General Information
"All guests are to be received as Christ.”
(Rule of Benedict 53:1)
Our Benedictine charism overflows into the ministry of hospitality, supported by a deep desire to share with others the peace of Christ. In 1976, this desire found expression in the establishment of a retreat ministry on the grounds of Sacred Heart Monastery. For over thirty years, the ministry of the Benedictine Sisters Retreat Center in Cullman, Alabama has grown steadily as men and women, old and young, Protestant and Catholic, find their way to Sacred Heart. Some guests arrive seeking solitude for personal spiritual renewal. Others gather for community faith sharing. Some choose to attend one-day programs and luncheon meetings. Still others participate in overnight events of varying length. Annually, the Retreat Center welcomes and serves over 2,000 retreatants and guests.
As a ministry sponsored by the monastic community, the Sisters remain actively involved in the day-to-day activities that give the Retreat Center its own unique character. Currently, Sister Thérèse Haydel, OSB, Director, and Sister Elisabeth Meadows, OSB, Associate Director, serve as the administrators of the Retreat Center. They are supported by Sister Janet Marie Flemming, OSB, Prioress, and an Advisory Board made up of Sisters, clergy, and laity. The Retreat Center Team assists the Director as a collaborative group to discuss, propose, and evaluate the various programs offered by the Retreat Center. Other Sisters are involved as spiritual directors and retreat leaders. Community members also eagerly assist guests who join the Sisters for the Liturgy of the Hours and Eucharist in the monastery chapel. Most importantly, the Sisters hold all of our guests and their intentions in prayer during their time with us.
Retreat Center Staff
Sister Thérèse Haydel, OSB
Director
Sister Elisabeth Meadows, OSB
Associate Director
Stephanie Cupp
Office Manager
Cheryl Dye
Head of Housekeeping
and Food Service
Quick facts
- Located one hour north of Birmingham in the Northern Lakes area of Alabama, approximately three miles east of Interstate 65 - click for printable driving directions (pdf)
- Over 200 acres of landscaped areas, pasture, and woodland
- Two dorms containing 68 beds in 29 rooms
- Two meeting rooms, each seating at least 50
- Two dining rooms, each seating at least 50
- Access to the monastic chapel for liturgy with the Sisters and for private prayer during the day
- Benedictine Sisters on staff are available for orientation to our liturgical prayer and our monastic way of life.
- Group tours of the monastic chapel and public areas of the monastery can be arranged.
- Member of the Association of Benedictine Retreat Centers
Benedictine Sisters Retreat Center
Cullman, Alabama
(256) 734-8302
retreats@shmon.org