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.

Join in Contemplative Mornings — Third Saturday of Most Months

9:00 a.m. to Noon

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 [email protected], or call (605) 668-6292. Please call ahead as our schedule sometimes varies.

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.

“Lectio Divina– Praying together with Scripture”

On Friday mornings, we will meet virtually for Lectio Divina, a time for praying with the Gospel of the following Sunday. Our meetings, lead by S. Penny Bingham OSB, will include reading the Gospel several times, interspersed with quiet times of reflection, and sharing the fruit of our reflection. You will need a computer, smartphone, or telephone; a Bible is optional. We will use Google Meet; shortly before our meeting time, S. Penny will send you an email with the link needed to connect by computer or smartphone (with camera and mic) or by phone (audio only).

To register at any time, contact Sister Penny:
[email protected] / 605-668-6023.
Your email address will be needed when you register.

You may join the group at any time; be sure to check the schedule with S. Penny, as a few sessions are cancelled because of conflicts.

Seasonal Scripture Study Groups

Fall Wednesday Morning Study — The Book of Exodus, Part 1

Wednesday Mornings, 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. Central Time, Meeting on Google Meet

In the fall we will begin our on-line study of the Book of Exodus, Part 1. Check the link for dates and registration information.

These five sessions will include study, reflection, discussion, YouTubes and prayer using materials from the Little Rock Scripture Study. The studies are facilitated by S. Doris Oberembt. New participants are welcome!

For more information and to register, contact S. Doris at 668-6022 or [email protected]. Pre-registration is required so that books may be ordered.

Fall Wednesday Evening Group Topic — The Gospel of Luke

Wednesday Evenings, 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. Central Time
Meeting on Zoom
Six Sessions, beginning end of September

The short text, The Gospel According to Luke by Father Michael Patella OSB, and the excellent resources of the Little Rock Bible Study will be our guides. Your weekly preparation consists of reading the commentary and spending prayerful time with the study and reflection questions. In session, we will pray, discuss, and watch a supplemental video.

Sister Mary Jo Polak OSB will be your facilitator as we gather on Wednesday evenings, 7:00-8:30 p.m. Central time. The six week fall series will begin at the end of September and the second part will be held during Lent. Pre-registration is required as you will need to obtain your materials and prepare for the first session. For more information, e-mail [email protected] or call 605-668-6021.