Celebrating the Heart of Service: Honoring Volunteers at St. Paul's Monastery and the Benedictine Center
As the earth awakens in springtime and nature reflects the beauty of renewal, April gives us a unique opportunity to honor a group of individuals whose presence and contributions have quietly and consistently helped our community grow in spirit, compassion, and purpose—our volunteers.
Volunteer Appreciation Month is a time to pause and reflect on the profound impact of those who generously offer their time and gifts to St. Paul’s Monastery and the Benedictine Center. These volunteers are not just helpers—they are companions in our shared mission, living out the core Benedictine values that have shaped our community for generations.
Rooted in Benedictine Values
At the heart of Benedictine life is a simple yet profound principle: ora et labora, prayer and work. This rhythm of life—rooted in community, humility, hospitality, and service—guides every aspect of life at St. Paul’s Monastery and the Benedictine Center. Our volunteers embody these values in every act of kindness, in every shared task, and in the countless unseen moments that make our community a place of sacred encounter.
Stability, one of the core Benedictine virtues, reflects a deep commitment to place and people. Our volunteers demonstrate this in their faithful presence—returning week after week, year after year, to serve wherever they are needed. Whether welcoming guests at the front desk, tending to the beauty of our grounds, assisting in liturgical ministries, or supporting retreat programs at the Benedictine Center, their constancy is a quiet but powerful expression of love.
Hospitality, another foundational Benedictine value, is practiced with open hearts and welcoming smiles. Volunteers at the Monastery and Center create spaces of comfort, peace, and inclusivity. They greet each person not as a stranger, but as Christ—extending the warmth and generosity that St. Benedict himself called for in his Rule.
Humility, the hallmark of a true servant leader, is lived out in the way volunteers serve without seeking praise. They understand the sacredness of service—how even the smallest act, done with love, becomes a prayer. It is in the cleaning of common spaces, preparing for guests, organizing events, or simply listening to someone in need that they reflect the humility of Christ.
Community, the core of Benedictine life, is strengthened by the presence of our volunteers. They are an integral part of the Monastery’s living fabric, bringing their diverse gifts to create unity and purpose. They laugh with us, pray with us, serve with us, and grow with us.
And finally, service—not just as a task, but as a calling. Our volunteers remind us that we are all called to be stewards of love in action. Their dedication inspires us to look beyond ourselves and see the face of God in every encounter.
A Deep and Lasting Impact
Over the years, the contributions of volunteers have shaped the daily life and long-term mission of both the Monastery and the Benedictine Center. From helping with administrative tasks and hosting guests, to assisting in special events and spiritual programs, volunteers have helped us extend our ministry in ways that would simply not be possible without them.
Their support has allowed us to deepen the spiritual lives of countless retreatants, nurture seekers on their journeys, and maintain a welcoming, sacred space for all who enter. Many of our volunteers also serve as spiritual companions, teachers, and mentors—carrying the Benedictine spirit far beyond the walls of the Monastery.
We are especially grateful for the intergenerational nature of our volunteer community—especially with ever increasing opportunities with Hill-Murray students, family, and alumni. Young adults seeking meaning, retirees with a wealth of wisdom, professionals offering their expertise, and long-time friends of the Sisters all find common ground here. Together, they form a mosaic of grace, a living testimony to the enduring call to serve one another in love.
You Are Invited: Volunteer Appreciation Evening
In gratitude for your ongoing and invaluable service, the Sisters of St. Paul’s Monastery and the team at the Benedictine Center warmly invite all current and former volunteers to a special Volunteer Appreciation Evening on:
Date: Wednesday, April 23
Location: St. Paul’s Monastery: Chapel & Dining Room
Schedule:
- Evening Prayer – 5:00 PM
- Dinner – 5:30 PM
- Appreciation Program with the Sisters – 6:15 PM
Please join us for this evening of prayer, fellowship, and heartfelt gratitude. It will be a time to reconnect with fellow volunteers, share memories, and be celebrated for the beautiful ways you have served. The evening will include a few words from the Sisters, expressions of thanks, and a few surprises in celebration of YOU.
We kindly ask you to RSVP by April 20 by registering online or calling 651-777-8181, ext. 403 (leaving a message with name and number attending) so we can prepare a space at the table just for you. Please also let us know if you have any dietary restrictions. If you know of others who might want to volunteer for the Monastery please invite them! This evening of celebration is a great introduction to the impact these ministries have on our volunteers.
A Sacred Bond
St. Benedict teaches us that “guests are to be welcomed as Christ,” but we have found that it is often our volunteers who bring Christ to us—through their presence, patience, and love. Your service is not just appreciated—it is cherished.
To each of you who has served, who continues to serve, and who will one day answer the call to serve again: thank you. You are a vital part of our Benedictine family. You help us live out our mission not only in words but in deeds. And in doing so, you remind us that volunteerism is not just something we do—it’s a way of life.
As we celebrate Volunteer Appreciation Month, we reflect on your generous hearts with profound gratitude. May you know how deeply loved and appreciated you are. And may you continue to find joy and fulfillment in the beautiful, sacred rhythm of ora et labora—prayer and work—in the service of God and neighbor.