Monastic Adaptability

The main ministry of Mount St Scholastica traditionally has been teaching. However, as it became clear that fewer sisters would be available for the classroom, the community envisioned a new way to continue its teaching ministry by creating Keeler Women’s Center, where women are taught life skills in partnership with professional volunteers and nonprofit organizations. Thanks to this creative vision, thousands of women (and a number of men as well) now learn to read or speak English, prepare a household budget, manage health issues, receive counseling and spiritual direction, learn parenting skills, and receive many other services in a welcoming, hospitable environment.

Keeler Women’s Center is just one example of the Mount’s adaptability to changes within the community itself and in society. When Benedictine College consolidated on the North Campus, the Mount took Feeney Memorial Library and made it into a spirituality center. When Hemmen and Northman dormitories deteriorated to the point that they had to be torn down, the community planted a grove of trees dedicated to Mount St. Scholastica alumnae and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Wangari Maathai. When solar energy production became feasible, the community installed panels on top of Dooley Center and Sophia Center and next to the grape vines.

St. Benedict couldn't have envisioned the radical change the world has undergone since he died in 547 AD. However, he served his followers well by modeling adaptability in his rule. I'm grateful to be part of a community that continues to find vital ways to serve and be good stewards of the earth in the midst of rapid change, while staying grounded in the ancient values of hospitality, humility, and discernment.