When the first sisters came to St. Marys, they brought with them a religious tradition already centuries old. Fifteen hundred years ago, Benedict of Nursia formulated a rule for a holy life in a chaotic world. His twin sister Scholastica established a monastic community for women. The Rule of Benedict has survived through the centuries as a guide in a continually changing society. Benedict's vision "to seek God" spread throughout the world. We continue to seek to minister to all by being converted to a monastic life within community, to be transformed into love through faithfulness to the Gospel and to inspire others to seek God.

We seek God through Gospel living. Benedictine life is essentially Christian Community life. We live together responding in prayer and ministry. The monastic vows that bind us together as a community come from the Rule of Benedict.

The Vow of Conversion: to strive daily to grow in the love of God and others through a monastic way of life.

The Vow of Obedience: to be faithful to the will of God in all things, to listen to the call of the Spirit through the prioress, the sisters and the Church.

The Vow of Stability: to be faithful to one's community for life. We agree to search for God together, establishing lifelong bonds of friendship and loyalty unto everlasting life.

Benedictine women have no 'traditional' work, only works that are compatible with common life and common prayer. Since Benedictine women are primarily seekers of God, our ministries grow out of our desire to share God's gracious presence. Our ministries are directed toward peace and justice through shared resources, a respect for all creation and an ecumenical involvement in local and global issues. Our services include education, evangelization, retreat work, recycling, care for the elderly, infirmed, and needy, all in addition to our prayer ministry.