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

Lenten Lectures

Sundays, 3:15-5:30 PM - Conference, Discussion, & Vespers . Free - Open to all

  • February 10, Human Trafficking
    Sr. Joann Marie Aumand, SCC, Catholic charities, Archdiocese of Newark

  • February 24, Lent for People Who Don't Like Lent 
    Fr. Albert Holtz, OSB, Newark Abbey, Newark, NJ

  • March 9, Solidarity: Pope Benedict's Approach to Peace John Esmerado, Assistant Prosecutor, Union County Prosecutor's Office

    • Retreat Weekends for Women (Descriptions below)

    February 22-24      The Power of Humility

    March 7-9             Lectio Divina: Praying with Scripture, Nature and Experience

    March 19-23         Monastic Easter

    March 19-23         Vocation Discernment

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
 2008

February 1-3
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 22-24
The Power of Humility
The apostle Paul writes, “I willingly boast of my weaknesses…that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” (2Cor.12:9) Where am I open to the power of Christ?
March 7-9
Lectio Divina: Praying with Scripture, Nature and Experience
Are you seeking a deeper relationship with God?  Learn a simple approach to praying that you can help you listen to God's Word to you.
March 19-23
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.
April 4-6
Praying with the Mystics: Hildegard & Gertrude What fueled the inner flame of these Benedictine mystics? How do they call forth the divine potential within us? How does their vision guide us on our own spiritual journey?
May 9-11
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 11-18
 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 2-4,   March 19-23,   July 11-13

Retreat Days for Men and Women
9 AM - 3:30 PM
These days are part of weekend retreats. See descriptions above.
October 20 Cultivating Awareness of God  
December 1 Eucharist: Invitation to Transformation  
February 2 A Day with Thomas Merton
February 23 The Power of Humility  
March 8 Lectio Divina:Praying with Scripture
April 7 Praying with Mystics; Hildegard and Gertrude  

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.

22nd Annual Lenten Series

February 10 & 24, March 9

Lectures are at 3:15pm followed by refreshments and Vespers.

Monastic Easter

March 19-23

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

Monastic Live-In

July 11-18

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