Spiritual Formation

A primary Benedictine value is that of conversatio, or ongoing conversion of life, with the aim of growth “in love of God and neighbor in life and ministry” (Co-Workers in the Vineyard, p. 38). Practices of prayer and reflection, rooted in the Word of God and the sacraments, and aimed at a life of paschal service and a living union with Christ and the Church, form a central core of student life at Saint Meinrad.

Eucharist
The Eucharist is the backbone of the communal prayer at Saint Meinrad, reflecting the rhythms of the liturgical seasons and gathering lay degree students and seminarians, faculty, staff, administration and others for the prayer of the Church and the celebration of the Paschal Mystery of Christ.

During the fall and spring semesters, Eucharist is celebrated daily in St. Thomas Aquinas Chapel. Students also have opportunities to join the monks for Mass in the Archabbey Church and to plan their own weekend Masses in St. Thomas Aquinas Chapel on a regular basis.

Reconciliation
The sacrament of Reconciliation is available regularly during the fall and spring semesters and upon request from any priest faculty member. Twice during the year, there is a communal celebration of the sacrament.

Prayer
Saint Meinrad School of Theology encourages students to be intentional about setting aside regular times for communal and individual prayer. Throughout the year, students may join the monastic community in the Archabbey Church for Morning Prayer, Eucharist, Noonday Prayer and Vespers.

In St. Thomas Aquinas Chapel during fall and spring semesters, Morning Prayer is prayed in common, and there are other weekly opportunities for Benediction, Eucharistic Adoration, communal rosary, Evening Prayer and Exposition. Once during the fall semester and on Ash Wednesday, the entire School community devotes a full day to prayer.

All students are invited to adopt rhythms and methods of personal prayer suitable to their temperament and life situation, and workshops are available to help students discern the most helpful ways for them to pray.

Retreats
Students are encouraged to make retreats on a regular basis, and Saint Meinrad’s Archabbey Guest Houseand Retreat Center offers an array of retreats. With some exceptions, conference fees for retreats at Saint Meinrad are waived, although students are responsible for charges related to housing and meals.

Spiritual Direction
Spiritual direction helps students discern the presence of the Holy Spirit in the classroom, in worship and prayer, as well as in the personal and communal experiences of daily living, both mundane and extraordinary. Students are encouraged to meet regularly with a spiritual director. Although Saint Meinrad cannot guarantee a director for all students, the director of lay degree programs can help students find a suitable spiritual director, either in one’s home diocese or at Saint Meinrad.

Spiritual Formation Program
Saint Meinrad offers a spiritual formation program that aims to help students learn more about the spiritual traditions and practices of the Church, discern their own vocational calling and spiritual temperament, and deepen their theological reflection, personal prayer and public worship.

The program includes weekend workshops, small-group theological reflection and faith sharing, retreats, self-reflective writing projects, spiritual direction and mentoring. Students who successfully complete all required elements of the program may earn three credits toward their graduate degree.