The Association of Benedictine Retreat Centers fosters the Benedictine charism in the ministry of retreat work and sponsors a biennial conference.

This association is organized exclusively for the purpose of furthering the mission of Benedictine Retreat Centers. This organization provides resource networking, support, ongoing formation, education and other appropriate means to support this ministry.

Section 1. Membership Qualifications.

A local monastic retreat center shall become a member of the association by paying the yearly membership dues.

Section 2. Classes and Voting.

There shall be one class of membership in this association. Each member attending the biennial conference shall be entitled to vote on all matters presented at the conference. If more than one person from a member retreat center attends the biennial meeting each one in attendance shall have a vote.

Section 3. Meetings.

The meeting will be conducted in the following manner.

1. A biennial conference of the full membership.

2. A business meeting of the full membership during the biennial conference to consider the following agenda items.

a. approval of leadership team members

b. annual dues reviewed and approved

c. site and plans for the next biennial conference

d. other business

3. A meeting of the Leadership Team is convened during the year following the conference to plan the next biennial conference.

Section 4. Leadership Team.

The Leadership Team shall be composed of an Executive Secretary, the director of the host site for the next biennial conference and three to five additional members selected by the Leadership Team and approved by the membership. The Executive Secretary shall be appointed by the Leadership Team.