Prayer, Work &
Community Living

Responding to the needs
of the Church and the world

Our Mission

We, the Sisters of the Order of Saint Benedict in St. Joseph, Minn., are a monastic community of women who seek God in our daily lives according to the Gospel and the Rule of Benedict. Through our ministry of prayer, work and community living, we listen and respond to the needs of the Church and the world.

Prayer Requests

As a Benedictine monastic community, a significant part of our mission is prayer. Is there someone or something you would like us to pray for? You’re invited to share your special intentions with us. You will be remembered during our daily prayer of Liturgy of the Hours, and your request will be shared on a community bulletin board seen by the sisters every day.

It is our privilege to pray for you. God bless you!

Message From the Prioress

Please pray for Pope Leo and the many people throughout the world who have received a cancer diagnosis. May the Holy Spirit strengthen and support them and all those involved in their treatment and care.

Prioress Karen Rose, OSB

News

Give to the Max 2026 • Thursday, November 19, 2026

Give to the Max 2026 takes place Thursday, November 19, 2026.…

All Hallow’s Eve Procession to the Monastic Cemetery • Saturday, October 31

Every year on All Hallow’s Eve, the monastic community participates…

Holiday Sales at the Art and Heritage Place and Saint Scholastica Convent

Experience the Christmas spirit early at the Art and Heritage…

Second-Annual Empty Bowls Event Raises $6,800 for St. Joseph Community Food Shelf

Our second-annual Empty Bowls: A Gathering of Hope event raised…

Sisters Nancy Bauer and Tamra Thomas Attend CIB Symposium

In September, Sisters Nancy Bauer and Tamra Thomas attended the…

Happening at the Monastery

Pilgrimage for All Saints and All Souls Day • Monday, November 2, 2026

Beginning at the Spirituality Center, join us on a sacred journey as we reflect on the “saints” in our lives to celebrate All Saints and All Souls Days. The pilgrimage will take us around sacred spaces on the campus of Saint Benedict’s Monastery. You are welcome to join us for Midday Prayer and a noon meal following the pilgrimage.

Free will offering accepted. Optional noon meal is $12.

Date: Monday, November 2, 9:30-11:15 a.m.

Facilitators: Bridgette Powers, OSB, and Hélène Mercier, OSB

Limit: Minimum of 5 participants

Registration closes Wednesday, October 28.

Monastic Cemetery

Daily Meditation for October 29, 2026

Have you ever wondered about the origin of the electric light bulb? 145 years ago today, Thomas Edison shared with the world his successful invention of the electric light bulb. This invention took years of patient experimentation by Thomas and included many failures. The invention of the electric light bulb has allowed us to have the darkest night be like day. This evening, try turning on an electric light with you heart full of prayerful gratitude for this marvelous invention. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if each time I turned on a lamp or light in the house during the night, its light would remind me of God’s gifts given to us for our benefit? Thomas Edison was blessed with an inquiring mind which led him to an invention which continues to benefit all of us to this day. Thank you, God. Thank you, Thomas Edison.

By Joyce Iten, OSB