Conversatio Retreats
24 Hour Seminar Information and Registration
Saint John's Abbey and the School of Theology·Seminary provide the space and structure that invite ministers into refection, rest, prayer and spiritual direction. Anchoring the week is a process of lectio divina that integrates one of the Benedictine charisms, stories from ministry, and the Word as illuminated in The Saint John's Bible. Three times during the week, retreatants will gather with an SOT·Sem faculty member to explore the Benedictine charism selected for the week. These sessions advance our commitment to engage church ministers in their roles as pastoral theologians. More importantly, the Benedictine charisms offer fresh insight into the dynamic challenges of ministry and foster a renewed sense of the minister's vocational call.
A major grant from the Lilly Endowment, Inc., has enabled the SOT·Sem to provide these retreats at a substantially reduced rate with the expectation that over time the program would become self-sufficient. Beginning this fall, we begin a process of achieving long-term sustainability for the retreat program. This involves charging the actual cost for a retreat. At the same time, a scholarship fund is available to assist ministers with limited resources. In addition, the retreats will more purposefully focus on central themes and issues in the vocational call to church ministry.
- Retreats are open to eight participants.
- Retreats begin Sunday afternoon with Vespers in the Abbey church and conclude after lunch on Friday.
- Retreats will take place in the Abbey Guesthouse, an environment that supports a time of prayer, reflection, and rest. Each guest has a private room with bath, and all meals are served in the Guesthouse.
- The cost of the retreat is $300. Participants need to pay a $50 deposit when they register.
- If someone needs to cancel, the deposit will be refunded in full if we receive a 10 day notice. This enables those on the waiting list to make arrangements to attend.
2009 - 2010 Retreat Schedule
| October 25 - 30 | Theological Reflection on Community with Jeff Kaster |
| November 1-6 | Theological Reflection on Listening with Barbara Sutton |
| January 24 - 29 | Theological Reflection on Respect for all Persons with Vic Klimoski |
| February 21 - 26 | Theological Reflection on Hospitality |
| June 20 - 25 | Theological Reflection on Stewardship |
| July 25 - 30 | Theological Reflection on Justice |
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