Sisters of St. Benedict
St. Mary Monastery
We are the monastic Sisters of St. Benedict at St. Mary Monastery, Rock Island, IL. Originally from Nauvoo, we have lived and served in the Quad-City area since 2001.
As Benedictines, we live, work, and pray by our five values: Prayer, Community, Hospitality, Peace and Justice, and Care of Creation.
We invite you to explore our site to learn more about joining us as a Sister, oblate, or volunteer, or through our retreat center.
Vocations
Our Vocations director is happy to help you discern your calling to religious life. Find out if you belong with the Benedictines!
Retreats
Continue your spiritual growth from anywhere in the world with virtual programming from Benet House Retreat Center.
Oblates
Oblates are lay people, men and women, who live Benedictine values. Oblate groups meet regularly - find one near you.
Volunteer
Our community appreciates our many volunteers, who help us with a wide variety of missions. How can you share your talents?
Join Us For A Retreat
Click on any retreat below to learn more or sign up.
Life at St. Mary Monastery
Featured
Virtual Monastery
The Virtual Monastery Experience combines 360 photography with video, photos, and text directly from the Sisters. The Sisters invite you to get a sense of St. Mary Monastery before your visit.
Daily Updates
St. Mary’s Academy
In 1874, the Sisters of St. Benedict founded St. Mary’s Academy, a Catholic boarding school for young women. The Sisters voted to close the school in 1997, and we still fondly remember our time in Nauvoo. After 123 years together, we hope to remain connected to our friends and alumnae for many years to come!
“The Sisters of St. Mary’s taught me how to be courageous and attempt anything I wanted to do – all with a wonderful sense of humility, hope and humor.”