Tim Oberholzer

Tim Oberholzer is Executive Director of the Center for Benedictine Life. In addition to managing the operations of the CBL, Tim facilitates in-person retreats and on-line programs. Tim also accompanies others as a spiritual director.

Tim spent five and a half years as a Trappist monk at New Melleray Abbey in Peosta, Iowa.  Deep prayer and reflection led him to leave the community prior to making solemn profession. He moved to Idaho to be closer to his parents, discovering the Monastery of St. Gertrude through a job posting for the innkeeper position at the Inn at St. Gertrude.

Tim earned a business degree from the University of Notre Dame, studied philosophy and theology at the University of St. Thomas, and completed the Stewards of the Mystery spiritual direction training program.

Tim is a widower remarried, a committed runner, and an avid reader.

Upcoming Programs by Tim Oberholzer

Diffusions - Playing with Words: Benedict’s Little Rule for Beginners

March 24, 2026
St. Benedict's "little rule written for beginners" invites us to grow in virtue through intentional living in the ordinariness of life. The text contains numerous themes to inspire and direct individuals and communities in the way of perfection. During these Zoom sessions, we will ponder the Rule of St. Benedict by "playing" with recurring words and themes.  Each month we will examine Benedict's weaving of a different word or theme through the Rule to gain an understanding of his intention and our application.

Diffusions :: The Four Agreements

May 7 - June 25, 2026
This eight-week book discussion will explore don Miguel Ruiz's book The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom. In this weekly journey, our group will meet via 1 1/2 hour Zoom sessions, Thursdays, 6-7:30 pm (Pacific) 9-10:30 pm (Eastern), to share thoughts and impressions of each chapter. The four agreements are: Be Impeccable with Your Word, Don't Take Anything Personally, Don't Make Assumptions, and Always Do Your Best. We will discuss a chapter a week. After discussing the book's seven chapters, we will have a final wrap-up session for a total of 8 conversations.

The Letter : An Intimate Pilgrimage

Also With Cheryl Johnson

October 27 - 31, 2026
On this pilgrimage we will accompany each other on this personal road to Emmaus.  We will begin by finding one “person” (family member, friend, colleague, Saint, God, pet, tree, animal, house, strangers within and without, etc) with whom we will explore on pilgrimage. We will address our letters to this person.  By the end of our pilgrimage, each retreatant will leave with a stack of letters.  Perhaps, ready for mailing or for storing or for continuing the journey.  Each day we will explore a variety of ways to write these letters--expressing gratitude, forgiveness, discord, healing—whatever surfaces and asks for attention.