Benedict Inn Retreat & Conference Center
For peace of mind, body & spirit
History
The Benedict Inn Retreat & Conference Center, housed in the former Our Lady of Grace Academy, opened in 1981, and was founded on the 5th century teachings of Benedict of Norcia, Italy. In The Rule of St. Benedict, Benedict provided a guideline for those seeking happiness and spiritual fulfillment through a search for God in the ordinary aspects of daily life - eating, sleeping, working, praying - all performed in moderation. In effect, Benedict endorsed a balanced life. He also believed spiritual progress depended on finding Christ in each person. As a result, his directive to "Let everyone who comes be received as Christ" flowered into the hospitality for which all Benedictine monasteries are now known. From these values of moderation, hospitality, and diversity sprouted our mission. We offer a variety of programs for people of all ages and faiths, as well as exceptional rental facilities for use by a diverse roster of organizations for their own programs. In this way, we reach out to the community with our hospitality and encourage the growth of our guests through opportunities for spiritual, emotional, intellectual and social interaction.
Meet the Administrative Team
Sr. Jennifer Mechtild Horner, OSB
Administrator
Prior to her role as Administrator of the Benedict Inn Retreat & Conference Center, Sister Jennifer Mechtild Horner, OSB served as Prioress of Our Lady of Grace Monastery. She was born in Zambia, raised in South Africa, and at 15 years old, her family immigrated to the United States. Sr. Jennifer served as Chaplain and Director of the Lantz Center for Vocations and Formation at University of Indianapolis, and Vocation Director and Director of Ongoing Formation for her community. Sr. Jennifer loves the Benedictine way of life and feels blessed that God has called her to a monastic life. In her free time, she enjoys reading, hiking, and camping. Sr. Jennifer nourishes her artistic side creating pottery and drawing, using the prayerful art of Zentangle.
Sr. Sheila Fitzpatrick, OSB
Director of Facilities
Sister Sheila Fitzpatrick, OSB, has been a Benedictine Sister for over 20 years. She is a Master Naturalist, Tree Steward and Aldo Leopold Educator, and has led efforts at Our Lady of Grace Monastery in caring for creation. Sister Sheila initiated and led the project to create the Peace & Nature Garden at the Benedict Inn and works closely with the Archdiocese of Indianapolis and the Beech Grove community on numerous environmental initiatives. She enjoys reading and spending time in nature.
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Bev Hansberry
Director of Spirituality
In July, 2020 Bev Hansberry began serving as our Director of Spirituality. Her responsibilities include managing the Spiritual Direction Internship program here at the Benedict Inn. Bev holds a BS in Education and Masters in Pastoral Ministry with an emphasis in Spirituality. She has been a spiritual director since graduating from SDI in 2008, and is a retreat leader. Bev and her husband John are members of St. Pius X Catholic Church. She enjoys the outdoors, especially gardening and hiking. The joy of her life are her six grandchildren and her sweet puppy, Otis.
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Patty Moore
Assistant to Director of Facilities & Programming
Patty Moore serves as the Assistant to the Director of Facilities & Programming at the Benedict Inn. She is a Spiritual Director, having completed the Spiritual Direction Internship (SDI) Program through the Benedict Inn. Patty also serves as an Oblate of Our Lady of Grace Monastery and she co-facilitates many programs and workshops at the Benedict Inn. She is an active member of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Franklin, Indiana. In her free time, Patty enjoys spending time with her family and friends, working in her garden, traveling, cooking and reading.