Spiritual Direction (virtual, one-on-one)
Open Dates
We are currently offering Spiritual Direction via telephone or web only. The recommended donation for one-on-one spiritual direction is $75. Registration for this program is used primarily to log payments.
Explore/Inquire About a Customized Personal Retreat
Open Dates
Benedictine Center
The experienced members of the Benedictine Center staff enjoy helping women and men like you find just the right blend of resources for their unique spiritual journeys. With a better sense of your preferences in terms of timing, special diets, accommodations and more, we will help you plan your retreat and gather any resources you might need, […]
Sustaining the Practice Retreat (3 nights or more)
Flexible Dates
Benedictine Center
Often people who are feeling called to integrate the disciplines of silence and spiritual practice into their lives choose a retreat of three nights or more. A Sustaining the Practice Retreat invites a person to set aside a significant window of time (between 3 and 7 nights) for renewal and growth. One can explore the riches of […]
Sustaining the Practice Retreat (3+ nights)
Flexible Dates
Benedictine Center
Often people who are feeling called to integrate the disciplines of silence and spiritual practice into their lives choose a retreat of three nights or more. A Sustaining the Practice Retreat invites a person to set aside a significant window of time (between 3 and 7 nights) for renewal and growth. One can explore the riches of […]
Peace Retreat (2 nights)
Package Dates
Benedictine Center
A Peace Retreat helps you settle in to the calm that greets you at the monastery doors. Day 1 helps you familiarize yourself with the beauty and resources. Day 2 allows you the freedom to linger without travel. Day 3 allows you to ease back into normal life. The Peace Retreat helps you begin to feel […]
Quiet Retreat (1 night)
Package Dates
Benedictine Center
A Quiet Retreat gives you one night away from responsibilities. The room and three home-cooked meals are prepared with a personal touch. You are welcome but not obligated to join the Sisters for prayer. Take in the art, read, or walk the labyrinth as you choose. The time is yours. Some guests find it helpful to […]
Day of Prayer (no overnight)
Package Dates
Benedictine Center
A Day of Prayer is a simple way to step into some quiet. Enjoy a private room and whatever degree of solitude you prefer. Some guests join the Sisters for midday prayer and visit with them at lunch. Others prefer to journal, read, pray and walk the grounds at their leisure. The monastic library, art […]
Evening of Contemplative Fellowship – August 13, 2025
August 13, 2025
St. Paul's Monastery
The Evening of Contemplative Fellowship (ECF) gathers on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at St. Paul's Monastery from 4:00-7:00pm. This gathering is an opportunity to further deepen and support perseverance and consistency with daily, individual Centering Prayer practice. This group is open to new members. Regular attendance is encouraged but not required month to month. Structure of the Evening 4:00pm Group Sit Meet in the Benedicta Riepp Room; begin transition from travel and what had our attention during the day (could come even earlier to walk the labyrinth at the Monastery). Introductions and opening prayer begin promptly at 4:15pm 20-minute sit 4:50pm Attend Evening Prayer with the Sisters (optional) Labyrinth, walk on grounds, visiting, or viewing the art gallery could also be enjoyed 5:30pm Dinner together in the dining room 6:00pm Return to Riepp Room 20 minutes for guided spiritual formation topic and personal reflection 30 minutes for open conversation 10 minutes for brief guided closing prayer/return to silence 7:00pm Evening concludes Individuals are welcome to stay outside on the grounds to walk the labyrinth as weather permits (note: doors to the Monastery will be locked with no access back into the building
Birthright of Minnesota State Conference 2025
September 5 - 6, 2025
St. Paul's Monastery's Benedictine Center
We invite the Minnesota and Wisconsin Birthright volunteers to gather for the 2025 State Conference on the peaceful grounds of the Benedictine Center in Maplewood, MN beginning with 4 PM. registration on Friday, September 5 and concluding at 3:30 PM. on Saturday, September 6. Preferred registration deadline is August 24th. Registration Information When completing the registration form please use this as a guide: Click the "Register Now" button to the right, then select your Cost Option, complete the Guest Information fields, and Payment method. In the "Comments or Special Needs" box please indicate: Indicate the Birthright Chapter where you serve. Indicate if you will not be attending dinner on Friday, September 5th. In the "Lodging Required?" box: Indicate the name(s) of the 1, 2, or 3 people you would prefer to have as suite mates (two to a room with one shared bathroom between the rooms). If you require a Single Room ($50) at the Benedictine Center type SINGLE ROOM REQUIRED in the Lodging Required box and Register as a Commuter (with no room reservation). You will be contacted on 8/25/25 as to whether your special request can be accommodated. Refreshing Your Birthright Tool Kit Refreshing Your Birthright Tool Kit […]
