Rock Island|Local Event
Preparing for Christmas A Sacred Rhythm Retreat at Benet House Retreat Center
Event Details
Sacred Rhythm Advent Retreat 2026 at Benet House Retreat Center at St Mary Monastery Illinois.
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.
This overnight retreat is an invitation to step away from the noise and slip into a sacred rhythm of silence, stillness, and holy rest. Together, we’ll create space for God to restore weary places, steady our spirits, and awaken a quiet expectancy within us.
What to Expect
Over these 24 hours, you’ll be guided through a peaceful blend of:
- Sacred silence to settle your soul
- Guided spiritual practices that open your heart to God’s presence
- Unhurried space for journaling, rest, and simply being with God
There is no pressure to perform, participate, or be productive. This retreat is a “sanctuary” - a quiet place to breathe deeply, release what’s heavy, and prepare room for the One who comes to bring hope, peace, joy, and love.
Date and times: Fri., Dec. 11 (4 pm)-Sat., Dec. 12 (4 pm). Doors open at 2 pm.
Retreat leader: Jenny Chadima
Cost: $190 (single room); $175 (double room). Cost includes private room, meals, meeting room, materials and presenter fee.
Registration deadline: Dec. 5
Jenny Chadima is the founder of Radiantly Healthy Faith, a contemplative ministry offering compassionate soul-centered guidance for women through coaching, retreats, and spiritual direction. She is also a published author, and serves as the executive director of Fresh Start Ministries, a non-profit organization providing support and services for individuals during and after incarceration.
About Benet House Retreat Center
Benet House Retreat Center at St. Mary Monastery, Rock Island, Illinois offers a place apart to seek the Holy One for persons of all faiths. Benet House Retreat Center is situated atop a hill overlooking 90 acres of prairie restoration, woods and a lake. Walking paths provide quiet and solitude. Private guest rooms provide sanctuary. Come for guided retreats, silent retreats, personal retreats and a variety of ongoing prayers and spiritual programs or host your own group retreat. Benet House Retreat Center is an anchor of our Midwest region’s spiritual community, and well worth the trip.
Benet House Retreat Center is located less than three hours from Chicago, IL and Des Moines, IA and just one hour from Iowa City, Iowa.
By flight: Quad Cities International Airport is 15 minutes from Benet House Retreat Center.
There are also bus options available from Chicago and other major transportation hubs. Moline, IL and Davenport, IA are the closest major ground transit stops to Benet House Retreat Center.
Rideshare & Taxi Service: Uber and Lyft services and local taxi companies are available in the area.