There are women in various stages of formation at Saint Benedict’s Monastery at this time:
Karen Rose comes to Saint Benedict’s monastery from Manchester, England. Her studies include a BA/MA in philosophy and theology from Oxford University and a PhD in Medical Social Anthropology/Health Care from Keele University/Manchester University. Karen’s work included professor of nursing at Staffordshire University, senior lecturer at University of Central Lanacs, post-doctorate researcher, Manchester University, clinical nurse specialist, Manchester Royal Eye Hospital, nursing fellow, University of Manchester, staff nurse, Leighton Hospital, Crewe and auxiliary nurse, St. Christopher’s Hospice, London. Karen came to know the Sisters of Saint Benedict here in St. Joseph, MN through her experience in the Studium program of the monastery. When asked what interested Karen in exploring religious life she states: “I realized early in life that ‘things’ were not the answer, and have always understood why people might enter religious life. I resisted it for myself for many years; the real influence was my clearer experience and realization that is was not about what I wanted but what God wanted for me.”
Stephanie Hart was called to her vocation as she attended the College of Saint Benedict in St. Joseph, Minnesota, graduating in 2002 with a degree in theology. After college, Stephanie lived in Central Minnesota for about two years, working at the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University. She then moved to Minneapolis where she started a program for massage therapy training and worked part time at an office working with the spiritual development of children. Throughout this, Hart kept thinking about the possibility of a monastic life.What attracted her to the sisters' way of life? "I think it's the primacy of the prayer life - that the prayer feeds their work and then their work feeds the prayer," Hart said. "They aim for that balance. These are women with very full lives."
Julianne Gilbert is from Storm Lake, Iowa, and was involved in a number of activities at St. Mary’s Church. For the past 14 years, she was an administrator at Faith Hope and Charity, a residential center for children with disabilities in Storm Lake. She earned a B.S. degree from the University of South Dakota in education and she formerly taught in Catholic and public schools. Gilbert says, “I chose to discern religious life because I felt the call to give more of my time, effort and prayer to God and to the people of God. I also want to further deepen my personal spiritual life, and Saint Benedict’s has been the perfect place to do so.”
Molly Weyrens grew up in St. Cloud, Minn., and attended St. Augustine’s grade school and Cathedral High School. She received her B.A. from Concordia College, Moorhead, Minn., and her M.A. in 1994 from Saint John’s University’s School of Theology. Her work has included teaching religion at Rochester Lourdes High School in Rochester, Minn., Coordinator of Campus Ministry at the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, Minn., and most recently she served as a Research and Program Assistant with the Companions on a Journey program at the College of Saint Benedict. Her civic activities have included work with the American Cancer Society and serving on the board of the Northern Communities Land Trust in Duluth, Minn. Weyrens looks forward to “being connected to something larger than myself and doing that in the context of a community where the dailiness of prayer and work coexist in a healthy way.”
Sister Trish Dick, from Ellensburg, Wash., is the daughter of Mary C. Norris and the late Linus Dick. Trish grew up in the Catholic faith and later found fulfillment in the evangelical church. In her professional life, Trish was an evangelical minister for 15 years. During her ministry, she felt the urge to return to the Catholic Church and officially did so in 2004. Trish learned of the Benedictine monastic community by way of her sister and brother who attended the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University. The monastic community’s Web site was also helpful. During her affiliation with the community, she conducted a three-month live-in, where she lived, prayed and worked with the Sisters. This gave her the opportunity to learn first-hand about the Sisters’ prayer, work and community life. Trish’s hobbies include quilting, gardening and reading.
Sister Ruth Stanley (left) is originally from Birmingham, Ala., and the daughter of Dorothy Bobo Stanley and the late Dr. Fred Stanley. Before coming to Saint Benedict’s Monastery, Ruth’s professional career included work as a clinical pharmacist, college professor, hospital administrator and spiritual director. She enjoys painting, reading, pottery and nature. After living with the Sisters as a Studium scholar for eight months while writing a book, Ruth began exploring the possibility of becoming a Benedictine Sister.
Sister Beth Wegscheid (above right) is from Wadena, Minn., and the daughter of Vincent and Vera Wegscheid. Beth’s professional career includes psychology and human resources. Hobbies include walking, tennis, reading, crafts and spending time with family and friends. As a student of Benedictines in Wadena and through attending the College of Saint Benedict, Beth was introduced to the Sisters. She began discerning her call to religious life after becoming more acquainted with the Sisters and having participated in the Benedictine Friends Program during her college years.
Our primary work is the search for God in prayer, in community living, and in service to others. Our daily prayer together includes Liturgy of the Hours and Eucharist (Worship Schedule). Communal prayer and individual time for reflective reading of Scripture (lectio divina) are elements at the heart of Benedictine living. The work of service, according to the Rule of Benedict, includes both manual and intellectual dimensions; each member provides service according to her gifts, education, and professional experiences. All of this occurs in the context of building relationships and living in community. The Sisters generally live in small groups, either at the monastery or in homes, where they can share meals, prayer and recreation with other Sisters. Retreats, days of reflection, lectures, concerts, and other cultural offerings provide ample opportunities for continued personal growth.
Women, ages 18-45, who are thinking about religious life are encouraged to take time away from their hectic schedules and spend time at our monastery to become acquainted with Benedictine life and spirituality. The following options are available:
- Scheduled week-end retreats
- Scheduled weeklong experience
- Arrange for an extended visit from a few weeks to a year
- Retreats and programs at the Spirituality Center may also be of interest, call 320-363-7112
While visiting the monastery, women live at the Welcoming House with five Sisters. They participate in the rhythm of prayer, work, study, leisure and community activities at the monastery. The proximity of the monastery to the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University provides easy access to libraries as well as cultural and artistic events. For further information, contact mholicky@csbsju.edu.
If you have other questions, contact
S. Mary Catherine Holicky,
Vocation Director,
at mholicky@csbsju.edu or 320-363-7180.