Now Hiring
Benet House Director
POSTED AUGUST 28, 2025
Benet House Retreat Center is owned and operated by the Sisters of St. Benedict at St. Mary Monastery, Rock Island, Illinois. It is located on 90 acres with walking paths, a wooded area, a lake and an abundance of wildlife. Benet House is seeking a full-time Director who is responsible for all operations, including programming retreats throughout the year.
Benet House ‘welcomes each person as Christ’ (RB) and is open to all faiths. The applicant must have at least 3 years’ experience in retreat ministry and open to a flexible schedule to accommodate retreats.
Applicants must submit a cover letter along with their resume. The cover letter should speak to your qualifications and leadership experience. Please send to:
Sr. Roberta Bussan, OSB
Director of Benet House Retreat Center
2200 88 th Ave. W.
Rock Island, IL 61201
Or email to: rbussan@smmsisters.org
Current Retreats
Benet House Retreat Center
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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
Pictured here: Lorene Knobbe, Sr. Jackie Walsh, and Sr. Bobbi Bussan
Sr. Bobbi Bussan - Director
Sister Bobbi Bussan, OSB, serves as Subprioress of St. Mary Monastery and Director of Benet House Retreat Center, 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.
Lorene Knobbe - Assistant Director
Lorene Knobbe is the Assistant Program Director at Benet House Retreat Center. She also serves as a spiritual director.