Benedictine Center for Spirituality
Benedictine Sisters of Elizabeth, NJ


Benedictine Center for Spirituality offers a place to be apart, to enjoy the peace of a monastic atmosphere and the warmth of Benedictine community at Saint Walburga Monastery. Through the Center we hope to share the spiritual resources of the monastery with those seeking a deeper relationship with God.

Benedictine spirituality is rooted in the listening to God which occurs
     in Scripture,
     in Liturgy,
     in personal prayer,
     in life together
     and in ministry.
The Center invites others to join in that listening to God.

 

Coming Soon

October 20-22 
Psalms: Prayers for a Thirsty Soul
Let your spirit drink from the prayers inspired by God and prayed by Jesus.  Explore the meaning of the psalms and pray them both privately and in Liturgy of the Hours. 

Retreat Weekends for Women
Friday 7 PM - Sunday 1:30 PM

Weekends include:

Private room and meals
Eucharist and Liturgy of the Hours with the monastic community
Daily conferences
Opportunity for Silence

Retreat Weekends for Women
2006
October 20-22

Psalms: Prayers for a Thirsty Soul
Let your spirit drink from the prayers inspired by God and prayed by Jesus.  Explore the meaning of the psalms and pray them both privately and in Liturgy of the Hours. 

November 3-5    

Private or Directed Retreat
December 1-3
 Savoring Advent
Enjoy the peace and quiet of the monastery and take time to examine the meaning of Christmas in your life.
Dec 31 - Jan 1
New Year's Eve Retreat
An overnight retreat for women.  Begin your New Year with prayer and reflection.  4 PM Sun.-1:30 PM Mon.
January 26-28
A Weekend with Thomas  Merton
Monk, contemplative, activist, post: Merton was a man for the 21st Century.  Join us in reflecting on the insights of this remarkable man.
February 23-25
Beatitudes: How to Live a Blessed Life
The "Be Attitudes" that Jesus taught provide the secret to true happiness.  There will be an overview of the Beatitudes with a deeper focus on some.
March 16-18
Lectio Divina: Praying with Scripture
Are you seeking a deeper relationship with God?  Learn a simple approach to praying with Scripture that can help you listen to God's Word to you.
April 4-8
Monastic Easter
This silent Holy Week retreat for women begins on Wednesday at 7 PM and ends on Easter Sunday at 1 PM. The focus is on the Holy Week Liturgy.
May 11-13
The Rosary: A Circular Path to the Center
The rosary is an age-old devotional practice that can be experienced on many levels and provides a unique approach to contemplative prayer. Discover the dynamism of the rosary as a pathway to God's presence within.        
July 6-13
Monastic Live In
This is an invitation to women over 18 to live, work and pray with the monastic community for a week.

Vocation Discernment Weekends

For women considering Benedictine life
November 3-5,   April 4-8,   July 6-8

Retreat Days for Men and Women
9 AM - 3:30 PM
These days are part of weekend retreats. See descriptions above.
October 21 Psalms: Prayer for a Thirsty Soul
December 2 Savoring Advent
January 27 A Day with Thomas Merton
February 24 Beatitudes: How to Live a Blessed Life
March 17 Lectio Divina:Praying with Scripture

Other Offerings

Desert Days

9:30 AM - 3:30 PM

Enjoy God's Presence in the quiet of the monastery church and grounds. Library and other areas are also available for reading and reflection. Bring bag lunch. Call for reservation.

21st Annual Lenten Series

February 25, March 11 & 25

Lectures are followed by refreshments and Vespers.

Monastic Easter

April 4-8

This Holy Week retreat for women begins on Wednesday at 7 PM and ends on Easter Sunday at 1:00 PM.

Art Touching Spirit

April 22

Music  ~   Refreshments  ~  Vespers
Enjoy the afternoon and support the Spirituality Center.
Tickets: $25

Monastic Live-In

July 6-13

For Catholic Women over 18.
The Monastic Live-In is an opportunity to live, work and pray with the monastic community for a week.

Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius

It is possible to make the Spiritual Exercises at home if you are willing to commit an hour a day to prayer and to meet with a director weekly from September to May. For details call Sister Marita before September 15.

Spiritual Direction

Spiritual direction is available for those seeking a companion on the spiritual journey.

A Retreat Day for Your Group

Dates and themes can be arranged to meet the specific needs of your group.

E-mail:

maritaosb@aol.com

Call:

Sister Marita at 908-353-3028

Write:

Benedictine Center
851 N. Broad Street
Elizabeth, NJ 07208

Location:

* Near Exit 13 A of NJ Turnpike or Exit 140 of GS Parkway
* 35 minutes by bus or train from NYC