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.
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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.
“The deepest source of hope is the God of Isaiah,” wrote the great peacemaker Daniel Berrigan. This hope permeates Isaiah’s vision of peace. Hope that swords can be beaten into plowshares. Hope that the lowly will be raised and tyrants will descend from their thrones. Hope that all shall live together in peace upon God’s holy mountain. Writings of the prophet Isaiah resound with hope throughout the Advent season.... Who better to lead us on our Advent journey than a prophet who tasted God’s longing for nonviolent transformation? Who better to kindle our flame of Advent hope than one who remained faithful to God’s vision of peace through doubt and despair? This four-week eCourse runs December 1 to 28. >>>FULL DESCRIPTION