There are moments when the life of the Monastery feels especially visible—when prayer, community, and shared purpose all come together in a simple, human way. Our recent Volunteer Appreciation Evening was one of those grace-filled moments.
Twenty-eight volunteers joined the Sisters for 5:00pm Evening Prayer, stepping into the daily rhythm that grounds everything here. It was a quiet but powerful reminder: before anything we do, we gather to listen—to God, to one another, to the deeper call that brings us together. The presence of our volunteers in the chapel was not just appreciated; it was meaningful. You could feel the Spirit working in and through the community gathered together at prayer.
Following prayer, we moved into the dining room for a festive dinner filled with conversation, laughter, and genuine connection. Sister Catherine Nehotte, our prioress, welcomed everyone warmly and offered the table grace, setting a tone of gratitude that carried throughout the evening.
Travis Salisbury, director of mission advancement, had the opportunity to offer a few words of thanks, but more than anything, he named what we see so clearly: our volunteers are not simply helping with tasks or filling roles. They are sharing in the life of this community. Their presence—at prayer, at events, in quiet acts of service—matters deeply. And it’s something we hope they continue to return to again and again through their volunteer ministry.
Sister Linda brought the evening to a beautiful close in the dining room. With her characteristic warmth, she invited each volunteer to introduce themselves and share how they offer their time and gifts. What followed was one of the most meaningful parts of the night—story after story of why people come, what keeps them connected, and how this place has become part of their lives. It was honest, generous, and deeply moving.
But the evening didn’t end there.
Volunteers were then invited to join Hill-Murray students, along with their families and friends, for the annual student art reception and awards. The energy shifted in the best way—moving from reflection to celebration. Volunteers mingled with students, engaged with the artwork, and experienced firsthand the creativity and talent of these young artists.
More importantly, it became another lived moment of what we call Mutual Blessings. The Monastery and Hill-Murray School are connected in ways that continue to grow and deepen, and this was one of those moments where that connection felt tangible. Conversations between generations, appreciation for beauty, and a shared sense of purpose all unfolded naturally throughout the gallery.
Evenings like this remind us why we place such value on relationships over transactions, presence over productivity. Our volunteers are not on the edges of this community—they are its heart.
To each of you who joined us (and for those who couldn’t): thank you. For your time, your generosity, your presence, and your willingness to be part of something that is, at its core, about listening with the ear of the heart.
We’re grateful—and we look forward to welcoming you back home at the Monastery, often.
