Spiritual Growth Programs

Be part of a spiritual growth program at the Benedictine Peace Retreat Center. Each program uses study, presentations, discussion, and prayer for a wholistic spiritual experience.

See our current opportunities for on-line discussions below. Group sizes are limited; individuals will be enrolled on a first-come basis.

Programs are currently offered on line because of COVID-19.

On-site retreats and discussions will resume when it is safe to do so.

“Lectio Divina– Praying together with Scripture”

On Friday, July 10 and 24 and August 7, 14, 21, and 28, we will meet virtually for Lectio Divina, a time for praying with the Gospel of the following Sunday. Our meeting will include reading the Gospel several times, interspersed with quiet times of reflection, and sharing the fruit of our reflection. Meeting time: 10:00 – 10:45 a.m., Central time. I will use Google Meet; shortly before our meeting time, I will send you an e-mail with the link needed to connect by computer or smartphone (with camera and mic) or by phone (audio only).

Leader – S. Penny Bingham, OSB

Needed from you: your e-mail address when you register.

You will need: a computer, smartphone, or telephone; Bible is optional.

To register, contact Sister Penny: pbingham@yanktonbenedictines.org / 605-668-6023.

Spiritual Enrichment Program – 2020-2021

Every year — new topics on spiritual practices — Check back for all 2021!

We will meet online as long as COVID 19 restrictions are in place.

This one-year Spiritual Enrichment Program is open to men and women who desire to deepen their relationship with God. Program participants gather at the Benedictine Peace Center eight times from September through May. In addition, each person will enjoy a three-day silent retreat scheduled at your convenience.

Each program year will address new topics of interest to women and men on the spiritual journey. Sessions seek to bring a theological and spiritual perspective to a faith journey within the Christian tradition. Previous participants may opt to continue and new participants may begin each September.

The Monthly Gathering

The monthly two-hour gathering will include prayer and reflective dialogue with staff and other program participants on the focus topic for the month. The meetings are held from 9:30—11:30 a.m. on Saturday mornings. The sessions are led by Benedictine Peace Center staff with expertise in a particular topic.

This year we will focus on the spiritual life, silence and solitude, mentoring younger generations, aging well, fruitful use of anger, the importance of work and vocation, the meaning of life and death – subjects of Parker Palmer’s book, On the Brink of Everything.

Join in Contemplative Mornings — Third Saturday of Most Months

9:00 a.m. to Noon

Monthly Contemplative mornings at the Benedictine Peace Center
Come to our Contemplative Mornings at the Benedictine Peace Center. During a Contemplative Morning, participants will experience four sitting periods complemented by a teaching and quiet solitude time.

In Christian contemplative prayer, one lets go of thoughts and images to simply attend to the Divine Presence.

You are welcome to join the monastic community for Morning Prayer at 8:30 a.m. in the Peace Chapel

Click here to read or download a our brochure.

To reserve space or inquire about appropriate offerings, contact us via e-mail at benedictinepeacectr@yanktonbenedictines.org, or call (605) 668-6292. Please call ahead as our schedule sometimes varies.

Seasonal Scripture Study Groups

Lenten Wednesday Morning Study — The Book of Genesis, Part 2

Wednesday Mornings, 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. Central Time, Meeting on Google Meet
Five Sessions, February 24 – March 2

During this Lenten season we will continue our on-line study of the Book of Genesis with Part 2. In this study we will reflect on the journeys of Isaac, Jacob and the story of Joseph and his brothers from the perspective of what these accounts reveal to us about God and God’s relationship with the Israelites and what they reveal to us for our spiritual journey today. These five sessions will include study, reflection, discussion, YouTubes and prayer using materials from the Little Rock Scripture Study. Facilitated by S. Doris Oberembt, New participants are welcome!

For more information and to register, contact S. Doris at 668-6022 or doberembt@yanktonbenedictines.org no later than February 15. Pre-registration is required so that books may be ordered.

online study laudato si

Laudato Si — Pope Francis’ Encyclical on the Environment

Wednesday Evenings, 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. Central Time
Six Sessions, February 24 – March 31, Meeting on Zoom

Join our Wednesday evening group to reflect on the papal document, “Laudato Si” using the document itself, videos by Father Daniel Horan OFM, and a Faith Formation Guide, “Reading, Praying, Living Pope Francis’s Laudato Si” by David Cloutier. The sessions will be facilitated by S. Mary Jo Polak OSB.

Pope Francis calls the whole world to take positive action to embrace what he calls “ecological conversion” which demands a fresh look at our relationship to and responsibility for the universe in which we live. This study includes reading, discussion, prayer and a call to action. Late registration is allowed if you can download your e-books from https://litpress.org/Products/4754/Reading-Praying-Living-Pope-Franciss-Laudato-Si. (The books are also available on Amazon.) For more information, e-mail maryjo.polak@yanktonbenedictines.org or call 605-668-6021.