Prayer, Work &
Community Living

responding to the needs of
the Church & 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

“Prepare the way of the Lord!” (Isaiah 40:3)

Advent invites us to reflect on our readiness to welcome Christ into the world. This is more than a waiting period for Christmas; it is also a time consider how we bring Christ into the world each and every day. Do we love our neighbor as ourselves? Would we be ready for the Second Coming? Advent isn’t just about waiting; it’s about being ready!

Prioress Karen Rose, OSB

Photo: Advent candles in the Gathering Place

News

Current Haehn Museum Exhibit Will Close Friday, December 22, 2023

The Haehn Museum's current exhibit, "By the Work of Her Hands,"…

Advent Liturgies

You are invited to join the monastic community for Eucharist…

Funeral Arrangements for Owen Lindblad, OSB

Sister Owen Lindblad entered eternal life on Saturday, November…

Artwork by Sister Dennis Frandrup Available for Purchase

Artwork by Sister Dennis Frandrup, master potter and artist,…

Bishop Neary Joins Pope Francis in Calling For Day of Prayer for Peace on October 27

In the wake of violent conflict in Israel and Palestine, Bishop…

Happening at the Monastery

JoeTown WinterWalk at Whitby Gift Shop

The annual Joetown WinterWalk in St. Joseph, Minn., takes place Friday, December 1. Come visit us at Whitby Gift Shop for holiday shopping, coffee and sweet breads, and beautiful music!

Friday, December 1 • 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Enjoy coffee and sweet breads all day.
4:30–5:30 p.m. Music on Đàn Tranh (Vietnamese Zither), Piano and Flute by Sister Kim Tuyen Nguyen
7–8 p.m. Christmas Music on the Harp by Joanna Padden and Friends

Saturday, December 2 • 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Enjoy coffee and sweet breads all day.

Daily Meditation for December 1, 2023

Two friends stand in wonder at the window as the first snowfall claims the barren ground. “Remember when…” launches a flood of childhood stories. Mom makes the family’s favorite dessert. Events of ordinary intimacy such as these bring presence and care into our daily lives. We feel known and significant. Our web of connections widens to people and purposes beyond those that hold us safe and, perhaps, stunted in growth. We feel energized to engage with and give care to others, nature and ourselves. We risk allowing our hearts to expand to bring new ideas, experiences and people into our personal world (Rule of Benedict, Prologue, 49). Touches of ordinary intimacy often tumble unnoticed into our lives daily. Yet they bring grace following upon grace—God’s love and nudges to help fulfill God’s dream for creation (John 1:14). How extraordinary!

By Mary Reuter, OSB