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Benedictine Spiritual Formation Program
2010 - 2011
under the Direction of Sr. Anne Stedman, OSB
For information please contact either Sr Mary Colleen Schwarz (Colorado Springs) or Sr. Marilyn Carpenter (Denver) or Anne Madeleine Brost, OSB/Mary Glenn, OSB (Grand Junction)
Online classes also available.
 

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 journey with others with others in community
• enriches the lives of all participants

  YEAR I—Starting Fall of 2010

Spiritual Formation Program:

Please fill out Application 2010
Click image to pay Application fee online

This program will be offered in Colorado Springs, Denver, Grand Junction and online. Classes meet weekly for three hours September through May.

The current Adobe Acrobat is required to open application.

YEAR I - Denver Campus:

Place: Englewood United Methodist Church
3885 S. Broadway
Englewood, CO 80113

Day/Time: Mondays, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Date: Beginning September 2010

YEAR I - Colorado Springs Campus:  

Place:  Benet Pines Ministry Center
3190 Benet Lane
Colorado Springs, CO 80921

Day/Time: Thursdays, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Dates: Beginning September 2010

YEAR I  - Grand Junction:

Place:  First Congregational United Church of Christ
1425 North 5th Street
Grand Junction, CO 81501

Day/Time: Wednesdays, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Dates: Beginning September 2010

YEAR I -  Online Program: Contact Colorado Springs Site Coordinator. Attendance is through the internet.

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

Denver

Place: Englewood United Methodist Church
3885 S. Broadway
Englewood, CO 80113

Day/Time: Tuesdays, 6:00-8:30/9:00 p.m.
Date: Beginning September 2010

Colorado Springs

Place:  Benet Pines Ministry Center
3190 Benet Lane
Colorado Springs, CO 80921

Day/Time: Wednesdays, 6:00-8:30/9:00 p.m.
Dates: Beginning September 2010

Grand Junction

Place:  Immaculate Heart of Mary
790 26 1/2 Road
Grand Junction, CO 81506

Day/Time: Wednesdays, 6:00-8:30/9:00 p.m.
Dates: Beginning September 2010

 

 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 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.

  Program Fee:

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

 Credit Cards accepted.
 

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

 

Colorado Springs Site Coordinator
Sr Mary Colleen Schwarz, OSB
Phone: (719) 633-0655 ext 134
Email: smarycolleen@benethillmonastery.org

Facilitator Year I:  Maureen McKasy-Donlin
Facilitator Year II: Sr Mary Colleen Schwarz, OSB

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

Facilitator Year I:  Sister Marilyn Carpenter, OSB
Facilitator Year II: Joann Buchanan Brown

 

Grand Junction Site Coordinators
Sr Anne Madeleine Brost, OSB/Sr Mary Glenn, OSB
Phone: (970) 241-3847
Email: amatkannahcreek@peoplepc.com

  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)

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