Benedictine Sisters Retreat Center

03/17/2026

This is the season of shifting weather. Yesterday, our grounds went from spring time to winter wonderland in just an hour. By afternoon, the snow was gone as swiftly as it arrived.
Sometimes we need a time to step aside and listen to the weather in our souls - is that feeling a passing storm or a nudge to make other changes? People often come for private retreat in these times of changing seasons. Quiet, solitude, the opportunity to keep a rhythm of prayer with the Benedictine Sisters. Retreats usually take about a week to arrange. https://www.shmon.org/retreat-center/individual-retreats/

09/23/2025

Here is what we plan to serve this Friday during our Oktoberblest Lunch and Learn program (subject to change per needs of the kitchen):

• Brathanchen (German Roast Chicken)
• Rotkohl (Sweet & Sour Braised Red Cabbage)
• Bratkartoffeln (German Fried Potatoes)
• Rosenkohl (Brussels Sprouts)
• Salatbufett (Salad Bar)
• Apfelkuchen (Apple Cake)

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I’m looking forward to this meal and to learning about St. Walburga.

If you plan to come, please purchase your tickets soon so we can have an accurate meal count for the kitchen.

You may make your reservations online here: https://www.shmon.org/event/oktoberblest-lunch-and-learn/

—OR—

You may call the Retreat Center Office at (256) 734-8302.

As the City of Cullman gets ready for its annual Oktoberfest, the Benedictine Sisters Retreat Center in Cullman will offer a ‘lunch and learn’ program entitled Oktoberblest. The event will be held on Friday, September 26, at 11:45 AM, and will feature a meal of German cuisine and a program on th...

09/19/2025

The front porch of Benet is ready to welcome the group arriving soon for a weekend of seeking God and seeking peace. What a lovely spot for reflection and prayer...

08/26/2024

Why come on retreat? Perhaps as part of your health self-care, emotional or physical. We don't usually think of retreat centers and spiritual direction as part of the health care system. While retreats and spiritual direction never replace medical or psychological care, a review of research points to areas where both have a role to play in patients' well-being. The Catholic Health Association of the United States article points to the original JAMA article.

Should public health consider as a social determinant of health? After a deep look at evidence-based articles and studies, researchers make recommendations. Learn more in 📰: https://hubs.li/Q02Mzw8D0

07/11/2024

We celebrate this Feast of St. Benedict, whose Rule is our guide. Our staff focuses especially on Ch. 53 On the Reception of Guests. Benedict tells us to receive each guest as Christ, an instruction we try to live out each day. You can read Ch 53 and a commentary on it at https://christdesert.org/rule-of-st-benedict/chapter-53-the-reception-of-guests/

05/23/2024

Full moon was gorgeous shining over the Retreat Center. A beautiful evening for Contemplative Outreach of Birmingham members here on retreat.

04/10/2024

What a surprise: we're located in the town voted #3 Best Small Town in America according to a USA Today poll.
https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/travel/best-small-town-cultural-scene-2024/?fbclid=IwAR0ALhAju9D-n4xvIhMzWehK5bUichXrBomXE37VHnhrGiPcDO7Qj6rLzio

03/25/2024