This monastic experience will continue the teaching of the two

books, Thoughts Matter and Tools Matter. The “Tools” are the ways

to deal with the eight afflictive thoughts as taught by John Cassian that are obstacles to prayer. The “Tools” are for ordinary consciousness of God’s presence in our midst. Humility Matters, Sister Mary Margaret’s new book, will provide a clear presentation on the fruits of being on the other side of the eight afflictions. Humility is what others see of one’s purity of heart. This week will be an opportunity to practice guarding the heart, manifestation

of thoughts, Jesus Prayer, The Little Way, colloquy, manual labor, The Emptiness Practice of the Cloud of Unknowing. While living in a monastic culture of practice and dialogue, we will pick up one practice a day concentrating on “doing” it rather than “talking” about it.  Silence will be the teacher throughout the retreat.

Teachings:

• Silence as a Practice to Learn the Four Renunciations
• First Renunciation
• Second Renunciation: Thoughts of Body, Mind and Soul
• Benefits of Afflictions
• Third Renunciation:  Renounce Thoughts of God
• Ways of Prayer and Praxis to Remove Obstacles to Prayer
• Fourth Renunciation:  Self-made Thoughts of God
• Humility

Benefits to you:

* Reflect in a monastic setting with other lay seekers on your personal practice and the

        tools that sustain a contemplative life

* Learn the Christian tradition of practice

* Experience help in fostering your relationship with God and apostolic love for others

* Share the journey with others going the same way but on differing paths.

* Be with wise elders and others who teach less by words than by example

* Be a recipient of the prayers of the Sisters of St. Benedict who keep all participants in

        their daily intentions

* The retreat will be silent from Sunday night till Thursday supper

* Sacrament of Reconciliation available with Father Matthias Neuman, OSB

* Spiritual Direction and teachings with Sr. Antoinette Purcell, OSB, Theresa Maloney

        Schoen, Sr. Odette Leger, SC and Julie Villieu-Thompson

Proposed Schedule

Saturday, August 4, 2007

1-5 PM     Check in

5:15 PM   *Evening Prayer

6 PM        Dinner

7 PM        Introductions/Overview of          

                   Humility Matters

8:30 PM   Compline

Sunday, August 5, 2007

6:30 AM   Centering Prayer

7:30 AM   Breakfast

9AM         *Morning Prayer

10 AM      Teaching

11 AM      Mass

12 N         Lunch

3:00 PM   Teaching

4:30 PM   Centering Prayer

5:15 PM    *Evening Prayer

6 PM        Dinner

Monday-Thursday, August 6-10, 2007

6:30 AM   Meditation Centering Prayer

7:30 AM   Breakfast

8 AM       *Morning Prayer/Mass

9:30 AM   Teaching

11 AM      Individual Conferences

12 N         Lunch

2:30 PM   Teaching

4:30 PM   Centering Prayer

5:15 PM    *Evening Prayer or Mass

6 PM        Dinner

7 PM        Tues: Confession             

                Thurs:  Concert Sr. Mary Sue

Friday, August 10, 2007

6:30 AM   Meditation Centering Prayer

7:30 AM    Breakfast

8 AM        *Morning Prayer/Mass

10:30 AM   Evaluation/Closing session

12 N           Lunch/departure

*with monastic community of Our Lady of Monastery

Fee: The retreat is $430 and includes a non-refundable deposit of $150 due with your registration.  If you wish to stay an additional night, the cost is $35 which includes dinner and breakfast.  Commuter: $325. 

Register by calling (317) 788-7581.  Deadline: July 2, 2007 

Future dates for School of Humility

January 5-11, 2008

August 2-8, 2008