History of the Monastery
Rooted in history and guided by faith, explore the history of the monastery from its humble beginnings to its lasting impact in prayer, education, and service.
The Rich History of St. Paul’s Monastery
A Legacy of Faith, Service, and Adaptation
The story of St. Paul’s Monastery is one of faith, resilience, and service, deeply rooted in the Benedictine tradition and shaped by the evolving needs of the world. From its humble beginnings in the United States to its present-day ministries, the Monastery has remained steadfast in its mission to pray, serve, and foster community, adapting to new challenges while preserving its spiritual foundation.
Pioneering Beginnings in the United States
The Benedictine Journey
The journey of the Benedictine Sisters in America began in the early 1850s, when a group of pioneering women, led by Mother Benedicta Riepp, left Germany to establish monastic communities in the United States. These early Sisters faced incredible hardships—language barriers, financial struggles, and inadequate food and shelter. Yet, their unwavering commitment to prayer and service laid the foundation for a thriving Benedictine presence in America.
Their perseverance led to the creation of several convents, including the Monastery of St. Benedict in St. Joseph, Minnesota. Over time, the Benedictine community grew exponentially, establishing schools, hospitals, homes for the elderly, orphanages, and missions—both in the United States and abroad.
The Founding of St. Paul’s Priory
Where St. Paul's Began
By 1947, the Benedictine community at St. Joseph, Minnesota, had grown to over 1,200 Sisters, far exceeding the ideal size for a Benedictine “family-oriented” community. Pope Pius XII encouraged the establishment of smaller, independent priories, leading to the creation of St. Paul’s Priory in 1948, with 178 Sisters.
The Priory’s first home was 301 Summit Avenue in St. Paul, where the Sisters lived in extremely tight quarters, relying on donations and divine providence. Despite the hardships, they embraced their mission, staffing 18 parish schools throughout the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis.
Expanding Ministries
Education, Healthcare, and Social Services
As the community grew, so did the scope of their ministries. The Sisters played a crucial role in education, not only in parish schools but also in specialized institutions. One of their most ambitious projects was the founding of Archbishop Murray Memorial High School in 1958, later merging with Hill High School to form Hill-Murray School.
Beyond education, the Sisters dedicated themselves to healthcare and social services. From 1960 to 1987, they staffed the Winsted Hospital and Home, while also managing the much larger St. Therese Home in New Hope, a 200-bed facility for the elderly. Their commitment to compassionate care extended to orphanages and homes for children, including St. Joseph’s Home for Children and the Catholic Boys Home in Minneapolis.
In addition, the Sisters provided vital support to clergy and laypeople, working in retreat houses, kitchens, and administrative roles at Jesuit and archdiocesan facilities.
Building a Permanent Home
The Move to Larpenteur Avenue
By 1960, St. Paul’s Priory had grown to 228 members, and the space at Summit Avenue was no longer sufficient. The Sisters envisioned a new home that could accommodate their prayer life, community needs, and growing ministries. After acquiring land adjacent to their newly built high school, they began construction of a modern monastery on East Larpenteur Avenue.
The move in January 1965 was a monumental task, requiring the help of volunteers and a fleet of trucks and vans. Once settled, the Sisters resumed their daily rhythm of prayer and work, continuing their legacy of education, healthcare, and service.
Adapting to Change
The Transition from Priory to Monastery
The 1960s and 1970s brought dramatic changes to religious communities worldwide. Many Sisters left religious life, reducing the number of active members at St. Paul’s Priory. Despite these challenges, the community persevered, shifting its focus toward spiritual direction, retreat work, and lay ministry.
In 1996, the Priory officially became St. Paul’s Monastery, reflecting its autonomous status. This transition marked a new era, where the Benedictine Center, housed within the Monastery, became a vital spiritual hub for laypeople.
The Benedictine Center
A Beacon of Hospitality and Spiritual Growth
Founded to share monastic wisdom with the wider world, the Benedictine Center welcomes individuals seeking personal retreats, spiritual direction, and contemplative experiences. With a deep commitment to hospitality and renewal, the Center offers workshops, quiet days of reflection, and opportunities for community engagement.
The Oblate program also flourished, inviting laypeople to live by Benedictine values while maintaining their secular lives. Today, over 180 Oblates remain deeply connected to St. Paul’s Monastery, engaging in prayer, study, and service.
In Recent Years...
A Commitment to Service
Maple Tree Childcare and Ministry of Moms Sharing
Recognizing the needs of working families, the Sisters established the Maple Tree Childcare Center in 1991. Located on Monastery grounds, it provides faith-based early childhood education and has remained a vital resource for local families.
Another hallmark ministry was the Ministry of Moms Sharing (MOMS), a national initiative supporting mothers and caregivers. Since its launch in 1986, MOMS has touched the lives of over 500,000 participants, fostering spiritual growth and community connection.
The Present and Future
Embracing Mutual Blessings
Today, the Sisters of St. Paul’s Monastery continue their mission of prayer and service, despite a declining number of vocations. As they plan for the future, they are embracing a new initiative called “Mutual Blessings”, a partnership with Hill-Murray School to ensure that Benedictine values remain alive for generations to come.
This initiative focuses on:
- Sustaining Benedictine spirituality through retreats, education, and outreach programs.
- Ensuring lifelong care for the Sisters while preserving the sacred grounds of the Monastery.
- Strengthening the connection between the Monastery and Hill-Murray School, creating a spiritual hub for students, faculty, and visitors.
Through shared resources and mission alignment, the Sisters aim to preserve their legacy while continuing to impact lives through faith, education, and hospitality.
A Lasting Legacy of Faith and Service
A Journey From The Past To The Years Ahead
For over 75 years, St. Paul’s Monastery has been and continues to be a place of prayer, hospitality, and transformation. From the Sisters’ early struggles to their expanding ministries, the Sisters have continually responded to the needs of their time, embodying the spirit of St. Benedict’s call to seek God in all things.
As St. Paul’s Monastery and the Benedictine Center move into the future, the commitment remains unchanged: to serve, to pray, and to share their Benedictine charism with the world. Through new partnerships, continued hospitality, and unwavering faith, the Sisters—in partnership with so many—ensure that St. Paul’s Monastery will remain a sacred place of renewal for generations to come.