In Christianity’s earliest community, if someone received money from their work or selling something they owned, the money went into the community collection to be used for the needs of the whole.

Everyone received the food, medicine and shelter they needed.

St. Benedict created his communities of monks on the same principle … and we continue to live that way today. 

We Benedictine Sisters pool our earnings and are given what we need to live on. Our education, health care, personal items and more are paid for out of this fund. Some Sisters need more than others, due to medical conditions or work expectations, but we all receive what we need, just like any healthy family.

We provide for the elderly and the sick. We have our own health care area where Sisters needing assistance are aided by our nursing staff.

There are differences, of course, but the principle stands as true today as it did 1500 years ago. That is really quite amazing, isn’t it? All these years of Benedictine life still ring true to the original ideals of not only Benedict but the early Christians.

Benedictine life continues to offer the world a wonderful spirituality of community. Something this enduring may have much to offer you, as well. Contact Sister Stefanie at smacdonald@smmsisters.org or (309) 283-2300 to learn more!