When you become a member of Monasteries of the Heart you receive free weekly practices that can help you develop a monastic spirituality—prayer, lectio (reflective reading), good works, study and community. You also receive free inspirational words each week from three monastic blogs, including one by Sister Joan Chittister. And you join a worldwide community whose members discuss meaningful issues and are intent on impacting the times.
Member login
In addition to new weekly content, Monasteries of the Heart offers regular online courses, retreats and book discussions. While some of this curriculum content is free, many of the courses and retreats have a small fee. Courses and retreats usually include several emails a week, exclusive video or audio content and a facilitated discussion. Click here to see all available offerings. You must have a free membership and be logged in to register for and access courses and retreats.
Course or Retreat in session now
Instruction on monastic spirituality and way of life is essential if members of Monasteries of the Heart are to carry forward and keep alive the ancient Benedictine tradition.
Initial Monastic Formation for New Members
Study based on the book
The Monastery of the Heart by Joan Chittister
A Gentle Invitation
In her book, Insights for the Ages, Sister Joan explains that the Rule of Benedict "is not concerned with a single time and place, a single set of devotions, or a single ministry...
Next Course or Retreat to be offered
Four to six courses and retreats are offered each year at Monasteries of the Heart. This is our next online offering.
Prayer is the cornerstone of Benedictine life–but what does it really mean to pray? What should we bring to prayer, and what might we expect to gain from praying?
For years, spiritual directors have suggested that seekers consult Joan Chittister’s book Breath of the Soul: Reflections on Prayer, for enlightening and challenging reflections for an adult prayer life. Topics include prayer routines and when to abandon them, prayer that transforms, and what it means to offer a prayer of blessing. Now, several of these reflections are available in this new Monasteries of the Heart eCourse. >>>FULL DESCRIPTION
eCourse runs February 18 – March 8
Why is prayer the cornerstone? View our short video on monastic prayer.