BPC Facilitators and Spiritual Directors
Katherine D. Frick, Obl.S.B.
I discovered the Benedictine Sisters of Virginia in the early 1990’s when I was
seeking something more in my spiritual life. St. Benedict’s Rule proved to be
exactly what I needed and I have been eager to share the beauty of the Rule ever
since. After more than 14 years of work in parishes, I retired in August 2015. But Benedictines never truly retire; they find new ministries. I am delighted that my newest ministry is as Director of the Benedictine Pastoral Center. Drawing on
Benedictine hospitality and my Native American traditions, I strive to create an
atmosphere of welcome to those who visit the monastery.
Kathy is the Executive Director of BPC. She facilitates retreats and workshops as
well as occasional First Friday presentations. She is a Director of Oblates for the community with Sister
Andrea Westkamp.
I discovered the Benedictine Sisters of Virginia in the early 1990’s when I was
seeking something more in my spiritual life. St. Benedict’s Rule proved to be
exactly what I needed and I have been eager to share the beauty of the Rule ever
since. After more than 14 years of work in parishes, I retired in August 2015. But Benedictines never truly retire; they find new ministries. I am delighted that my newest ministry is as Director of the Benedictine Pastoral Center. Drawing on
Benedictine hospitality and my Native American traditions, I strive to create an
atmosphere of welcome to those who visit the monastery.
Kathy is the Executive Director of BPC. She facilitates retreats and workshops as
well as occasional First Friday presentations. She is a Director of Oblates for the community with Sister
Andrea Westkamp.
Sister Andrea Westkamp, OSB
My first introduction to Benedictine Spirituality was the title of a commentary on the Rule of Benedict: “Preferring Christ”. It intrigued me! I enjoy spiritual direction and facilitating workshops and retreats. Here is where I get the opportunity to share my enthusiasm about the mystery of the spiritual life and the Benedictine Way. At the Benedictine Pastoral Center, I enjoy meeting people of all different faith traditions and walks of life. I hope to respond to the needs of those coming to us.
Sister Andrea facilitates retreats, spiritual direction and teaches the Rule of Benedict. She is also a Director of Oblates for the community with Kathy Frick, Obl.SB
My first introduction to Benedictine Spirituality was the title of a commentary on the Rule of Benedict: “Preferring Christ”. It intrigued me! I enjoy spiritual direction and facilitating workshops and retreats. Here is where I get the opportunity to share my enthusiasm about the mystery of the spiritual life and the Benedictine Way. At the Benedictine Pastoral Center, I enjoy meeting people of all different faith traditions and walks of life. I hope to respond to the needs of those coming to us.
Sister Andrea facilitates retreats, spiritual direction and teaches the Rule of Benedict. She is also a Director of Oblates for the community with Kathy Frick, Obl.SB
Sister Charlotte Lee, OSB
I entered the Benedictine Sisters of Virginia on August 29, 1996. I have been on staff at the Benedictine Pastoral Center for 15 years. I have facilitated Contemplative prayer groups, led workshops, retreats, Scripture Studies, walked with others on their spiritual journey as Spiritual Director for 25 years. I am also Oblate Co-Director of our community.
Seeking God with others, and sharing our Benedictine way of life fills my heart with joy and the inexpressible delight of love.
Sister Charlotte ministers as spiritual director. facilitates the Samaritan Woman Retreat and workshops on Benedictine Spirituality
I entered the Benedictine Sisters of Virginia on August 29, 1996. I have been on staff at the Benedictine Pastoral Center for 15 years. I have facilitated Contemplative prayer groups, led workshops, retreats, Scripture Studies, walked with others on their spiritual journey as Spiritual Director for 25 years. I am also Oblate Co-Director of our community.
Seeking God with others, and sharing our Benedictine way of life fills my heart with joy and the inexpressible delight of love.
Sister Charlotte ministers as spiritual director. facilitates the Samaritan Woman Retreat and workshops on Benedictine Spirituality
Sister Kay Fitzgerald, OSB
I made Perpetual Monastic Profession with the Benedictine Sisters of Virginia
on September 4, 2021. Prior to entering the community, I served in a variety of volunteer positions including Catechist, Retreat Facilitator, Spiritual Director, Ignatian Spirituality Project Facilitator, and I.C.E. Detention Center Chaplain. I
am humbled to share my directees’ individual spiritual journeys. As a victim
of God’s unconditional love, I believe the sacred is found in each person’s story.