Evening of Contemplative Fellowship – September 10, 2025
September 10, 2025
St. Paul's Monastery
The Evening of Contemplative Fellowship (ECF) gathers on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at St. Paul's Monastery from 4:00-7:00pm. This gathering is an opportunity to further deepen and support perseverance and consistency with daily, individual Centering Prayer practice. This group is open to new members. Regular attendance is encouraged but not required month to month. Structure of the Evening 4:00pm Group Sit Meet in the Benedicta Riepp Room; begin transition from travel and what had our attention during the day (could come even earlier to walk the labyrinth at the Monastery). Introductions and opening prayer begin promptly at 4:15pm 20-minute sit 4:50pm Attend Evening Prayer with the Sisters (optional) Labyrinth, walk on grounds, visiting, or viewing the art gallery could also be enjoyed 5:30pm Dinner together in the dining room 6:00pm Return to Riepp Room 20 minutes for guided spiritual formation topic and personal reflection 30 minutes for open conversation 10 minutes for brief guided closing prayer/return to silence 7:00pm Evening concludes Individuals are welcome to stay outside on the grounds to walk the labyrinth as weather permits (note: doors to the Monastery will be locked with no access back into the building
Walking Together Through Grief
With Ann Siverling
October 6, 2025
St. Paul's Monastery
While grief at the loss of a loved one is a universal human experience, grief is always experienced at a very personal level and is different for everyone. At the same time, it is often helpful and healing to share your grief experience with others who have suffered similar losses. If someone you love has died within the past three years, we invite you to participate in this six-week program. We provide a safe environment for you to connect with others who are grieving, to be heard and understood, and to share needs, concerns and feelings. The facilitator, Rev. Ann Siverling, is a bereavement specialist certified in Thanatology by The Association for Death Education and Counseling. After getting acquainted with one another, we’ll explore life changes related to grief, share precious memories, identify and express feelings, and review the need for self-care and finding support. In our final session, we’ll talk about significant days and saying farewell. Please join us for six Monday afternoons beginning October 6, from 2:00 to 3:30 in the afternoon at the Benedictine Center.
Evening of Contemplative Fellowship – October 8, 2025
October 8, 2025
St. Paul's Monastery
The Evening of Contemplative Fellowship (ECF) gathers on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at St. Paul's Monastery from 4:00-7:00pm. This gathering is an opportunity to further deepen and support perseverance and consistency with daily, individual Centering Prayer practice. This group is open to new members. Regular attendance is encouraged but not required month to month. Structure of the Evening 4:00pm Group Sit Meet in the Benedicta Riepp Room; begin transition from travel and what had our attention during the day (could come even earlier to walk the labyrinth at the Monastery). Introductions and opening prayer begin promptly at 4:15pm 20-minute sit 4:50pm Attend Evening Prayer with the Sisters (optional) Labyrinth, walk on grounds, visiting, or viewing the art gallery could also be enjoyed 5:30pm Dinner together in the dining room 6:00pm Return to Riepp Room 20 minutes for guided spiritual formation topic and personal reflection 30 minutes for open conversation 10 minutes for brief guided closing prayer/return to silence 7:00pm Evening concludes Individuals are welcome to stay outside on the grounds to walk the labyrinth as weather permits (note: doors to the Monastery will be locked with no access back into the building
Evening of Contemplative Fellowship – November 12, 2025
November 12, 2025
St. Paul's Monastery
The Evening of Contemplative Fellowship (ECF) gathers on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at St. Paul's Monastery from 4:00-7:00pm. This gathering is an opportunity to further deepen and support perseverance and consistency with daily, individual Centering Prayer practice. This group is open to new members. Regular attendance is encouraged but not required month to month. Structure of the Evening 4:00pm Group Sit Meet in the Benedicta Riepp Room; begin transition from travel and what had our attention during the day (could come even earlier to walk the labyrinth at the Monastery). Introductions and opening prayer begin promptly at 4:15pm 20-minute sit 4:50pm Attend Evening Prayer with the Sisters (optional) Labyrinth, walk on grounds, visiting, or viewing the art gallery could also be enjoyed 5:30pm Dinner together in the dining room 6:00pm Return to Riepp Room 20 minutes for guided spiritual formation topic and personal reflection 30 minutes for open conversation 10 minutes for brief guided closing prayer/return to silence 7:00pm Evening concludes Individuals are welcome to stay outside on the grounds to walk the labyrinth as weather permits (note: doors to the Monastery will be locked with no access back into the building
