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

We are now in the season of Eastertide, the period lasting from Easter to Pentecost which we’ll celebrate on May 24. It’s a time to spend reflecting on the mystery of the Resurrection and its promise that death is not the end. May these weeks bless you with glimpses of the light that flows from our Risen Savior and reassure you that in the midst of conflict, violence and darkness, there is hope.

With trust in Christ’s promises,

Prioress Karen Rose, OSB

News

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Happening at the Monastery

Grounding Our Emotions During Tough Times • June 6, 2026

How can we stay grounded in our experience, more fully realizing that God accompanies us during tough times? We will explore the Benedictine practice of stability by learning to practice self-compassion, knowing that “Where I am is where God is for me.”

Date: Saturday, June 6, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Facilitator: Becky Van Ness, OblSB

Limit: Minimum of 5, maximum of 10 participants

Fee: $60 (includes noon meal)

Daily Meditation for April 17, 2026

Hold still . . . Stand still . . . Sit still . . . Many of us heard these two-word instructions when we were young children, perhaps before taking our first steps. Hearing is one thing; obeying is quite another! By their nature, toddlers are on the move—growing, learning, changing, exploring. It is why, for a parent, gently rocking a child to sleep is such holy ground. And why watching a sleeping child in the stillness of night is a relief and a blessing! What if we “grownups” could re-imagine ourselves as children resting in the arms of our God who loves us more than we could ever know? God does not harshly call us to hold still. Rather, as the psalmist tells us, God invites us to be still . . . Be still and know that I am God (Psalm 46:11). Each day, if only for a minute, be still and let God gaze on you with love. In that sacred space and very short time, you will be changed.

By Mary Stommes, OblSB