Christmas at the Monastery 2026

A New Way to Celebrate Together

As we look ahead to Christmas at the Monastery 2026, I’m excited to share a refreshed and more intentional approach to our largest fundraiser of the year. Since joining St. Paul’s Monastery in September 2021, I’ve had the privilege of supporting many meaningful initiatives, and beginning in 2025, I stepped into leading the planning and organization of this cherished annual event. It’s an honor to continue that work for 2026 and to help shape an experience that brings our community together in new and engaging ways.

This year’s theme, “This Christmas, Let the Heart Listen…” invites each of us into a deeper spirit of reflection, presence, and connection. In the midst of a busy season, this theme encourages us to slow down, listen with intention, and open our hearts to the peace and meaning of Christmas. Whether through prayer, community, or simple moments of joy, we hope this year’s celebration creates space for what matters most.

This year, we are introducing a streamlined structure designed to deepen connection, simplify participation, and enhance the overall experience for our guests.

We will begin with our Advent Retreat, a reflective and prayerful opportunity that supports the Benedictine Center. This retreat will also mark the kickoff of our silent auction on Saturday, December 5, opening bidding for a wide range of exciting items and experiences.

Then, instead of hosting multiple smaller gatherings throughout the week, we invite you to join us for a one-day celebration on Saturday, December 12. Guests can choose the experience that best fits their schedule:

Afternoon Session (2:30–4:30 PM)
Evening Session (6:30–8:30 PM)
Full-Day Experience (2:30–8:30 PM)

For those seeking a more immersive retreat, a limited number of overnight rooms will be available at the Benedictine Center, with the option to stay for Mass and brunch on Sunday morning. Guests should contact Guest Coordinator Paul Tillman in the Benedictine Center at ptillman@stpaulsmonastery.org or by calling (651) 777-8181, extension 146.

The afternoon celebration will offer a warm and welcoming atmosphere filled with Christmas carols, a hot cocoa bar, sweet treats, and cookie decorating for all ages.

In the evening, guests will enjoy dinner, a wine bar, lively trivia hosted by Trivia Mafia, and the exciting conclusion of our silent auction.

Throughout the day, attendees can take part in ongoing activities including silent auction bidding, browsing our marketplace and merchandise offerings, and participating in a hands-on Benedictine spirituality craft inspired by our rich tradition.

This event is only possible through the generosity and support of our community. There are several meaningful ways to contribute:

Silent Auction Donations

We are currently seeking high-quality items such as:

Gift cards to restaurants, coffee shops, and local favorites
Experiences like concerts, theater tickets, or tours
Getaways including hotel stays or cabin weekends
Themed gift baskets featuring food, décor, or hobbies

We kindly ask that all donated items be new. If you are unsure whether your item would be a good fit, I welcome you to reach out. We also offer an Amazon Wish List for easy and direct giving. You may view our Wish List here: St. Paul’s Monastery Christmas at the Monastery Amazon Wish List

Sponsorship Opportunities
Sponsorship levels range from $250 to $5,000 and provide meaningful visibility while directly supporting the mission of St. Paul’s Monastery.

Volunteer Opportunities
We have a variety of roles available, including event setup and takedown, greeting and assisting guests, hosting activity stations, and supporting the silent auction.

If you are interested in sponsoring, donating, or volunteering, I would be glad to connect with you. You can reach me at dpayette@stpaulsmonastery.org or by calling 651-777-8181, extension 405.

Thank you for being part of this special tradition. I look forward to celebrating with you this December as we continue to grow and strengthen this important fundraiser together.