During seven Zoom sessions we will read and discuss The Interior Castle by St. Teresa of Avila. We will seek to understand how our longing for God takes us on a journey through interior passages toward the very center of our soul from where God calls us. During our Zoom meetings in addition to our discussion of the assigned readings, we will utilize the prayer practice of lectio divina to deepen our understanding of key passages. Through our discussions, we will seek to discover ways to meaningfully examine our own journeys, with fresh understanding of the joys and trials we encounter along the way.

This seven-session Zoom retreat will begin on Monday, September 9, 2024. The meetings will be every other Monday on 9/9, 9/23, 10/7, 10/21, 11/4, 11/18, and 12/2 from 7:00-8:00 PM Central Standard Time.

There is no cost to register and participate in this Zoom retreat other than the cost to purchase the book.

Following the completion of the seven-session Zoom retreat, participants are invited to register for an optional one-day retreat focused on St. Teresa of Avila at the St. Benedict Center on Saturday December 14, 2024, 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. It includes a presentation by Father Thomas Leitner, OSB, Administrator of the St. Benedict Center, as well as time for discussion, reflection and an experiential practice.

The cost for this day is $30, which includes lunch at the retreat center. Registration is limited to 25 people. This gathering is optional, and one can elect to attend the Zoom retreat without participating in it.

**If you are exempt from Nebraska state taxes, would like to arrive earlier or depart later, or opt out of meals, please contact us. Cancellation Policy: The total cost includes a program fee, which is non-refundable, but which can be used for future retreats.

Steve Blum, PhD

Steven Blum, PhD, is a Benedictine Oblate who has served as a Dean in the Benedictine Oblates of Nebraska community affiliated with the Sacred Heart Monastery in Yankton, South Dakota. He is a trained Spiritual Director. He has recently retired from a 40-year career as a Clinical Psychologist in private practice and has taught and consulted at a variety of Universities and Mental Health agencies.  Raised in New York, he now lives in Lincoln, NE.

Fr. Thomas, OSB

Father Thomas Leitner, OSB, holds a Master’s of Religious Studies from St. Louis University, St. Louis, MO, and serves as administrator of St. Benedict Center.