Sisters of St. Benedict weigh options for activity center in Beech Grove

The Sisters of St. Benedict of Our Lady of Grace Monastery in Beech Grove have decided they can no longer maintain the activity center at the Benedict Inn Retreat and Conference Center so they are open to discussing possibilities with anyone interested in leasing the facility, which has a pool and a gym. (Photo by John Shuaughnessy)

By John Shaughnessy

Do you or your organization have a use for an activity center that has a pool, gymnasium and two conference rooms?

If so, the Sisters of St. Benedict of Our Lady of Grace Monastery in Beech Grove are interested in hearing from you.

While the Benedictine sisters will continue their commitment to spiritual ministry through the Benedict Inn Retreat and Conference Center, they have decided that they can no longer maintain the activity center at the facility.

In sharing this news with the Catholic community, the sisters are open to discussing possibilities with anyone interested in leasing the activity center. The sisters plan to make a final decision regarding the activity center by Dec. 31.

“If no inquiries are forthcoming, all rentals and use of the center building will cease on March 31, 2011, and the demolition of the center building will begin with completion by Dec. 31, 2011,” noted a press release from the sisters.

The sisters stressed that their efforts to serve the spiritual and retreat needs of men, women and children will continue at the main retreat building, which has 43 bedrooms, nine conference rooms, a chapel, a gift shop, a full-service kitchen and dining areas.

“Even though we are dealing with the difficult decision to divest ourselves of the center building, we are so grateful to report that the Benedict Inn Retreat and Conference Center’s spirituality and hospitality ministries are thriving,” said Benedictine Sister Carol Falkner, the administrator of the Benedict Inn.

“As we look to the future, we plan on continuing to serve the people of the archdiocese and greater Indianapolis through our religious programs, retreats, spiritual direction internship program and rental facilities,” she said, “providing a peaceful, prayerful environment for those seeking God.”

The announcement regarding the activity center came after the sisters “seriously engaged in a prayerful decision-making process,” according to Benedictine Sister Juliann Babcock, the prioress.

“Although it’s a difficult choice, we feel it is necessary in order to focus our financial and ministerial resources on spirituality programming,” Sister Juliann noted. “We are interested in talking with any group or person about a collaboration through a lease, but we do have a definite deadline.”

All serious inquiries should be made before Dec. 31 and directed to Sister Carol Falkner at 317-787-3287.

E-mails can be sent to her at carol@benedictine.com. †