Dear Friends,
“Without fail I have always received a most gracious and warm welcome. It’s as if those outstretched arms of St. Benedict across the lake reach into this place to greet and embrace us.” “Spending time at St. Benedict Center, listening to the quiet … has had an immeasurable influence on my spiritual growth.” “I cannot say enough about the benefit of spiritual direction: to be challenged and consoled, but mostly accompanied, on the spiritual journey is a sacred and personal gift.” “I am most grateful for the many opportunities I’ve had to renew my own faith, deepen my prayer life, and grow in the love of Christ through the programs I’ve attended.”
“The monastic community has been an essential part of my experiences here, especially sharing their rhythm of prayer and work.” “The St. Benedict Center has become a spiritual home for many of us from traditions other than Roman Catholic. It’s a place that opens us to the same Christ Presence that grounds all of us who respond to God’s invitation into unconditional love and service.” “I've shared in many relaxing, fun quilting retreats and also have been blessed with many other personal moments of quiet peace and comfort here.”
It has been twenty years since the opening of St. Benedict Center. Last month we observed this occasion in an afternoon of gratitude. The comments above are a sampling of what some of you shared, in person or in writing, about how the Holy Spirit has been at work in your lives while staying at the Center. The abundance of God’s gifts, your openness and readiness, and the cooperation of monks and co-workers made these experiences possible. I am profoundly grateful for them.
Ten of our guest rooms at St. Benedict Center have queen size beds now and sixteen others have full size beds. This gives us more flexibility in accommodating the varying needs of our guests. – You will see a new face in our kitchen team: Cassandra started working there in August. – We still are in need of help for covering the expense of our east guest wing roof replacement. We have raised about $27,000 (including cash donations) of the $107,000 needed; I continue to count on your support. Visit here.
Especially worth noting among the upcoming events of our program schedule is the weekend retreat for married couples on September 30 – October 1 titled, The Foundational Intimacy: Eucharist as a Model for Marriage with Jim and Maureen Otremba from Minnesota. It will renew participating spouses in their love for the Eucharist as well as for one another.
On October 14, Fr. Joe Nassal from Liberty, MO, will present a one-day retreat titled, From Here to Hope. It will explore how we can live the message of the Holy Year of Mercy even more fully in our daily lives.
I am looking forward to seeing you again soon!
Fr. Thomas Leitner, OSB
Administrator
St. Benedict Center