Retreats and Conferences

The Spirit of Monastic Hospitality

In the spirit of monastic hospitality, the Sisters of Saint Bede Monastery welcome you to Saint Bede Center. The Center offers a wide variety of retreat opportunities, including facilities for ecumenical retreat, workshops, seminars, meetings, and private reflection or study.

The Saint Bede Center, located in the wooded countryside of Central Wisconsin, just beyond the city limits of Eau Claire, is one of the most peaceful places imaginable for a meeting, workshop, seminar, or retreat. And we should know. we live there!

But don't take our word for it. go on a virtual tour of Saint Bede Center.

A variety of sizes and types of meeting rooms are available:

Fireside lounge

Meeting rooms

From a cozy lounge with fireplace, to modern and efficient, larger and smaller rooms; Saint Bede has the facilities to accommodate your group.

Meeting room capacity for 150

Food service capacity for 100 (refreshments/coffee, light snack, full meal)

Overnight accommodations for 30

In addition to group hosting, Saint Bede Center warmly welcomes private individuals or groups who wish to make arrangements for spiritual direction, private retreats, or staff-directed retreats. Contact the Saint Bede Center to make arrangements with a staff member for spiritual direction.

For a list of our most current program offerings, click here.

For more information about Saint Bede Center, its programs and scheduled activities, contact Sister Judith Kramer, OSB, Director, at (715) 834-8642.

Comments from recent visitors to Saint Bede Center

"Saint Bede is a place to retreat to with all the comforts and coziness of home. The peaceful setting gives us the feeling of being far from civilization and being close to God."
~ Lynette Schulz Peace Lutheran Church, Eau Claire, Wisconsin

"Our first choice of facility for a planning session is Saint Bede Center. Our school district has used the Center on numerous occasions and has never been disappointed in the accommodations, arrangements or food. The Center is a quality operation which meeting the needs of their customer with warmth and cooperation.all the components for a successful day!"
~ Hjordy Wagner Eau Claire School District Planner, Eau Claire, Wisconsin

"Saint Bede Center has become an invaluable meeting place in the northeast region of the diocese. Because of its location, the Center provides an ideal setting of hospitality, comfort, and quiet. The staff and facilities provide our group with the perfect ingredients for reflection, relaxation, and restoration."
~ Mr. Robert Lecheler Director of Catechetics, Diocese of LaCrosse, Lacrosse, Wisconsin

"Newman Community has enjoyed a long and happy association with the sisters and staff of Saint Bede Center. Each year our parish gathers several times at the Center for prayer, study, and reflection. The sisters and staff offer the unique blend of hospitality and professionalism. As in so many things, it is the people who mark our experience. The people at Saint Bede have continually brought us back"
~ Father George R. Szews Pastor of the UWEC Newman Community, Eau Claire, Wisconsin

"Saint Bede is a center of beauty. The tranquility of nature and her changing seasons envelop the love and support one will find within the center. Whether I am at Saint Bede to present a workshop or there for my own personal retreat, the experience inspires and soothes me. But, the most beautiful thing about being at the center is the warmth, love, and care one receives from the sisters and staff. Just being at Saint Bede is always a special retreat."
~ Lee Hilfiker Certified Expressive Arts Therapist, Private, Practice, Eau Claire, Wisconsin

Sisters Announce Lenten Series And Holy Week Evening with Rev. John Heagle

Lent 2008 programs, a Benedictine-led Tuesday evening series held at Saint Bede Center, will be followed by the Monday of Holy Week Evening of Reflection with Rev. John Heagle.

Fr. Heagle, widely known in this area, has led many spiritual programs at Saint Bede Center. He is co-director of Therapy and Renewal Associates (TARA), a counseling and consultation resource in the Pacific Northwest. An author books on spirituality, he is a licensed psychotherapist and adjunct professor at Seattle University's Graduate School of Theology and Ministry.

Tuesday evening series (7 to 8:30 p.m.) - All are welcome to join us!
Feb. 12 - Lent 2008 – History and Hope with Sister Judy Kramer
Feb. 19 - The Gospel of St. Matthew with Sister Margaret Michaud
Feb. 26 - Listening for the Spirit with Sister Michaela Hedican
March 4 - Renewing the Faith through the Sacraments and Saints with Rev. John Hogan
March 11- Healing and forgiveness with Sister Monica Mai

Holy Week Evening of Reflection, Monday, March 17 - 6:30 - 9 p.m.
5 p.m. Evening Praise and 5:30 p.m. dinner are optional -
Dying and Rising with Christ - Preparing to Celebrate the Sacred Triduum with Rev. John Heagle.

Tuesday evenings series - $5 each program or $20 for all five. Cost for the Evening of Reflection is $15; $24 with dinner. Registration is due by March 4. To register or for more information, contact the Center, PO Box 66, Eau Claire, WI 54702-0066, or call (715) 834-8642, fax (715) 834-4292, or email us at center@saintbede.org.