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

Welcome, Pope Leo! Our prayers are with you. Alleluia!

Prioress Karen Rose, OSB

News

Funeral Arrangements for Sister Rose Mary (Edane) Kuklok

Sister Rose Mary (Edane) Kuklok entered eternal life on May 18,…

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost Elected as New Pope

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The Passing of Pope Francis

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Sister Nina Lasceski Featured on Minnesota Catholic Podcasts

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Haehn Museum Opening for 2025 Exhibit “With Lamps Still Burning” • March 19, 2025

The Haehn Museum's 2025 exhibit, "With Lamps Still Burning,"…

Happening at the Monastery

Benedictine Reflections on Belonging • Monday, June 23, through Thursday, June 26, 3–4 p.m. Daily

During challenging times, nurturing a sense of belonging can offer a path forward. In these four sessions, we will explore three building blocks of belonging: relationship with self, with the created world, and with other humans. We will explore some Benedictine-inspired tools: Trinitarian self-compassion (self-honesty), healthy humility, and life together as a schola (school for discipleship). Our shared reflections will be a meaningful step in healing the divisiveness in the world today.

Dates: Monday, June 23, through Thursday, June 26

Time: 3–4 p.m. daily

Facilitators: Becky Van Ness, OblSB, and Nancy Weldon

Becky is a spiritual director and retired director of the Graduate Certificate in Spiritual Direction program at Saint John’s School of Theology and Seminary.

Nancy earned a Master of Divinity degree from the Saint John’s School of Theology and serves on the Board of Regents. 

Fee: $40

Daily Meditation for May 20, 2025

Today we observe the feast day of St. Bernardine of Siena, a 14th century Italian priest. Several online sources of Catholic saints relay that Bernardine was known for his inspiring and engaging preaching, despite suffering from a speech impediment. Rather than relying on a strong voice and eloquent speech, he based his words on honoring the presence of the Holy Spirit within. He taught, “Seek first of all the kingdom of God, serve others, and practice first what you teach. By this means, the Holy Spirit will guide you and give you wisdom and words that no adversary can overcome.” This example became a powerful inspiration that may be helpful to us today. At that time in Italy, the national government lacked leadership, so warring conflicts between neighboring cities were a serious problem. Inspired by Bernardine’s preaching, people reconciled individually, and entire cities put an end to their conflict with other cities. Fittingly, Bernardine is the patron saint of communications and public relations.

This brief review of a saint’s life brings us full circle with other inspirations. Do you know the joyful little melody that goes with these words? “Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and God’s righteousness. Then all these things will be added unto you. Alleluia! Alleluia!” If you do, it will happily stay with you all day! And if you’re lacking confidence in finding the right words to say in a situation, a prayer to St. Bernardine might help!

By Stephanie Palubicki, OblSB