A Message of Hope and Video Blessing from the Sisters of St. Paul's Monastery

Dear Friends of St. Paul’s Monastery,

Hopefully this message finds each of you well. Please know that your health and safety is of utmost concern to us. This was an important factor in our decision to close the Monastery to the public earlier this month in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. We continue to hold you—our dear ones, the community, and the world in our prayers.

Even though the Monastery is not able to accept guests at this time, the work of the Sisters has not stopped. The Sisters in Healthcare still receive the support and care that they need. Many staff members presently work from home, continuing to spread the Monastery’s message of hope out into the world.

A BEACON OF HOPE

As we find our way forward in this unprecedented time, our world has never been more in need of hope and and reassurance. Throughout history, monasteries have served as beacons of light, hope and faith. This hope helps to remind us that our current challenges do not have the final word. The approaching Easter rituals remind us that when Jesus Christ died on the cross, hope was not lost—instead Christ rose from the dead! Yes, death died, and hope lives! We are Easter people—no matter how circumstances may seem, we have a blessed assurance of victory in Christ. Together, let us strengthen our hope so that we all may become beacons of hope to the world.

PRAYERS AND PETITIONS

Prayer and Community are the cornerstones of the Benedictine way of life. Every day, the Sisters of St. Paul’s Monastery enter sacred space to pray the Liturgy of the Hours at 8:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. for the needs and intentions of the whole world. Throughout the day our Community of Sisters, as well as Associates and Oblates, also pray their personal prayers. We invite you to join us in prayer from your home, as we lift our voices in unity to God. Feel free to add your prayer requests by using our simple online form or call us at: 651-777-8181.

PRIORESS DINNER UPDATE

Given the uncertainty of when it may be safe to congregate again, we have made the decision to cancel the Prioress Dinner. Instead, this time of social distancing will be used to plan an event for when we can once again celebrate together. We recognize times are financially challenging for many right now, but if you are able to donate and help us continue to be a beacon of hope in the world, we are so very grateful. Simply click here to donate now.

STAY CONNECTED

We are developing additional ways to provide virtual experiences, such as prayer online with the Sisters, Taizé, Lectio Divina, etc., to build a community of hope. Stay tuned! In the meantime, be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and on our website. We would be happy if you joined us in an online conversation to spread gratitude—and to be a Beacon of Hope.

BLESSING

In the meantime, we hope you will be graced by this special blessing sung by the Sisters especially for you! (Click here to listen to the blessing.)

We are so grateful to each and every one of you for your friendship and your support. Please continue to pray for us, as we pray for you.

Blessings,

Sister Catherine Nehotte, Prioress