The Benedictine Community of the Holy Savior was founded on September 29, 1997. The primary purpose of the Community is to provide an opportunity for individual spiritual growth in a contemplative community that offers an experience of prayer, worship, study, and Christian fellowship in the Benedictine tradition.
The Community, open to both men and women, comes together twice a month (first and third Mondays, August through early June, with the exception of Labor Day). The Community chants Vespers and Compline (both in Gregorian Chant in English); does a group form of Scripture reading and discussion called Engaging Scripture (a more modern version of an ancient Benedictine form of meditating on Scripture); studies and discusses books on Benedictine spirituality and the Christian life; and forms personal and spiritual bonds.
The Benedictine Community of the Holy Savior, which currently has about 20 members, is multi-denominational and open to all Christians, both lay and ordained. At the present time, Community members represent about eight different denominations.
Community meetings start at 6:30 p.m. on first and third Mondays in the Sudie George Chapel at First Presbyterian Church, 1835 Young Street, Dallas. The schedule is as follows:
6:30 p.m.–Informal Social Time and Announcements (chapel)
7:00 p.m.–Chanted Vespers (Gregorian Chant in English in the church)
7:30 p.m.–Engaging Scripture (chapel)
8:00 p.m.–Study and Discussion of Benedictine spirituality (chapel)
8:45 p.m.–Chanted Compline (Gregorian Chant in English in the church)
Anyone interested in further information can e-mail dallasbenedictine@yahoo.com. In the words of St. Benedict, “All guests are to be welcomed as Christ,” and the Community would be delighted to welcome you.