2025-11-21: Centering Prayer & Lectio Divina Retreat
With Laurie Erickson and Gwen Pickering
November 21 - 23, 2025
Benedictine Center of St. Paul's Monastery
Centering Prayer and Lectio Divina Retreat In this silent retreat, you will experience a time of profound silence and praying the Scriptures as you enter into a deeper relationship with God and self. This retreat blends a rhythm of centering prayer, lectio divina, and prayer with the monastic community. There will be some time for mutual reflection on the practices. Spiritual Directors Laurie Erickson and Gwen Pickering will be facilitating the Centering Prayer and Lectio Divina Retreat, based on the teachings of Father Thomas Keating, OCSO. There will be several 20 minute sits each day and time for quiet reflection and rest. Extended sessions of group centering prayer offer the opportunity to deepen your relationship with God and self. Enjoy the labyrinth, courtyard, walking trails, and art gallery. Participants are invited to join the Sisters for prayer, following the daily schedule of Liturgy of the Hours. All meals and a private room are included. You are welcome to make the retreat, whether you are just beginning the practices or are deeply formed by them.
Evening of Contemplative Fellowship – December 10, 2025
December 10, 2025
St. Paul's Monastery
The Evening of Contemplative Fellowship (ECF) gathers on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at St. Paul's Monastery from 4:00-7:00pm. This gathering is an opportunity to further deepen and support perseverance and consistency with daily, individual Centering Prayer practice. This group is open to new members. Regular attendance is encouraged but not required month to month. Structure of the Evening 4:00pm Group Sit Meet in the Benedicta Riepp Room; begin transition from travel and what had our attention during the day (could come even earlier to walk the labyrinth at the Monastery). Introductions and opening prayer begin promptly at 4:15pm 20-minute sit 4:50pm Attend Evening Prayer with the Sisters (optional) Labyrinth, walk on grounds, visiting, or viewing the art gallery could also be enjoyed 5:30pm Dinner together in the dining room 6:00pm Return to Riepp Room 20 minutes for guided spiritual formation topic and personal reflection 30 minutes for open conversation 10 minutes for brief guided closing prayer/return to silence 7:00pm Evening concludes Individuals are welcome to stay outside on the grounds to walk the labyrinth as weather permits (note: doors to the Monastery will be locked with no access back into the building
Evening of Contemplative Fellowship – January 14, 2026
January 14, 2026
St. Paul's Monastery
The Evening of Contemplative Fellowship (ECF) gathers on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at St. Paul's Monastery from 4:00-7:00pm. This gathering is an opportunity to further deepen and support perseverance and consistency with daily, individual Centering Prayer practice. This group is open to new members. Regular attendance is encouraged but not required month to month. Structure of the Evening 4:00pm Group Sit Meet in the Benedicta Riepp Room; begin transition from travel and what had our attention during the day (could come even earlier to walk the labyrinth at the Monastery). Introductions and opening prayer begin promptly at 4:15pm 20-minute sit 4:50pm Attend Evening Prayer with the Sisters (optional) Labyrinth, walk on grounds, visiting, or viewing the art gallery could also be enjoyed 5:30pm Dinner together in the dining room 6:00pm Return to Riepp Room 20 minutes for guided spiritual formation topic and personal reflection 30 minutes for open conversation 10 minutes for brief guided closing prayer/return to silence 7:00pm Evening concludes Individuals are welcome to stay outside on the grounds to walk the labyrinth as weather permits (note: doors to the Monastery will be locked with no access back into the building
Evening of Contemplative Fellowship – February 11, 2026
February 11, 2026
St. Paul's Monastery
