Worship & Liturgy
The Sisters of the Order of Saint Benedict invite visitors to join us for Liturgy of the Hours and Eucharist at Saint Benedict’s Monastery in St. Joseph and Saint Scholastica Convent in St. Cloud. Please contact Saint Benedict’s Monastery at (320) 363-7100 or Saint Scholastica Convent at (320) 251-2225 if you have any questions.
In line with CDC advice, we are asking all guests to wear a mask when attending Eucharist, Liturgy of the Hours or any other gathering with the sisters. We respectfully request your compliance in order to prevent spread of the coronavirus.
Changes to Schedule
You are invited to join the monastic community for liturgies throughout the Advent and Christmas seasons.
Advent Liturgies
Advent Sundays: November 28, December 5, 12 and 19
10:30 a.m. Eucharist in Sacred Heart Chapel
Christmas Liturgies
December 24, 2021 – Christmas Eve
8 p.m. Caroling and Christmas Eucharist
Shepherds’ Reception follows in the Gathering Place
December 25, 2021 – Christmas Day
10:30 a.m. Eucharist in Sacred Heart Chapel
December 26, 2021 – Holy Family
10:30 a.m. Eucharist in Sacred Heart Chapel
December 31, 2021
6–7 a.m. Imagining Peace Prayer in the Oratory
January 1, 2022 – Solemnity of Mary
10:30 a.m. Eucharist in Sacred Heart Chapel
January 2, 2022 – Epiphany
10:30 a.m. Eucharist in Sacred Heart Chapel
January 9, 2022 – Baptism of the Lord
10:30 a.m. Eucharist in Sacred Heart Chapel
Eucharistic Celebration
Saint Benedict’s Monastery Schedule
Sundays: 10:30 a.m. in Sacred Heart Chapel
Tuesdays: 5 p.m. in Sacred Heart Chapel
Thursdays: 5 p.m. in Sacred Heart Chapel
Saturdays: 11:30 a.m. in Scared Heart Chapel
Saint Scholastica Convent Schedule
Please call Saint Scholastica Convent at (320) 251-2225 to check current visiting regulations.
Liturgy Of The Hours
Saint Benedict’s Monastery Schedule
Liturgy of the Hours occurs in the Oratory, which is located in the lower level of the Gathering Place.
Morning Prayer
Saturdays and Sundays: 8:15 a.m. in the Oratory
Guests may join us for Morning Prayer at 7 a.m. on weekdays by arrangement with an individual sister.
Noon Prayer
Monday–Friday: 11:30 a.m. in the Oratory
Evening Prayer
Monday: 5 p.m. in the Oratory
Wednesday: 5 p.m. in the Oratory
Thursday: 7 p.m. in the Oratory
Friday–Sunday: 5 p.m. in the Oratory
Vigil
Saturday: 7 p.m. in the Oratory
Saint Scholastica Convent Schedule
Please call Saint Scholastica Convent at (320) 251-2225 to check current visiting regulations.
What Is The Liturgy Of The Hours?
The primary work of Benedictine monastics is prayer—the “work of God,” as the Rule of Benedict calls it. It is the daily rhythm of public and private prayer that provides the structure and the defining character of Benedictine life.
As Jesus promised, God is present in the community gathered for prayer, and the awareness of that Presence becomes the integrating force in all dimensions of monastic life and ministry. In addition to periods of private prayer and lectio divina (meditative reading of Scripture), the sisters meet together to pray the Liturgy of the Hours morning, noon and evening in the Oratory, below Sacred Heart Chapel, and at the Saint Scholastica Convent chapel.
According to the Rule of Benedict, the Benedictine community meets several times daily to participate in the Liturgy of the Hours. This ancient form of Christian worship consists of hymns, psalms, other passages from Scripture and Christian writings and prayers, interspersed with periods of silent reflection. Through patterned word, music, gesture and silence, we give voice to all creation in praise of God. The Sisters of Saint Benedict welcome you to join them in prayer at Liturgy of the Hours and the Eucharist.
Daily Scripture Readings
For inspiration and to further your study of Benedictine monasticism, we suggest you reflect on the daily readings from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Readings are drawn from the New American Bible, Revised Edition (NABRE), released in 2011. Audio readings are also available on the same page.
Music At The Monastery
Schola
“Schola” is short for Schola Cantorum, the Latin term for a school or group of people who join together to learn and sing ecclesial chant, the song of the church. It is a choir, but one dedicated to the ancient chant tradition, although that’s not the only music they sing. The schola is an integral part of prayer life at Saint Benedict’s Monastery and provides music leadership, as well as inspiration and encouragement to the gathered assembly.
Community Celebrations
When our community holds special celebrations, including wakes, funerals and other liturgical celebrations, you will be able to join us via livestream below.