About
Benet Hill Monastery is a contemporary Benedictine women's monastery that offers a formal Benedictine Spiritual Director Training program, making it a premier destination for those called to guide others in their spiritual lives. Grounded in the Rule of St. Benedict — first written in 516 CE — the monastery's training integrates timeless values such as radical hospitality, respect for all creation, and deep listening with modern educational formats including online, hybrid, and in-person learning. The Spiritual Director Training program is designed for individuals who wish to accompany others on their spiritual journeys, drawing on Benedictine contemplative practices and the Christian spiritual direction tradition. Students benefit from experienced Sisters who bring both academic formation and lived monastic experience to their teaching. Beyond the training program, Benet Hill offers individual and group retreats, spiritual direction sessions, counseling, Oblate formation, prayer and liturgy participation, and a columbarium garden. Their community is explicitly inclusive — welcoming people of all nationalities, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, political perspectives, and economic circumstances. The monastery is ideal for aspiring spiritual directors, people seeking personal spiritual growth, faith community leaders, and anyone yearning for a grounded, values-based contemplative practice. With both structured formation programs and open retreat space, Benet Hill serves both those in formal training and those simply seeking spiritual renewal.
Key Features
- Benedictine Spiritual Director Training: A formal program training individuals to become spiritual directors using the Benedictine tradition, taught by experienced monastic Sisters.
- Flexible Learning Formats: Programs are offered online, in a hybrid format, and in-person, making formation accessible to students regardless of location.
- Individual & Group Retreats: Dedicated retreat space in a peaceful forest setting for personal renewal, discernment, and group spiritual formation.
- Spiritual Direction & Counseling Services: One-on-one spiritual direction and counseling sessions offered by trained Sisters to support personal spiritual growth.
- Inclusive, Welcoming Community: An explicitly open and affirming community welcoming all people regardless of nationality, race, gender identity, or belief background.
Use Cases
- Aspiring spiritual directors seeking formal Benedictine training and certification to guide others in their faith journeys.
- Faith community leaders and pastors looking to deepen their contemplative formation and spiritual accompaniment skills.
- Individuals seeking personal spiritual renewal through one-on-one spiritual direction or guided retreat experiences.
- Religious educators and oblates wanting to integrate Benedictine practices and values into their ministry or daily life.
- Anyone seeking a safe, inclusive, and contemplative community space for reflection, prayer, and values-based living.
Pros
- Rooted in 1,500 Years of Tradition: The Rule of St. Benedict provides a well-tested, deeply human framework for formation that has endured across cultures and centuries.
- Multiple Learning Modalities: Online, hybrid, and in-person options make the training accessible to a broad range of participants across geographies.
- Genuinely Inclusive Environment: The monastery's explicit commitment to welcoming all people creates a psychologically safe learning and spiritual growth environment.
- Integrated Community & Practice: Students learn alongside an active monastic community, gaining access to lived contemplative practice, liturgy, and mentorship.
Cons
- Limited Public Program Details: Curriculum specifics, tuition, and enrollment timelines are not readily visible on the website, requiring direct contact to get details.
- Faith-Based Context: The program is rooted in Christian Benedictine spirituality, which may not align with seekers from entirely secular or non-Christian backgrounds.
- Niche Audience: The training is specifically for spiritual direction, limiting its appeal to those with a clear vocational interest in this ministry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Benedictine Spiritual Director Training program?
It is a formal training program offered by Benet Hill Monastery that prepares individuals to serve as spiritual directors, drawing on the Benedictine contemplative tradition and the Rule of St. Benedict.
What learning formats are available?
The monastery offers online, hybrid, and in-person learning opportunities, making the program accessible to participants who cannot be physically present in Colorado Springs.
Do I need to be Catholic or Christian to participate?
Benet Hill explicitly welcomes everyone regardless of faith background. Their community values curiosity and openness, and they greet all as if they were the Christ — meaning no one is turned away based on belief.
What is spiritual direction?
Spiritual direction is a contemplative practice in which a trained director accompanies another person in exploring and deepening their relationship with the Divine, often through listening, reflection, and prayer.
Are retreats available alongside the training program?
Yes. Benet Hill offers individual and group retreat space in a peaceful forest setting, as well as spiritual direction sessions and counseling for those not enrolled in the formal training program.
