“As soon as anyone knocks the porter of the monastery replies, ‘Thanks be to God’ or ‘Your blessing, please’. Then the porter provides a prompt answer with the warmth of love” (Rule of Benedict, Chapter 66:3-4).
Embodying this vision of hospitality, the Benedictine Center is a threshold between St. Paul’s Monastery and the wider world. Staff members serve as Benedict’s porter, ready to welcome each guest with all the gentleness that comes from God.
The Benedictine Center functions in four ways to provide this support.
Personal Retreats
At The Benedictine Center, we believe that each spiritual experience is as unique and personal as the individual seeking fulfillment. Our staff will help you explore options so that your time with us is rich with healing and renewal.
Spiritual Direction
The Benedictine Center’s spiritual direction team is comprised of experienced, knowledgeable spiritual leaders trained to be exceptional listeners, paying attention to the movement of the Spirit and helping individuals deepen their own spiritual journeys.
Group Conferencing
The Benedictine Center works to ensure that conference guests enjoy a deeply rewarding and inspiring experience. Whether your group designs its own agenda or draws on our wide range of resources, we’re confident your group will be enriched by their time at the Monastery.
Guided Retreats
The Sisters and Spiritual Directors design group-based retreats which allow attendees to learn and discuss spiritual subjects on a deeper level. These offerings vary each year and are offered in the Fall with a break for Christmas at the Monastery offerings and then starting up again as early as January the following year.
Upcoming Benedictine Center Retreats
20-21 September, 2024 (Friday 7:00pm through Saturday 4:00pm) Awakening the Spirit Within with Gwen Pickering
18-19 October, 2024 (Friday through Saturday) Sand, Symbol, and Source with Sheryl Stowman
24 October, 2024 (Thursday 9:00am to 2:00pm) Introduction to Centering Prayer with Gwen Pickering
1-2 November (Friday through Saturday) Mother Loss Retreat with Sister Joanne Dehmer, OSB
15-17 November (Friday through Sunday) Centering Prayer Retreat with Gwen Pickering and Laurie Erickson
(Break for Christmas at the Monastery Events)
24 January 2025 (Friday) Living with Illness Using Lectio Divina with Sheryl Rose
7-8 February 2025 (Friday through Saturday) Centering Prayer Retreat with Laurie Erickson and Gwen Pickering
12 April, 2025 (Saturday) Labyrinth Retreat with Sheryl Rose and Sister Virginia Matter, OSB
“All guests who present themselves are to be welcomed as Christ, for he himself will say: I was a stranger and you welcomed me” (Matt 25:35) (Rule of Benedict Chapter 53).
We are ready to answer any questions you may have on the above offerings. Don’t hesitate to connect with us. You are welcome at the Monastery and we are excited to meet you.
Contact Jason Wittak with questions at 651-777-8181 or jwittak@stpaulsmonastery.org.