Answering the Knock at Our Door
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Each of us needs an opportunity to be alone, and silent, to find space in the day or in the week, just to reflect and to listen to the voice of God that speaks deep within us. Our search for God is only our response to God’s search for us. God knocks at our door, but for many people, our lives are too preoccupied for us to be able to hear.” - Cardinal Basil Hume (courtesy Retreatant Teresa Klaege) Tucked away from the bustle and commotion of city streets, businesses and worries, Benet House Retreat Center welcomes the spiritual traveler with the promise of rest, nourishment and the quiet needed "to listen to the voice of God that speaks deep within us." To answer the knock at our door. "We have many retreat opportunities," retreat director Sr. Charlotte Sonneville, OSB, says. "Group retreats include conferences,discussions and private prayer. During private retreats, in addition to prayer you might choose to spend time reading, journaling, quietly listening to music and walking the grounds. Directed retreats offer the same elements, but add Spiritual Direction by a qualified spiritual director , in which you listen to and recognize the inspiration of the Holy Spirit in your life." The inspiration gained through Spiritual Direction has been key to Doris Bussan's experience during retreats. "Spiritual direction has opened vistas for me that I could in no way accomplish by myself," she says. "I pray for an open heart that I may hear the Word and love God more each day. The benefits have been a presence of peace and a committment to serve others. Reading Scripture and the practice of Lectio have given me so much to think and pray about." To learn more about retreat types and what might work best for you, contact Sr. Charlotte at retreats@smmsisters.org, or (309) 283-2108. Sacred History and Path: The Benefits of Spiritual Direction
Lynne Voelliger, Bettendorf, Iowa, was struggling to help her family through a crisis when she first met Sr. Catherine Cleary, OSB, four years ago. A private person, Lynne didn’t plan to share her troubles with Sr. Catherine. She was there, rather, to complete a reporting assignment on retreats for a local newspaper. But Lynne felt close to Sr. Catherine almost immediately and asked for her prayers. Sr. Catherine provided guidance as well.
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