A Night of Gratitude and New Beginnings: Celebrating Volunteers at St. Paul’s Monastery
2025 Volunteer Appreciation Dinner
On a beautiful spring evening, the Benedictine Sisters of St. Paul’s Monastery opened their chapel and hearts in celebration of something truly sacred: the gift of volunteer ministry. Volunteers, both long-time and new, gathered with the Sisters for a special night of gratitude and reflection that honored their contributions to the Monastery and the Benedictine Center—and looked ahead to a vibrant future of re-energized service.
The evening began with Evening Prayer in the chapel, a cherished moment of stillness and worship. As daylight faded and in the warm presence of the monastic community, volunteers joined the Sisters in lifting up prayers of thanksgiving. The peaceful rhythm of the Liturgy of the Hours was a gentle reminder of the grounding spirit of Benedictine life—the very foundation upon which so much volunteer service is built.
After prayer, guests moved to the dining room for a joyful shared meal, where homemade lasagna and warm hospitality filled the space with laughter, conversation, and community. There was a sense of belonging that radiated from each table—a reflection of the Benedictine value of treating all as Christ.
Reception Desk Volunteers gather for a group photo
Following dinner, volunteers were presented with a meaningful gift: a Benedictine rosary and Jubilee Year of Hope prayer card. This gift, offered with love and appreciation, symbolized both the prayerful roots of the Monastery’s life and the hope that guides its mission forward. It was a tangible expression of the Sisters’ deep gratitude, a daily reminder for volunteers of the sacred partnership they share.
Sister Catherine Nehotte, OSB, prioress of the Monastery, offered heartfelt words of thanks, noting how volunteers bring life to every corner of the Monastery—from tending the gardens and supporting events to offering administrative help, leading tours, and creating a welcoming spirit for guests and retreatants. “You help extend our Benedictine values beyond these walls,” she said. “Your presence, your hands, your hearts—these are part of the way God’s work continues here.”
Volunteers Nancy and Mary Ann share their motivation to gift time and skill at the Monastery.
Sister Linda Soler, OSB, subprioress, echoed these sentiments, reflecting on the countless quiet acts of generosity that sustain the mission every day. “There are things we simply could not do without you,” she shared. “You are companions in our prayer, in our ministry, and in our service to the world.”
Travis Salisbury, Director of Mission Advancement, also spoke, emphasizing the unique and vital role volunteers play in making the Monastery a spiritual home for so many. “Volunteers are not just helpers,” he said. “You are co-ministers of our mission, living out Benedictine values in real and meaningful ways. Your work matters. It makes a difference.”
Volunteer Jennifer Cassidy is a bright light at the Monastery.
As part of the evening’s message, Travis introduced the creation of a Volunteer Engagement Committee—a new initiative designed to reimagine and revitalize the volunteer experience at the Monastery and the Benedictine Center (collaborating with Hill-Murray School through Mutual Blessings). This committee will bring together volunteers and staff to help shape future opportunities, support new volunteer onboarding, and strengthen connections between volunteers and the Sisters.
“We’re at a hopeful turning point,” Travis shared. “The needs are growing. The opportunities are expanding. And we need your wisdom and leadership to help guide the way forward. Whether you’ve served for years or are just beginning, your voice matters. We invite you to join us in this work.”
Sister Louise manages our Library with the help of dedicated volunteers.
The committee’s vision includes more than just filling roles—it’s about creating a culture of shared purpose and spiritual growth, where volunteers are not only serving but also deepening their connection to the Monastery’s mission. It’s about making space for prayerful reflection, leadership development, and mutual blessing between the Sisters and their community.
As the evening closed, there was a quiet but strong sense of renewal in the air. Many volunteers lingered to connect, share stories, and express interest in the committee before heading to the chapel for the service of night prayer (Compline). The Jubilee Year of Hope theme (and the memory of Pope Francis), woven throughout the evening, felt deeply present—a reminder that hope is not just a future aspiration, but something made visible through each generous act of service.
Volunteers are rooted in the prayer life of the Monastery.
In the spirit of St. Benedict’s call to “welcome all as Christ,” the Monastery looks forward to building a stronger, more vibrant volunteer ministry, one rooted in hospitality, prayer, and partnership. With the energy and commitment of volunteers—and the guiding presence of the Sisters—the future is bright with possibility
To all who give their time, their skills, and their hearts to support the mission of St. Paul’s Monastery and the Benedictine Center: thank you. You are a blessing. You are a vital part of our Benedictine story.
If you’re interested in learning more about volunteering or joining the new Volunteer Engagement Committee, please visit www.stpaulsmonastery.org or contact us at development@stpaulsmonastery.org.
Together, we pray. Together, we serve. Together, we carry the light of Benedictine hope into the world.
Volunteer Teresa Kasperick-Postellon appreciating her connection to the mission of St. Paul's Monastery.