Ministries -- Benedictine Sisters of Mt. Angel

Benedictines are not restricted to any one type of ministry. Instead, they are encouraged by the Rule of Benedict to respond to the needs of the times and of the local community.
Benedictine Sisters of Mt. Angel teach in schools and parishes; they work as nurses, counselors, chaplains, and pastoral associates; they are artisans, cooks, and gardeners.

As a community, the Benedictine Sisters sponsor two ministries. Shalom Prayer Center welcomes people from all religious and cultural traditions for retreats, workshops, sabbaticals, spiritual direction, and spiritual nourishment. St. Joseph Shelter and Mission Benedict provide food, clothing, emergency and transitional shelter, and emergency assistance to the homeless and the needy.

Hospitality, an open and welcoming attitude to all who visit or seek help, should permeate a Benedictine community. The Sisters, as advised by St. Benedict, "welcome all guests as Christ," opening up the Monastery to guests and visitors, and hosting groups for workshops, conferences, or special events.

Because the Benedictine Sisters believe that all creation is a gift from a loving Creator God and hold everything in a sacred trust, Monastic Stewardship is also a primary value and ministry of the community. As monastic women, the Sisters are committed to a simple lifestyle that will reverence and nurture the earth and its life.

Is it time to rest, reflect, renew? If so, you are welcome to come to Shalom Prayer Center, a place of peace and reconciliation. At Shalom you will find an oasis, a sacred space where you can find relief from the pressures and demands of your daily routine.

Shalom Prayer Center is located on the grounds of Queen of Angels Monastery and staffed by Benedictine Sisters. Rooted in the tradition of Benedictine hospitality and monastic spirituality, Shalom offers a variety of retreats, workshops, and other programs.

Private Retreats: You are welcome to spend a day, a weekend, a week, or longer in quiet and prayer. A comfortable private room and delicious, nourishing meals are provided. Shalom is only steps away from the Monastery and guests are invited to participate with the monastic community in daily prayer and fellowship.

Spiritual Direction: Spiritual direction is available upon request. Sessions with a spiritual director can help you to discern God's grace and guidance.

Retreats & Workshops: From September through May Shalom offers a variety of weekend retreats and workshops. Sessions are led by Shalom staff and guest presenters. For a complete list of events please check out the Shalom calendar page.

Sabbatical Program: Design your own program for rest and renewal in this contemplative setting. Your sabbatical will include many opportunities for leisure, spiritual direction, community prayer, daily Eucharist, classes, workshops, and retreats. People from all over the world have come to Shalom to take advantage of this unique program.

Prayer of the Heart: You are invited to experience and practice this form of contemplative prayer during a month-long retreat in July, or during weekend retreats throughout the year. "Be still and allow your heart to be touched by the Spirit of God."

Spiritual Direction Training: This two-year program helps lay and ordained individuals to deepen their spiritual life and develop their capacity to guide others in the spiritual journey. New class sessions begin each September.

Group Retreats & Meetings: Many church groups and non-profits hold retreats and meetings at Shalom. The Shalom staff is happy to help you make your gathering a success.

For more information, visit the Shalom webpage, www.open.org/shalom, or contact us at:

Shalom Prayer Center
840 S. Main St., Mt. Angel, OR 97362
503-845-6773
shalom@open.org