The Evening of Contemplative Fellowship (ECF) gathers on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at St. Paul's Monastery from 4:00-7:00pm. This gathering is an opportunity to further deepen and support perseverance and consistency with daily, individual Centering Prayer practice. This group is open to new members. Regular attendance is encouraged but not required month to month. Structure of the Evening 4:00pm Group Sit Meet in the Benedicta Riepp Room; begin transition from travel and what had our attention during the day (could come even earlier to walk the labyrinth at the Monastery). Introductions and opening prayer begin promptly at 4:15pm 20-minute sit 4:50pm Attend Evening Prayer with the Sisters (optional) Labyrinth, walk on grounds, visiting, or viewing the art gallery could also be enjoyed 5:30pm Dinner together in the dining room 6:00pm Return to Riepp Room 20 minutes for guided spiritual formation topic and personal reflection 30 minutes for open conversation 10 minutes for brief guided closing prayer/return to silence 7:00pm Evening concludes Individuals are welcome to stay outside on the grounds to walk the labyrinth as weather permits (note: doors to the Monastery will be locked with no access back into the building
Evening of Contemplative Fellowship – March 11, 2026
March 11, 2026
St. Paul's Monastery
The Evening of Contemplative Fellowship (ECF) gathers on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at St. Paul's Monastery from 4:00-7:00pm. This gathering is an opportunity to further deepen and support perseverance and consistency with daily, individual Centering Prayer practice. This group is open to new members. Regular attendance is encouraged but not required month to month. Structure of the Evening 4:00pm Group Sit Meet in the Benedicta Riepp Room; begin transition from travel and what had our attention during the day (could come even earlier to walk the labyrinth at the Monastery). Introductions and opening prayer begin promptly at 4:15pm 20-minute sit 4:50pm Attend Evening Prayer with the Sisters (optional) Labyrinth, walk on grounds, visiting, or viewing the art gallery could also be enjoyed 5:30pm Dinner together in the dining room 6:00pm Return to Riepp Room 20 minutes for guided spiritual formation topic and personal reflection 30 minutes for open conversation 10 minutes for brief guided closing prayer/return to silence 7:00pm Evening concludes Individuals are welcome to stay outside on the grounds to walk the labyrinth as weather permits (note: doors to the Monastery will be locked with no access back into the building
Evening of Contemplative Fellowship – April 8, 2026
April 8, 2026
St. Paul's Monastery
The Evening of Contemplative Fellowship (ECF) gathers on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at St. Paul's Monastery from 4:00-7:00pm. This gathering is an opportunity to further deepen and support perseverance and consistency with daily, individual Centering Prayer practice. This group is open to new members. Regular attendance is encouraged but not required month to month. Structure of the Evening 4:00pm Group Sit Meet in the Benedicta Riepp Room; begin transition from travel and what had our attention during the day (could come even earlier to walk the labyrinth at the Monastery). Introductions and opening prayer begin promptly at 4:15pm 20-minute sit 4:50pm Attend Evening Prayer with the Sisters (optional) Labyrinth, walk on grounds, visiting, or viewing the art gallery could also be enjoyed 5:30pm Dinner together in the dining room 6:00pm Return to Riepp Room 20 minutes for guided spiritual formation topic and personal reflection 30 minutes for open conversation 10 minutes for brief guided closing prayer/return to silence 7:00pm Evening concludes Individuals are welcome to stay outside on the grounds to walk the labyrinth as weather permits (note: doors to the Monastery will be locked with no access back into the building
Evening of Contemplative Fellowship – May 13, 2026
May 13, 2026
St. Paul's Monastery
The Evening of Contemplative Fellowship (ECF) gathers on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at St. Paul's Monastery from 4:00-7:00pm. This gathering is an opportunity to further deepen and support perseverance and consistency with daily, individual Centering Prayer practice. This group is open to new members. Regular attendance is encouraged but not required month to month. Structure of the Evening 4:00pm Group Sit Meet in the Benedicta Riepp Room; begin transition from travel and what had our attention during the day (could come even earlier to walk the labyrinth at the Monastery). Introductions and opening prayer begin promptly at 4:15pm 20-minute sit 4:50pm Attend Evening Prayer with the Sisters (optional) Labyrinth, walk on grounds, visiting, or viewing the art gallery could also be enjoyed 5:30pm Dinner together in the dining room 6:00pm Return to Riepp Room 20 minutes for guided spiritual formation topic and personal reflection 30 minutes for open conversation 10 minutes for brief guided closing prayer/return to silence 7:00pm Evening concludes Individuals are welcome to stay outside on the grounds to walk the labyrinth as weather permits (note: doors to the Monastery will be locked with no access back into the building