Benet Hill Monastery

09/04/2026

Join us for the First Sunday of the Season of Creation! It's also Labor Day weekend and a good time to reflect on what our tradition of Catholic Social Teaching has to say about the dignity of laborers. This introduction is from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops website:

"The economy must serve people, not the other way around. Work is more than a way to make a living; it is a form of continuing participation in God’s creation. If the dignity of work is to be protected, then the basic rights of workers must be respected--the right to productive work, to decent and fair wages, to the organization and joining of unions, to private property, and to economic initiative."

Pope Leo XIII started this wonderful tradition in response to the plight of workers in the Industrial Revolution by issuing the encyclical Rerum Novarum in 1891. This year, our Pope Leo XIV issued his first encyclical Magnifica Humanitas, placing the need to honor the dignity of human labor at the center of the Artificial Intelligence issue. The rich tradition continues.

We look forward to seeing you soon!

In gratitude,
Sister MT

09/02/2026

The ongoing flooding tragedies in demonstrate how water can be holy, sacred, and a source of renewal, but also destructive, dangerous, and devastating when our abuse of creation goes unchecked.

Read our joint statement with Laudato Si Movement - North America here: https://catholicclimatecovenant.org/press-releases/a-joint-statement-on-the-devastating-flooding-in-nepal

And the statement by our partners at Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns here: https://maryknollogc.org/action/nepal-season-creation

…to see how you can pray and act in response.

09/02/2026

In a loud world, there is profound beauty in quiet devotion. A gentle reminder today that the "hidden flower is the most fragrant." May we all take a moment to step away from the noise and cultivate a peaceful resting place within our souls.

09/01/2026

Today, we finally enter the Season of Creation! 🌎🌱 In his Message for the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, Pope Leo reminds us that the work of creation care is also a work of peace, transforming what destroys life into what sustains it and moving from “violence to peace.”

May this inspire us to become collaborators in God’s work of healing our common home, caring for one another, and building a civilization of love.

ICYMI, Pope Leo's full message is here: https://loom.ly/YW3xcuc

08/29/2026

It's the last Sunday of August this weekend. Bring your donations for Westside CARES and stay for Sister Lucy's famous cinnamon rolls. We look forward to seeing you for 10:15am worship.

On Thursday, August 27, sisters and guests gathered for the Feast of St. Monica, the first of two special feast days we will celebrate during this 100 Days of Prayer, Fasting, and Advocacy. Monica was the mother of St. Augustine who wasn't the easiest of sons for a mother to raise. Before he was a saint, he was a mess but Monica never gave up on praying for his conversion. We invite you to use the prayer below to honor this lesser known saint who is an example for us all in her patience, humility, and love.

“Saint Monica,
Troubled wife and mother,
Many sorrows pierced your heart during your life,
yet you never despaired or lost faith. You prayed daily for the conversion of your husband, Patricius
and your son, Augustine.
May we live as you did with prayer, humility, patience, persistence, and faith in the God of Love.
This we pray and trust all
in Jesus' name. Amen.”

In gratitude,
Sister MT

08/27/2026

Take a minute today to pause, reflect, and reconnect with what matters most.

Amid life’s constant rush, moments of stillness can be hard to find. Let the beauty of Benet Hill Monastery invite you to pause, reflect, and reconnect with what matters most.

Learn about our Labyrinth retreat coming up | https://benethillmonastery.org/retreat-guru/96/labyrinth-retreat-pilgrimage-to-awaken-joy-package/

08/25/2026

"Be who you were created to be, and you will set the world on fire."

In a world dominated by headlines of escalating trade wars and deep geopolitical divisions, the world doesn't need more destructive fires. It needs the fire of purpose, compassion, and authentic leadership. When we step fully into who we were meant to be, peacemakers, helpers, and advocates, we can spark the kind of change that heals rather than divides.

Where are you bringing your light today?

08/20/2026

08/19/2026

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us for Jubilee Sunday! It was a profound joy to gather for worship and celebrate the lifelong devotion of Sister Anne Madeleine Brost (70 years), Sister Clare Carr (50 years), and Sister Jan Ginzkey (50 years). We are deeply touched by the love and support shown during the service and the reception. Thank you for helping us honor their beautiful legacy of service.

08/05/2026

"We should never pretend that acts of war are celebratory." Thank you, Cardinal Tobin!

With a U.S. cardinal declaring recently that "war is always evil," we are witnessing a pivotal moment in Catholic response to the activities of the most militant and powerful nation on earth.