Rooted in the wisdom of St. Benedict of Nursia and articulated in the Rule of St. Benedict, Benedictine values have shaped Christian life for over fifteen centuries. Born in a time of political collapse and cultural uncertainty, the Rule offered a path of stability, balance, and community that continues to speak powerfully into our own age of disruption and transition. In other words, the Rule of St. Benedict is as relevant as ever in our current climate of political upheaval and cultural uncertainty.
This series will explore some of the foundational Benedictine commitments—stability, deep listening, humility, hospitality, community, stewardship, justice, respect for persons and others. Each value is not merely an abstract principle but a lived discipline. Together, they form a coherent spiritual anthropology: a way of being human before God and with others.
Benedictine spirituality does not promise dramatic spiritual experiences. Instead, it calls us to faithful presence in the ordinary—showing up, listening well, practicing moderation, and honoring the sacredness of daily life. In a culture often marked by speed, individualism, and fragmentation, these values invite rootedness, attentiveness, and relational depth.
As we move through this series, we will consider:
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The theological grounding of each value
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Its historical expression in daily life
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Its practical application in contemporary contexts—family, ministry, leadership, and work
The aim is not information alone, but formation. Benedictine values are meant to be practiced, tested, and embodied over time. They shape communities of peace and persons of depth—steady, discerning, and responsive to the quiet movements of the Spirit.
Join us for one session or several sessions or all of them!
Stability
** POSTPONED UNTIL LATER SUMMER | DATE TBD ** May 28, 2026, 7:00-8:30pm
with Mary Ebb, Formation Coordinator of the Benedictine Center
Stability is the Benedictine practice of remaining present to God, to community, and to one’s own life even when it would be easier to flee, distract, or give up. Rooted in the Rule of St. Benedict, stability invites us to stay grounded through change, uncertainty, and daily routine. It teaches faithfulness to place, people, and prayer, trusting that transformation often happens not in escape, but in perseverance. Stability calls us to cultivate deep roots so that our lives may become a steady witness of peace, commitment, and hope in a restless world.
Humility
June 11, 2026, 7:00-8:30pm
with Rev. Steve Arnold, Spiritual Director of the Benedictine Center
Humility in the Benedictine tradition is not thinking less of oneself, but seeing oneself truthfully before God and others. St. Benedict describes humility as a lifelong path of conversion marked by honesty, teachability, compassion, and freedom from pride. Humility allows us to listen deeply, admit our limitations, celebrate the gifts of others, and live with gratitude rather than self-importance. Far from weakness, humility is a quiet strength that opens the heart to wisdom, authentic relationships, and deeper union with God.
Listening
June 25, 2026, 7:00-8:30pm
with Rev. Paul Tillman, OblSB, Guest Coordinator of the Benedictine Center and Oblate of St. Paul’s Monastery
“Listen with the ear of your heart.” These opening words of the Rule of St. Benedict reveal listening as the foundation of Benedictine spirituality. Benedictine listening is more than hearing words; it is an attentive openness to God, others, oneself, and the needs of the world. It requires patience, silence, and humility. Deep listening transforms relationships, fosters understanding, and creates space for wisdom to emerge. In a noisy and distracted culture, Benedictine listening becomes a sacred act of presence, compassion, and discernment.
Awareness of God
July 9, 2026, 7:00-8:30pm
with Laurie Erickson, Spiritual Director and Retreat Leader of the Benedictine Center
Awareness of God is the Benedictine practice of recognizing God’s presence in all things: in prayer and worship, in work and relationships, in silence and ordinary daily life. Rather than separating the sacred from the everyday, Benedictine spirituality teaches that God is continually drawing near through creation, community, beauty, and moments of stillness. This awareness invites us to live attentively and gratefully, cultivating hearts that notice grace even amid struggle. It is a way of living rooted in wonder, prayerfulness, and trust in God’s abiding presence.
Respect for Persons
July 23, 2026, 7:00-8:30pm
with Travis Salisbury, OblSB, Director of the Benedictine Center and Oblate of St. Paul’s Monastery
Respect for persons is grounded in the Benedictine belief that every individual is created in the image of God and deserves to be treated with dignity, compassion, and care. St. Benedict calls communities to honor one another, show mutual obedience, and welcome differences with humility and love. This value challenges us to move beyond judgment, status, or division and instead encounter each person as Christ. Benedictine respect creates communities marked by justice, kindness, listening, and reverence for the sacred worth present in every human life.
Hospitality
August 6, 2026, 7:00-8:30pm
with Rev. Ann Siverling, OblSB, Oblate of St. Paul’s Monastery
Hospitality is at the heart of Benedictine life. St. Benedict teaches that all guests are to be welcomed as Christ, with openness, reverence, and care. Benedictine hospitality is more than entertaining; it is a spiritual practice of making room in our hearts, homes, and communities for others. It calls us to encounter strangers with generosity, listen with compassion, and create spaces of belonging and peace. In a divided and hurried world, hospitality becomes a sacred act of welcome that reflects God’s love and restores human connection.
Dignity of Work
August 20, 2026, 7:00-8:30pm
with Tod Twist, OblSB, Spiritual Director of the Benedictine Center, Facilities Manager and Oblate of St. Paul’s Monastery
The dignity of work reflects the Benedictine belief that all honest labor has value and can become a form of prayer and service to God. St. Benedict wove together prayer, study, and work into a balanced way of life where no task was considered beneath another. Whether visible or hidden, intellectual or manual, work contributes to the flourishing of community and the common good. Benedictine spirituality invites us to approach our work with integrity, humility, attentiveness, and gratitude, recognizing that through our daily efforts, God continues the work of creation.
