Abbot's Message

The Benedictine monks of Saint Andrew Abbey, Cleveland, Ohio invite young men who are Interested in personal spiritual growth and in seeking Divine guidance for their life and vocation to participate in the Living with Benedict weekend retreat program.

Saint Benedict

From his impact in sending forth monks to evangelize the European continent after the fall of the pagan Roman empire in the fourth century to his spiritual influence in the papacy of Pope Benedict XVI today, Saint Benedict has truly been a beacon of light "to those who wish to do battle under the Lord Jesus Christ, our true King (Prologue to the Holy Rule)."

Many people today, inside the monastic cloister and also those outside in the midst of the world, find Benedict’s balanced approach to holiness very relevant and valuable. Many contemporary books have explored how the principles of Benedict’s Rule for Monasteries can help people in various situations in life to "hasten to do now what will profit them for eternity (Prologue)."

The monks of Saint Andrew Abbey are "Monks in the City" who have learned to use the Holy Rule to "incline the ears of their hearts to hear their Master’s precepts" inside the monastery so to be effective in serving the Church in apostolic works of secondary education, parochial ministry, and cultural preservation. We invite you to join us in our continuing journey to learn to "prefer nothing whatsoever to Christ (Chapter 72)."

Weekend Schedule

Friday ....Arrive in the late afternoon for sung vespers (5:15 PM) followed by supper, recreation, the Office of Vigils (Readings), shared Lectio Divina, a conference on the theme of the weekend, and private prayer time.

Saturday .....Communal morning prayer (Lauds), conventual Mass, breakfast, free time, morning conference and reflection, rosary in common, midday prayer, lunch quiet time for Eucharistic adoration, afternoon conference and response, Lectio Divina in church, sung vespers, supper, free time, Office of Vigils, presentations and personal witness from individual monks, and a social hour.

Sunday ....Communal morning prayer (Lauds), conventual Mass, breakfast, personal time, monastic witness presentation, midday prayer, lunch, personal time, "Profiles in Monastic History - Benedictine Saints" or "An Introduction to the Benedictine Lay Oblate Program," sung vespers (optional), supper (optional), and departure.

(Arrival and departure can be arranged to meet personal needs and outside obligations. Also transportation to and from the abbey may also be available upon request.)

Weekends and Themes:

November 2-4, 2007 "Hasten to do now what will profit us for eternity"

January 18-20, 2008 St. Benedict and Pope Benedict

March 20-22, 2008 Holy Week Retreat Sacred Triduum Reflections

June 19-23, 2008 Vocation Pilgrimage to Quebec for the 49th International Eucharistic Congress and closing Mass with Pope Benedict Over 18 only / Cost to be determined

August 8-10, 2008 Community

For information and to register - please contact Fr. Gerard, OSB, at 216-721-5300, extension 210 or at gerardgonda@juno.com

There is no fee for the weekend.

Last modified: May , 2008