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

“October is a hallelujah! reverberating in my body all year round…” (John Nichols)

May you be blessed by this October’s “hallelujah!” and share its reverberations with our wounded world.

Prioress Karen Rose, OSB

News

Funeral Arrangements for Sister Dolores Super

Sister Dolores Super entered eternal life on September 28, 2026.…

Bread for the World Letter-Writing Campaign • Sunday, October 11, 2026

The annual Bread for the World letter-writing campaign will be…

Sisters Nancy Bauer and Tamra Thomas Attend CIB Symposium

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

Sister Jeanne Marie Lust Featured as CSB+SJU’s Alumnae Volunteer Spotlight

Sister Jeanne Marie Lust was featured on the College of Saint…

Happening at the Monastery

Empty Bowls: A Gathering of Hope • Saturday, October 10, 2026

You’re invited to join Saint Benedict’s Monastery for Empty Bowls: A Gathering of Hope on Saturday, October 10, 2026. This community event will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the parking lot across from The House Food and Tap in St. Joseph, Minn.

An Empty Bowls celebration provides attendees the opportunity to “purchase” a bowl handcrafted by local potters and artists and enjoy a shared meal of locally made soups and breads. There are no set prices; attendees are asked to donate what they can. All proceeds will benefit the St. Joseph Community Food Shelf. Last year’s inaugural Empty Bowls event attracted more than 300 people and raised a grand total of $6,452.81 for the Food Shelf!

Daily Meditation for October 5, 2026

October can be a wonderful month. Trees are changing into bright shades of red, orange and yellow. Farmers are completing the gathering of crops and people are enjoying comfort foods, such as fresh apples from our trees and a variety of pumpkin-flavored treats. It is the time of year when we reap what was sown and we are grateful for the earth’s bounty. While Oktoberfest is celebrated by many, the month of October is also observed as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. So while we may be celebrating Oktoberfest in a variety of ways, let us also remember those who might be suffering from breast cancer or any other terminal illness. May we live this month in gratitude for all the gifts it sets before us and offer special prayers and support for those who may be suffering from cancer and other terminal illnesses.

By Mary Weidner, OSB