Mission, Vision, & Values of St. Paul's Monastery & the Benedictine Center
St. Paul’s Monastery and its ministry, the Benedictine Center, are deeply rooted in the Benedictine tradition, guiding individuals and communities toward spiritual growth, hospitality, and service.​
Mission
The mission of St. Paul’s Monastery is to live the Gospel values as expressed in the Rule of St. Benedict. Through monastic life and wise stewardship, the Sisters, with Oblates, Associates, and Benefactors, nurture contemplative presence in service of the Church and society. ​
Vision
The Sisters envision a wide and loving community that embodies Gospel values through the Benedictine way of life—both for monastics and non-monastics—fostering a contemplative presence that serves both the Church and the broader society.
Core Values
The Rule of St. Benedict
Central to the community’s life, the Rule of St. Benedict invites individuals to open their hearts to God, recognize their responsibilities in the world, and prioritize living in search and service of God, placing nothing above the love of Christ. Read more about the Rule of St. Benedict here.
Mission
The Benedictine Center shares the monastic heritage of St. Paul’s Monastery with all who seek to live with the Gospel as their guide.
Vision
The Center serves as a sacred threshold between St. Paul’s Monastery and the wider world. It creates a space for individuals to experience peace of mind and spirit, forming a “school for the Lord’s service” in the tradition defined by St. Benedict. Flourishing within a monastic community, it bears witness to the power of hospitality, conversation, and mutual service. Through prayer, study, and discernment, the Center guides people in developing a contemplative heart open to the Gospel’s message and discovering God’s presence at their core.
Core Values
Dedicated To Our Values
St. Paul’s Monastery and the Benedictine Center are dedicated to living and sharing the Gospel values through the Rule of St. Benedict. Our mission, vision, and values reflect a profound commitment to community, prayer, hospitality, and service, offering a sacred space for all who seek spiritual growth and connection.
The Future of St. Paul’s Monastery: Mutual Blessings
The future of St. Paul’s Monastery is one of faith, continuity, and shared mission, guided by the spirit of Mutual Blessings—an evolving partnership between the Benedictine Sisters and Hill-Murray School. As the Sisters discern how to steward their legacy and ministries, they are embracing new ways to ensure the continuation of monastic life, spiritual formation, and service to the broader community.
At the heart of this vision is the commitment to sustaining Benedictine values well beyond the lifespan of the monastic community itself. This includes expanding Benedictine Center services to enrich student retreats, adult faith formation, and alumni engagement, creating a spiritual hub for all who seek reflection and renewal. The Monastery grounds, including the chapel, cemetery, and labyrinth, will continue to serve as a sacred space for quiet retreat and contemplation, preserving the monastic spirit of peace and hospitality.
Through Mutual Blessings, the Monastery is ensuring the Sisters receive lifelong care, maintaining the Maple Tree Childcare Center, and strengthening Benedictine spiritual formation programs for Oblates, Associates, and the Hill-Murray community. By sharing resources, services, and mission, St. Paul’s Monastery and Hill-Murray will create a thriving Benedictine legacy of faith, education, and service, a mutual blessing for generations to come.