Growing Together in Benedictine Hospitality

At the heart of Benedictine spirituality lies a profound and enduring commitment to hospitality, a virtue deeply embedded in the Rule of St. Benedict. For over 1,500 years, Benedictine communities have been places of refuge, prayer, and peace, welcoming all who seek God. At St. Paul’s Monastery, this spirit of openness is not just a tradition but a way of life. The Benedictine Sisters of St. Paul’s Monastery and their Benedictine Center extend an invitation to Christians of all traditions, fostering an ecumenical environment where faith, dialogue, and spiritual growth flourish.

A Benedictine Welcome: Seeing Christ in All

St. Benedict’s Rule famously states, “Let all guests who arrive be received as Christ” (RB 53:1). This simple yet profound directive has shaped the life and mission of St. Paul’s Monastery, where the Sisters embrace people of all Christian backgrounds with open hearts and a spirit of unity. In an age where division can often define religious discourse, the monastery stands as a testament to the possibility of deep communion beyond denominational boundaries.

From Catholics to Lutherans, Anglicans to Evangelicals, Orthodox to seekers who have yet to find a spiritual home, all are welcome to encounter the sacred rhythms of the Benedictine way of life. The Monastery provides a space where differences in tradition become opportunities for learning, dialogue, and mutual enrichment rather than obstacles to unity.

The Benedictine Center: A Hub for Ecumenical Spirituality

Central to the Monastery’s ecumenical mission is the Benedictine Center, a place of prayer, study, and retreat where Christians from diverse traditions can explore the depths of faith together. Through retreats, spiritual direction, and contemplation, the Benedictine Center nurtures a shared commitment to Christ’s call for unity.

Workshops and retreats often draw on varied Christian traditions, featuring speakers and leaders from multiple denominations. Whether it’s a Catholic exploring the wisdom of Protestant theologians, an Evangelical discovering the beauty of Benedictine silence, or an Anglican finding common ground in the Psalms, the Benedictine Center creates sacred encounters where faith traditions intersect in meaningful ways.

Additionally, spiritual direction at the Benedictine Center offers individuals the opportunity to deepen their faith in a nonjudgmental, ecumenical setting. The Sisters and spiritual directors guide people from all walks of faith in discerning God’s presence in their lives, free from denominational constraints but rooted in Benedictine wisdom, values, and practices.

Prayer and Worship: A Common Ground for All

One of the most beautiful aspects of ecumenism at St. Paul’s Monastery is the shared experience of prayer. While the Sisters remain steadfast in their Catholic Benedictine identity, their liturgies and daily rhythms of prayer offer a spiritual home for all who seek a closer relationship with God.

The Liturgy of the Hours, a hallmark of Benedictine spirituality, provides a sacred structure that many Christian traditions find deeply meaningful. The chanting of Psalms, moments of silence, and communal prayers unite those who enter the Monastery’s chapel, reminding all present that the Liturgy of the Hours transcends denominational lines. Many who visit find that these timeless prayers echo the heart of their own faith, regardless of background.

The Eucharistic celebrations at the Monastery also invite reflection on the longing for Christian unity. While sacramental differences remain, the Sisters encourage all guests to participate in the spiritual richness of the liturgy, praying together for the day when all Christians may fully share in one Table of the Lord.

Building Bridges: Relationships Rooted in Love

Beyond formal prayer and retreats, the Sisters cultivate ecumenical relationships in daily life. Friendships with local Christian communities, joint service projects, and shared contemplative experiences deepen the monastery’s commitment to unity in Christ. Clergy from various traditions are welcomed as guest speakers, retreat leaders, and dialogue partners, reinforcing the Monastery’s role as a bridge between Christian communities.

This spirit of welcome is also reflected in the Monastery’s commitment to justice and peace, issues that transcend denominational divisions. By working together in service to the marginalized, the Sisters and their ecumenical partners embody Christ’s call to love and serve the least among us.

A Vision for the Future: Growing Together in Christ

As St. Paul’s Monastery looks to the future, the Sisters remain committed to fostering an ever-growing ecumenical presence. Their hope is not just to welcome guests but to actively build a community where all Christians feel a sense of belonging. By deepening relationships with local churches, expanding interdenominational friendships, and continuing to offer a sacred space for all, the Monastery aspires to be a beacon of hope in an often-divided world.

In the end, the ecumenical spirit of Benedictinism at St. Paul’s Monastery is not about erasing differences but about embracing them in a spirit of mutual respect and love. It is about recognizing that in Christ, “there is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female” (Galatians 3:28), and that our shared faith is far greater than anything that separates us.

For those seeking a place where they can experience the depth of Christian tradition while remaining true to their own faith journey, St. Paul’s Monastery and the Benedictine Center offer a home—a place of peace, prayer, and profound welcome.