About Us

Participate in
Monastic Life

Spiritual and Educational Offerings

Retreats and Sabbaticals

Benedictine Spiritual Formation Program 2009 - 2010
under the Direction of Sr. Anne Stedman, OSB

 

The Benedictine Spiritual Formation Program was created to deepen each participant’s inner journey and to open new pathways of spiritual service. This two-year program open to people of all faith traditions is rooted in the Benedictine tradition and focuses on spiritual growth and personal transformation.

The Program:

• deepens understanding of Christian foundations and beliefs
• broadens understanding of other faith traditions
• provides a means for deepening one's prayer life
• enables participants to share their spiritual journeys with others
• educates participants to be spiritual directors
• enriches the lives of all participants

  YEAR I—Starting Fall of 2009

This program will be offered in Colorado Springs in the new Ministry Center at Benet Pines and in Denver at St. George's in the Glenn Episcopal Church. Day or evening classes meet weekly for two and a half hours September through May.

YEAR I - Denver Campus:   (pdf file Application for Denver/North Site applicants only)

Place: St. George in the Glenn Episcopal Church
3600 South Clarkson
Englewood, CO 80110

Day/Time: To be announced
Dates: Classes start the first part of September

YEAR I - Colorado Springs Campus:  (pdf file Application 2009  for Colorado Springs/South Site applicants only)

Place: Ministry Center at Benet Pines
15880 Highway 83
Colorado Springs, CO 80921

Day/Time: To be announced
Dates: Classes start the first part of September

• Ministry and Topics of  Spiritual Direction
• Prayer and Discernment in Spiritual Direction
• Practicum

 input from professionally-trained facilitators.

 participation in small group sessions and processes.

 monthly meetings with a spiritual director.

 weekly reading and writing assignments, including a personal journal.

 summer reading assignment and written report due in September of the second year of the program.

The two-year Benedictine Spiritual Formation Program includes several workshops and retreats at no additional charge for the students.

Ideally, we like to begin the application process in early spring in order to allow enough time for an in-depth interview to determine each applicant's readiness and commitment to spiritual service. However, we will accept applications up through the beginning of August.

A non-refundable registration fee of $50.00 that does not apply to the program fee, is required to secure a place in the program. Apply now; space is limited.

  Program Fee:

The program fee is $1,250 per year and includes all class sessions, retreats, workshops, days of reflection, and supervision.

Work scholarships may be available on a limited basis. Credit Cards accepted.
 

  If you are interested in this program and would like further information, please contact:

 

Colorado Springs / South Site Coordinator
Patty Degen, BSN, RN - Director, Colorado Spring Campus
Phone: (719) 528-5303
Email: patty@bsfp.org

Facilitator Year I:  Sister Mary Colleen Schwarz, OSB
Facilitator Year II: Patty Degen

Denver / North Site Coordinator
Sister Marilyn Carpenter, OSB
Phone: (719) 429-7500 (cell)
Email:  smarilync@juno.com
 

Facilitator Year I:  Sister Marilyn Carpenter, OSB
Facilitator Year II: Rev. Michele Danson

 

  Staff: (Full credentials can be found on the Staff page)
 

Link to Spiritual Direction Colorado

Student comments:

The Benedictine Spiritual Formation Program helped me explore my artistic and imaginative talents through classes such as 'Images of God', 'The Mandala,' and 'Introduction to Dreams.' Because we studied many topics in spirituality, I found myself in a different place, a prayerful space that opened me to new ways of praying and interacting. Still, I feared the idea of being responsible for someone else's growth in the spirit. Imagine how relieved I was to find that God's spirit is the responsible party; I simply pray that the spirit will be heard through me. Finally, BSFP helped create deep friendships that last. -Peter Michelin (South Site)

My participation in the Benedictine Spiritual Formation Program has born much fruit. After graduating from the BSFP program, I have had the privilege of accompanying others on their faith journeys and serving the program as an intern and then teacher and supervisor of second year students. The personal and spiritual growth that I experienced through my association with the program contributed in no small part to my completing a Masters in Divinity at the Iliff School of Theology in Denver which has enabled me to answer a call to serve as Pastoral Associate at Light of Christ Ecumenical Catholic Community in Longmont. -Toni Stone (North Site)

Since my graduation from BSFP, I have begun working as a chaplain at an alcohol and drug rehabilitation center near Denver. In that position, I have the opportunity to teach in a classroom setting and to provide spiritual direction for addicts in early recovery. The BSFP has helped me to approach this non-denominational ministry with openness and enthusiasm, and it has allowed me to connect with persons of varying spiritual inclinations who long to know a power greater than themselves without being subjected to heavy-handed evangelism. Through my BSFP adventures, I am better able to meet folks where they are and to walk with them on their spiritual paths. -Dale Lee (North Site)

When I entered the Spiritual Formation Program in the fall of 2005 I had no idea of all that was ahead for me. As a life coach and lay counselor I felt there was more learning for me as I walked the journey of life with my clients. I would say I'm possibly only beginning to realize "the fruit" of what this program meant to me. I've noticed a new freedom to bring all that I am--not hold back--the freedom to say "yes" to new opportunities God has opened up for me. I entered the program terrified of speaking to a group. Somewhere along the way that terror just left and I'm able to share with groups in a way that was never possible for me before. I have also shifted in the way I welcome people--can it be the Benedictine hospitality that was shown and modeled to me? I have deeper awareness of the inherent worth and value of all of God's creation. Four of my friends have enrolled in the program during the past three years, not so much because of what I said about the program, but I think it's more like that great movie line in When Harry Met Sally, “I'LL HAVE WHAT SHE'S HAVING!” What a gift to have been part of the Benet Hill community. -Nancy Metz (South Site)

About Us  •  Monastic Life  •  Educational & Spiritual Offerings  •  Retreats

BENET HILL CENTER
3190 Benet Lane
Colorado Springs, CO 80921
(719) 633-0655
Fax: (719) 471-0403
E-MAIL: info@BenetHillMonastery.org