7:45 pm; Fee: $15.

New Catholic 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? What have you done lately to renew your commitment and to find support? Join others who are searching for a deeper relationship with God and in the Christian community. Presenters: Sr. Kathleen Mullin, BVM, Sr. Judy Herold, SSND, Sr. Charlotte Seubert, FSPA, Barbara Roedel, and Amy Catour. Sat. April 27, 9 am-12 pm; Free Will Offering, plus an option for lunch $8.

May/June/July 2013

Mary, Our Model
What do the Magnificat and the Hail Mary tell us of the Mother of Jesus? We will look at the Scriptural references to Mary for answers to living our Christian faith. Presenter: Sr. Mary Core, OSB, MA in Theology from St. Meinrad, Ind. Sat. May 4, 9 am-12 pm; Fee: $20, plus an option for lunch $8.

Women’s Retreat: Seeing with New Eyes - A Woman’s Spiritual Journey
Much has been written about what happened at the second Vatican Council since the celebration of the 50th Anniversary began. During this weekend, we will engage in trying to reclaim insights of this Council by taking a deeper look at the documents that gave us hope for renewal. We will do this through reading, prayer and discussion. Presenter: Sr. Marilyn Ring, OSB. Fri. June 21, 7 pm–Sun. June 23, 1 pm; Fee: Register and pay in full by May 21: $165 (private room), $150 (shared room). Registrations after May 21: $175 (private room), $160 (shared room).

Silent Directed Retreat: Listen with the Ear of Your Heart

As Christians, we all believe that God is speaking to us to teach, console, and guide us. Listening on a deep level is a skill that can be learned and improved, so we hope you will join us for a few days in July. God speaks exactly what we need to hear, but we are often blocked by many factors. Come with an open heart and be amazed at what God wants to say to you. Meet daily with a certified spiritual director: Sr. Mary Schmidt, OSB; Abbot Philip Davey, OSB. Sun. July 21, 4 pm-Wed. July 24, 5 pm; a limited number of retreatants will be accepted, so call soon. Fee: Register and pay in full by June 22: $250. Registrations after June 22: $265.

Vocation Retreats 2013

Vocation Retreats: Benedictine Experience Weekends

Join other single women exploring your religious vocation. There is time for prayer and interaction with the Benedictine Sisters as well as discussion and quiet time. Facilitator: Vocation Director Sr. Bobbi Bussan, OSB. Choose from several dates: Fri. Mar. 1, 7 pm-Sun. Mar. 3, 1 pm; Fri. April 26, 7 pm-Sun. April 28, 1 pm; Fri. May 31, 7 pm-Sun. June 2, 1 pm. There is no cost; you are our guest!

Ongoing Programs and Accommodations

Directed Retreats
Prayer, reflection, solitude and silence make this type of retreat sacred. You will meet with a certified spiritual director daily, and thus tailor the experience to your needs. For information contact Sr. Catherine Cleary, OSB at (309) 283-2118 or ccleary@smmsisters.org or Sr. Mary Schmidt, OSB at (309) 283-2100 or
mschmidt@smmsisters.org. $92 (incl. one spiritual direction session, one overnight and meals)

Private Retreats
As above, without spiritual direction.
$62 includes one overnight and all meals
$46 includes overnight and continental breakfast

Spiritual Direction
Spiritual Direction is an interpersonal relationship in which a trained, experienced Director assists another in reflecting on their relationship with God. The person may need support to strengthen and/or revitalize their faith or they may be at crossroads with their faith and need guidance about which path to take. For information contact Sr. Catherine Cleary or Sr. Mary Schmidt as listed above. $30–$55 per session, sliding scale

Centering Prayer
This is a support group for those who practice the 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) Wednesdays, 1-2:30 pm; Free Will Offering

Benedictine Oblates
Women and men committed to Benedictine values meet monthly. Contact Sr. Ruth Ksycki, OSB at (309) 283-2106 or rksycki@smmsisters.org for information.
2nd Tuesdays 7-9 pm; 3rd Saturday, 9-11 am

Meeting Space and Accommodations
Space is available for up to 42 people who wish to lead their own daytime retreats/programs or have a staff member lead them. Overnight accommodations for up to 28 are available.

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. Minimum 3-night stay. $55/night includes continental breakfast.

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

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

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