Benet House Retreats
Dear Friends of Benet House,
Peace and greetings! My years as Director of Benet House have been a terrific, rich, and engaging experience. I am grateful for your support, participation, and promotion of Benet House - S. Bobbi, OSB
The Sisters of St. Benedict invite you to lovely Benet House Retreat Center at St. Mary Monastery, Rock Island, Illinois. Built in 2001, Benet House offers a setting of peace, beauty and tranquility.
A place apart to seek the Holy One for persons of all faiths.
Gratitude
After over a decade of service, we are very happy to announce that S. Roberta Bussan, OSB is stepping up from her role as Director to the role of Benet House Mission Coordinator. In this new role she will continue to steer Benet House in flourishing the Mission of the Sisters of St. Benedict at St. Mary Monastery. We are so blessed!
Rachel Griffiths is joining us as Director of Benet House Retreat Center. She brings her passion for helping others on their spiritual journey and a wish to serve, adding to the wonderful group of people who cherish and support Benet House.
Benet House Retreat Center is an anchor of our region’s spiritual community, and well worth the trip.
We invite you to explore Benet House, wherever you may be.
Our Sisters pray daily for our retreats and offer the best hospitality for our retreatants who share a meal or join us in Liturgy of the Hours.
In this confused world we live in it is more vital than ever to offer a sacred place, set apart,
for people to recharge their spirit, refresh their loving intentions and then return to daily life renewed and inspired.
All Are Welcome
We provide a wide selection of retreats. Thank you for taking the time to discover them in our monthly listing.
Check our website often as new retreats are frequently posted.
Benet House wants everyone desiring to experience a retreat to be able to participate. We have the Benet House Ministry Fund to make sure this happens. This scholarship assistance is due to the generosity of the Sisters. Inquire about this when registering for a retreat. We ask only you pay as able, and we will cover the remaining cost.
Thank you to the many individuals who care for Benet House.
Gratefully,
Benet House Staff:
Rachel Griffiths, Benet House Director, who joined the staff in July 2026.
S. Roberta Bussan, Benet House Mission Coordinator
Sr. Jackie Walsh, Benet House Administrative Assistant
Prayer leaders:
Linda Clewell, weekly Lectio Divina
Carol Mizeur, weekly Centering Prayer
Ancillary staff that enables Benet House to operate:
Christine Thornton, Housekeeping Coordinator
Dustyn Stage, Maintenance Engineer
Susan Albertson, Food Service Manager
Current Retreats
Benet House Retreat Center
Tour Benet House
Explore the Benet House Retreat Center online before planning your visit!
Private Retreats
Pricing, accommodations, and more for personal or group retreats.
Spiritual Direction
Our Spiritual Directors are happy to meet with you via Zoom or phone call!
Outreach Programs
Benet House can help you plan a retreat that serves the community.
Retreat Testimonials
“Many thanks for your hospitality. It was a blessing to spend time here – to walk the meadow and pray with the sisters.”
“I always feel at home when I’m here and miss you when I am gone. This place and your folks have a piece of my heart.”
“This time was restorative for my body, mind and spirit. It was a creative and spiritually produce experience. Thanks so much.”
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Retreats Team
Sr. Bobbi Bussan -
Mission Coordinator
Sister Bobbi Bussan, OSB, served as Subprioress of St. Mary Monastery and Director of Benet House Retreat Center for over 10 years, and holds a Masters of Religious Education from St. Meinrad School of Theology. She has been a member of the Sisters of St. Benedict, St. Mary Monastery since 1979 and also serves as Co-Chair of the American Association of Benedictine Retreat Centers.
Sr. Jackie Walsh - Administrative Assistant
Sister Jackie Walsh, OSB, serves as Administrative Assistant at the Benet House Retreat Center, and holds a Bachelor of Science from Illinois State University. She has been a member of the Sisters of St. Benedict, St. Mary Monastery since 2008 and earned her Certificate in Spiritual Direction from the Spiritual Guidance Training Program in Racine, WI.
Rachel Griffiths -
Director
Rachel Griffiths is the new Director at Benet House Retreat Center. She is a previous Benet House Advisory Board Member and has spent the last 9 years living at an International Retreat Center in Upstate NY. With an extensive education and training background in Faith, Health and Mental Wellness she looks forward to serving at Benet House.