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
Weekly on Tuesdays: October 20th, 2026
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Lectio Divina is the foundation for Benedictine prayer. Consider making it a steady prayer in your life.
Weekly on Wednesdays: October 21st, 2026
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Join others in a weekly practice of this method for fostering a deeper relationship with God.
2nd and 4th Monday of Each Month: October 26th, 2026
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Read, reflect, pray, and share with other committed Christians seeking to grow through the challenges of Scripture in everyday life.
Weekly on Tuesdays: October 27th, 2026
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Lectio Divina is the foundation for Benedictine prayer. Consider making it a steady prayer in your life.
Weekly on Wednesdays: October 28th, 2026
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Join others in a weekly practice of this method for fostering a deeper relationship with God.
In this special program, reflecting on the life, works and thought of Archbishop Sheen, we have the opportunity to be led to a deeper relationship with God. Renewing and strengthening our relationship with God provides us with inspiration and wisdom to serve all within our daily life.
2nd and 4th Monday of Each Month: November 9th, 2026
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Read, reflect, pray, and share with other committed Christians seeking to grow through the challenges of Scripture in everyday life.
This morning mini retreat focuses on the ancient prayers of the Psalms. Jesus prayed the Psalms, as all Jews did. The Psalms have a rich history and meaning that apply to our lives today. Using the Bible Today journal, we will read articles on an aspect of the Psalms and reflection questions for our discussion.
Savor this silent, directed retreat. Get away and make time to discover how you are connected to the Vine, to Jesus. Meet daily with a spiritual director and reflect on what it means to abide and what is needed to make good fruit.
Meets 3rd Thursdays of the month, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Virtual - All skill levels are welcome to join in the monthly ‘mini-retreat’ focused on connecting with the Divine through poetry.
Enter a sacred rhythm of peace and simplicity at Benet House Retreat Center Quad Cities Taizé Prayer Services. These meditative evenings are marked by gentle chants, short readings and extended moments of silence.
2nd and 4th Monday of Each Month: November 23rd, 2026
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Read, reflect, pray, and share with other committed Christians seeking to grow through the challenges of Scripture in everyday life.
Thomas Merton is a beloved spiritual author, poet, artist, and theologian. During his lifetime, he addressed social and theological issues, as well as everyday life, in ways that still inspire Christians today. In this monthly series, the Mystics podcast, featuring James Finley, is our discussion focus. Finley breaks open Merton's life and several of his writings to help us discover the mystic side of Merton.
We know so little of Mary’s life, only a few passages on Mary are in the Bible. The Gospel of Luke does contain several experiences of Mary. Join this retreat and take 24 hours to ‘hide’ away into the quiet. This is an opportunity to ponder the birth of Jesus, our Savior, through the eyes of His Mother, Mary.
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM, 2nd Tuesdays of each month
This morning mini retreat focuses on the ancient prayers of the Psalms. Jesus prayed the Psalms, as all Jews did. The Psalms have a rich history and meaning that apply to our lives today. Using the Bible Today journal, we will read articles on an aspect of the Psalms and reflection questions for our discussion.
Silence, Stillness, and Holy Rest
24 Hours in Advent
As the Christmas season approaches, our hearts often long for something deeper than the rushed pace and full calendars—something quieter, gentler, and more aligned with the true meaning of Advent: waiting, listening, and making room for Christ.
2nd and 4th Monday of Each Month: December 14th, 2026
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Read, reflect, pray, and share with other committed Christians seeking to grow through the challenges of Scripture in everyday life.
Meets 3rd Thursdays of the month, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Virtual - All skill levels are welcome to join in the monthly ‘mini-retreat’ focused on connecting with the Divine through poetry.
Enter a sacred rhythm of peace and simplicity at Benet House Retreat Center Quad Cities Taizé Prayer Services. These meditative evenings are marked by gentle chants, short readings and extended moments of silence.
2nd and 4th Monday of Each Month: January 11th, 2027
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Read, reflect, pray, and share with other committed Christians seeking to grow through the challenges of Scripture in everyday life.
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM, 2nd Tuesdays of each month
This morning mini retreat focuses on the ancient prayers of the Psalms. Jesus prayed the Psalms, as all Jews did. The Psalms have a rich history and meaning that apply to our lives today. Using the Bible Today journal, we will read articles on an aspect of the Psalms and reflection questions for our discussion.
This yearly retreat provides time for silence, daily Eucharist, an opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, daily spiritual direction, Centering Prayer/Lectio, and a focus on the Sunday Gospel.
Thomas Merton is a beloved spiritual author, poet, artist, and theologian. During his lifetime, he addressed social and theological issues, as well as everyday life, in ways that still inspire Christians today. In this monthly series, the Mystics podcast, featuring James Finley, is our discussion focus. Finley breaks open Merton's life and several of his writings to help us discover the mystic side of Merton.
Meets 3rd Thursdays of the month, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Virtual - All skill levels are welcome to join in the monthly ‘mini-retreat’ focused on connecting with the Divine through poetry.
2nd and 4th Monday of Each Month: January 25th, 2027
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Read, reflect, pray, and share with other committed Christians seeking to grow through the challenges of Scripture in everyday life.
Start your New Year 2027 in a profound, life changing way. Experience a spiritually meaningful weekend meditation retreat in the peaceful environment of Benet House Retreat Center at St Mary's Monastery in Rock Island, Illinois.
2nd and 4th Monday of Each Month: February 8th, 2027
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Read, reflect, pray, and share with other committed Christians seeking to grow through the challenges of Scripture in everyday life.
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM, 2nd Tuesdays of each month
This morning mini retreat focuses on the ancient prayers of the Psalms. Jesus prayed the Psalms, as all Jews did. The Psalms have a rich history and meaning that apply to our lives today. Using the Bible Today journal, we will read articles on an aspect of the Psalms and reflection questions for our discussion.
Pope Francis was passionate about Christ and His Church; an advocate for peace and justice especially to the marginalized; and compassionate towards every person he met. Join Sr. Bobbi for a 3-part series which remembers Pope Francis by reflecting on his writing and papal documents.
Join us at Bent House Retreat Center in the Quad Cities for a 24-hour Taize Retreat during Lent. Absorbing in silent reflection, scripture, meditative music, and simple chants, clears space in our heart to experience the joy and profundity of the Risen Lord in our lives today!
Thomas Merton is a beloved spiritual author, poet, artist, and theologian. During his lifetime, he addressed social and theological issues, as well as everyday life, in ways that still inspire Christians today. In this monthly series, the Mystics podcast, featuring James Finley, is our discussion focus. Finley breaks open Merton's life and several of his writings to help us discover the mystic side of Merton.
Meets 3rd Thursdays of the month, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Virtual - All skill levels are welcome to join in the monthly ‘mini-retreat’ focused on connecting with the Divine through poetry.
2nd and 4th Monday of Each Month: February 22nd, 2027
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Read, reflect, pray, and share with other committed Christians seeking to grow through the challenges of Scripture in everyday life.
Benet House Retreat Center in the Quad Cities will offer a 5-Week Series: The Joy of Service, Inspiration from the Life of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen.
Each week will delve into an area of service in the Life of Archbishop Sheen: Learning, Praying, Teaching, Suffering & Giving.
2nd and 4th Monday of Each Month: March 8th, 2027
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Read, reflect, pray, and share with other committed Christians seeking to grow through the challenges of Scripture in everyday life.
Benet House Retreat Center
Tour Benet House
Explore the Benet House Retreat Center online before planning your visit!
Spiritual Direction
Our Spiritual Directors are happy to meet with you via Zoom or phone call!
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.