As a Spiritual Director I am blessed to listen and hold each story in prayer.
I made Perpetual Monastic Profession with the Benedictine Sisters of Virginia
on September 4, 2021. Prior to entering the community, I served in a variety of volunteer positions including Catechist, Retreat Facilitator, Spiritual Director, Ignatian Spirituality Project Facilitator, and I.C.E. Detention Center Chaplain. I
am humbled to share my directees’ individual spiritual journeys. As a victim
of God’s unconditional love, I believe the sacred is found in each person’s story.
As a Spiritual Director I am blessed to listen and hold each story in prayer.
Carol Semon, Obl.S.B
It is a sacred honor to companion a person on her or his faith journey. Seeing the Holy Spirit work in that person's life is a great blessing. As an Oblate of Saint Benedict, I would like to say, "all are welcome."
Carol serves as a spiritual director and facilitates the Samaritan Woman Retreat.
It is a sacred honor to companion a person on her or his faith journey. Seeing the Holy Spirit work in that person's life is a great blessing. As an Oblate of Saint Benedict, I would like to say, "all are welcome."
Carol serves as a spiritual director and facilitates the Samaritan Woman Retreat.
Charlie Semon, OblSB
Each year, we experience our Lord's birth, ministry, suffering, death and resurrection in the liturgy. He remains present in our lives as He was present to the disciples on their way to Emmaus. Spiritual direction helps us keep the Lord in the forefront of our lives amidst the daily joys and troubles.
Charlie serves as spiritual director at BPC
Each year, we experience our Lord's birth, ministry, suffering, death and resurrection in the liturgy. He remains present in our lives as He was present to the disciples on their way to Emmaus. Spiritual direction helps us keep the Lord in the forefront of our lives amidst the daily joys and troubles.
Charlie serves as spiritual director at BPC
Pat Durkin
I became aware of the nearby Benedictine Monastery in the late 1970’s when two of the sisters came to my Chantilly, VA parish to teach in our vacation Bible school. These sisters were my introduction to the holy, hospitable and diverse Benedictine Sisters of Virginia, and during the last 35 years I have come to know many of them as colleagues through my ministry as a parish director of religious education. As a relatively new spiritual director, I am in awe of this opportunity to share in the spiritual journey of others and to be a part of the Benedictine Pastoral Center. I feel a kinship with the Benedictine charism of hospitality because, for me, being an accepting and welcoming presence
for others is the essence of spiritual direction and my baptismal call to be Christ
in the world.
Pat Durkin ministers as spiritual director and facilitates the Little Rock Scripture Studies.
I became aware of the nearby Benedictine Monastery in the late 1970’s when two of the sisters came to my Chantilly, VA parish to teach in our vacation Bible school. These sisters were my introduction to the holy, hospitable and diverse Benedictine Sisters of Virginia, and during the last 35 years I have come to know many of them as colleagues through my ministry as a parish director of religious education. As a relatively new spiritual director, I am in awe of this opportunity to share in the spiritual journey of others and to be a part of the Benedictine Pastoral Center. I feel a kinship with the Benedictine charism of hospitality because, for me, being an accepting and welcoming presence
for others is the essence of spiritual direction and my baptismal call to be Christ
in the world.
Pat Durkin ministers as spiritual director and facilitates the Little Rock Scripture Studies.
Steve Palmer
I joined the staff of Benedictine Ministries 2006. I have been a teacher of theology and spiritual director as well as giving some retreats. It is a privilege to accompany people in spiritual direction. Watching the wonderful things God does in their lives both in their happiness and sadness strengthens my faith. My training and ongoing experience are available for those interested in a deeper spiritual relationship with God.
Steve does spiritual direction at BPC, is a former director of BPC, and gives occasional talks for the First Friday gatherings. He teaches in the formation program of the monastery. With his wife, Carol, they have fun with their four grandchildren.
I joined the staff of Benedictine Ministries 2006. I have been a teacher of theology and spiritual director as well as giving some retreats. It is a privilege to accompany people in spiritual direction. Watching the wonderful things God does in their lives both in their happiness and sadness strengthens my faith. My training and ongoing experience are available for those interested in a deeper spiritual relationship with God.
Steve does spiritual direction at BPC, is a former director of BPC, and gives occasional talks for the First Friday gatherings. He teaches in the formation program of the monastery. With his wife, Carol, they have fun with their four grandchildren.