As an Associate
Would you like to be a Benedictine Associate?
The Sisters of St. Scholastica
Monastery invite you to
experience monastic life by living
with them in Community.
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Are You a Woman Who
- Would welcome a time apart to deepen her spirituality?
- Is at a crossroad in her life and needs time to discern which path she should take?
- Desires to experience the rhythm of life in a monastic community?
- Has thought about religious life and would live with our Community for a period of time?
Ministry Opportunities
Work/ministry assignments are based on the Associate’s experience, interests, talents, and the needs
of the Monastery and the Duluth area, for example,
A Benedictine Associate
- is 21 years of age or older (or at least a junior in college) without dependents
- has a desire to experience Benedictine monastic life
- is in good physical health
- will be responsible for personal expenses (room and board are provided)
- has a willingness to commit to a specific period of time (6 months to one year or longer)
- will provide three letters of recommendation from her pastor or spiritual guide, work superior, and work colleague or friend
- has a personal (or telephone) interview with the Director of Benedictine Associates
- submits an autobiographical essay
Benefits of the Program
- Participation in daily Eucharist and Liturgy of the Hours
- Opportunities for spiritual growth, e.g., days of prayer and recollection, spiritual direction if desired, and time for personal prayer
- Interaction with the Sisters of St. Scholastica Monastery
- Opportunities to attend music, theatre, and lecture series at The College of St. Scholastica and to participate in educational and spiritual programs.
Community Life
- Live in private rooms in an area reserved for Associates
- Join the monastic Community at daily Eucharist and the Liturgy of the Hours
(Morning, Midday, and Evening Prayer)
- Share meals with the Sisters in the Monastery dining room
- Enjoy leisure activities with the other Associates and the Sisters.
Former Associate – now Sister -
Gretchen worked in the Sisters’ library.
 Sue, Virginia, and Sharon volunteered their time and many abilities as Benedictine Associates.
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Benedictine Associates Maurita and Katie
enjoying the view from the rooftop
next to their fifth floor apartment.
Benedictine Associate Hillary
and Sister Armella at the
Information Desk
Associate Joan volunteered at
St. Mary’s emergency room and at
CHUM, an outreach for the poor.
Associate Sue worked on
iconography.
Associate Mary in the rhubarb patch;
she also assisted with photography.
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 Sister Martha Bechtold, OSB
Director, Benedictine Associate Program
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For more information contact:
Sister Martha Bechtold, OSB
St. Scholastica Monastery
1001 Kenwood Avenue
Duluth, MN 55811-2300
(218) 723-6521
smbechtold@duluthosb.org
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