Spirituality Resources
SPIRITUAL DIRECTION
Spiritual direction, sometimes referred to as spiritual guidance or spiritual accompaniment, is a relational process where a qualified guide helps another person grow in their relationship with God, facilitating a deeper awareness of God's presence and guidance in their life.
Some people meet with a spiritual director on a regular basis to become more attuned to God's presence and to respond more fully to that presence in their life. Others may reach out on a short-term basis for guidance or support at particular or critical moments of their life
Sisters trained in spiritual direction are listed below. Click on a sister's name for additional information. Suggested offering is $50/session.
Sister Rose Ann Kolbas
Sister Rose Ann Kolbas received her training and certification in spiritual direction from Shalem Institute in Washington, DC.
Sister Marian Wehler
Sister Marian Wehler completed the Spiritual Guidance Program offered by Shalem Institute in 2011.
Sister Rosanne Loneck
Sister Rosanne Loneck has served as a Spiritual Director since completing her training at the Shalem Institute in 1989.
Sister Colleen Leathley
Sister Colleen Leathley earned a Certificate in Spiritual Guidance from Shalem Institute in Washington DC in 2024.
RETREAT LEADERS
Do you need a retreat or workshop leader? Email [email protected] for options, or contact one of these sisters.
Sister Anne McCarthy
Monasteries of the Heart and Benetvision director, Sister Anne McCarthy holds a MA in Theology from St. John’s University, Collegeville in monastic studies and completed Shalem Institute’s program, “Leading Contemplative Prayer Groups and Retreats.”
Sister Mary Ellen Plumb
Sister Mary Ellen Plumb is a member of the Monasteries of the Heart and has spent her professional life in secondary education as a Social Studies teacher, Director of Campus Ministry, Director of Discipline and Counselor. In these roles, she spent a good part of her time facilitating the spiritual and communal development of young people on high school and college levels.
Sister Marian Wehler
Sister Marian Wehler, OSB, is co-director of Catholic Rural Ministry in the Oil City, PA, deanery of the diocese of Erie where she offers retreat and reflection days for parishes, youth groups, prisoners and an outreach program to the poor.
Sister Elizabeth Oettel
Sister Elizabeth Oettel, was Associate Director of Religious Education for the Diocese of Erie (Eastern Vicariate), where she was responsible for the education, training and spiritual enrichment of parish religious education leaders and catechists.
MONASTIC EXPERIENCE PROGRAM
Explore your life questions by living with our monastic community for 6-12 months. In the Benedicta Riepp Monastic Experience Program you will immerse yourself in a daily rhythm of • prayer • work • outreach to the marginalized • communal life • hospitality • peace and nonviolence.
BECOME A BENEDICTINE
The face of permanent members of monastic communities has changed over the centuries. In our time many people seeking permanent membership are professional women who long for a life that follows the Gospel of Jesus. They come from varied backgrounds and share the common desire to seek God and change the world.
Contact Vocations Team (Sisters Elizabeth Oettel and Mary Ellen Plumb)
MONASTERIES OF THE HEART
Monasteries of the Heart is a new form of Benedictine life for our time. It is a monastic movement for lay people designed to respond to the great hunger and thirst for spirituality that exists in today’s world.
Visit Monasteries of the Heart
OBLATE WAY OF LIFE
If you desire to
— deepen your relationship with God, with others and with yourself
— ground your spirituality in values based on simplicity, respect, hospitality, and reverence for all life
— enter into a distinct relationship with others and want to be sustained by others on a similar spiritual path
Read more here
