Our CommunityMinistries
Peace and Justice
Trying always to be like Christ, we stand beside and advocate for the disenfranchised members of the global community. We pray, support, write letters, and serve on boards within organizations that advocate for the poor. In these ways we work to promote peace and justice in the world.
Jim Soderberg, Executive Director of CHUM, listens from the doorway as Sister Lois Eckes, Prioress of St. Scholastica Monastery, and John Miller, Executive Director of Duluth Habitat for Humanity, dedicate and bless four new apartments of the RUAH Project. The RUAH Project (Rehabilitating Urban Affordable Housing) is a collaborative effort among CHUM (Churches United in Ministry), St. Scholastica Monastery, and Duluth Habitat for Humanity.
Proceeds from the annual Duluth Rhubarb
Festival go to CHUM (Churches United in Ministry) whose work is to serve the the very lowest income members of the community. Sister Mary Paul is shown here with the breads, teas, and jams she makes from the rhubarb that Sisters grow and harvest in the Monastery Rhubarb Patch. Other Sisters donate handmade items such as quilts, woven tapestries, and framed artwork.
"St. Benedict's concern for the poor inspires my work with CHUM (Churches United in Ministry), a Duluth organization that responds to the needs of the homeless and poor. My membership in Pax Christi Duluth (an outgrowth of the Monastery's peace and justice committee) provides an opportunity to address the issues of poverty, inequality, war, racism, sexism, and lack of concern for ecology."
— Sister Maria Volk, pastoral ministry in Central Hillside, Duluth/ Chair of Pax Christi Duluth
Benedictine Sisters (above), along with volunteers, guests, and new residents, unite in blessing Alicia's House. Alicia's House (below) is an apartment building of multiple efficiency units dedicated to homeless women who are struggling to develop self-reliance and stabililty in their lives.
