No. Though Benedictine Spirituality is rooted in the Catholic Tradition, it is firmly ecumenical and encourages interfaith community building. Benedictine CARE does not bring forward any discussion on theology, Bible study, church doctrine of any kind (from any religion), or on comparative theology (the differences between Western and Eastern Traditions). Benedictine CARE is only a space to explore internal silence and how to be curious about our humanly-complicated relationship with the Divine. We sit, we listen with the ear of heart, and let each individual’s story unfold, uniquely and privately to them. Then we play with what to do in the kitchen, which meal ideas make getting out the door easier, and how we are going to stay active when we’d rather not!

Contemplative practices in Benedictine Spirituality have the sole purpose of nurturing one’s relationship with the Beloved (the Divine, God, source of Love, whatever name is right for you). Psychological mindfulness and meditation practices provide valuable relaxation and stress management techniques, and though contemplative practices might also indirectly result in these benefits, it is not the aim. The difference is based on one’s aim with their practice. To be a contemplative practice, the sole aim is to nurture your relationship with the Beloved.

Benedictine CARE is for individuals that want to bring their spirituality into an active role in their wellness, even if they don’t really know what that means or how to do it. As one member said, “I am spiritual, I just don’t know what to do with it.” In Benedictine CARE, we explore “what to do with it” together. Benedictine CARE is also for those who find that learning with others deepens their own experience.

No. Benedictine CARE is an ongoing wellness program. It has ongoing open enrollment allowing individuals to join when the time is right for them. We will also add new group meeting times as the waitlist requires. Benedictine CARE is created out of the monastic tradition of Community to strengthen individuals’ formation and learning through ongoing support, group study, and companionship. The duration of participation will be unique to each individual.

Once you enroll, you immediately get new navigation menus on the Benedictine Wellness website. You get instant access to the member areas which include “Program Materials” and “Benedictine CARE Community Forum”. In the “Program Materials” area, you will be given the list of chapters. When you click on a chapter, you are provided PDFs to download (just like chapters of a book). These materials provide education, goals, and other resources. It is a very simple and comfortable process.

There is only the group option for Benedictine CARE. The group meetings are an essential way that Benedictine Spirituality is woven into the program. The Benedictine Tradition is rooted in formation happening through Community. Through this community experience, individuals share and learn the process of consistently making desired lifestyle changes. Many feel that health is personal and that dietary changes are individual choices and to be done independently; we eat and care for ourselves and then we connect to the community. But this is the very vulnerability that we see in clinical practice; the lack of connection to others with similar intentions inhibits long term adherence to health goals. This is where the Benedictine value of Community will be supportive.

As mentioned in the previous question, at enrollment you select your primary core Monthly Group Meeting (the time that works best most months; In-person and Zoom available). Any month you need to miss your primary meeting, you are encouraged and welcome to attend an alternative meeting time. No notice is needed; members have access to all Zoom links.

Individual, private consultations can be a helpful complement to the program. Benedictine CARE members are encouraged to schedule individual meetings as/if needed.

A guiding principle in CARE is that goals, rate of progress, and rate of weight loss are determined by the individual. Number of pounds lost, the rate at which they are lost, and the duration for how long they stay off, as is true of any lifestyle, is determined by the individual and their personal choices and their own personal wellness journey. Benedictine CARE is a guide and resource on that journey, not a mandate of changes that must be made. Therefore, every single person will have different results, as it should be. You can read more about how to set a personal rate of weight loss goal here: https://www.benedictinewellness.com/weight-loss-goals/

The Benedictines have a long and important role in providing healthcare services to their communities. Hospitals and senior care facilities are landmark initiatives that we are excited to build upon. In these existing healthcare systems, the practitioners (doctors, nurses, and techs) and administrators are taught Benedictine values and bring that essential presence to their care. However, Benedictine CARE is excited to teach the individuals themselves, those responsible for making the long-term changes, these powerful Benedictine values to see how they might assist them in their daily lives.