At the heart of our Benedictine tradition lies a deep, warm and sincere hospitality to all our visitors. We listen deeply to each other, support each other's gifts, and grow together in common love and faithfulness. Learn about our monastic life.
Saint Bede Monastery is an ecumenical retreat and conference center located in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. We welcome church, civic, and service groups for retreats, meetings, seminars, and workshops. In addition, the center offers a wide variety of religious, spiritual, cultural, and educational programs. Private retreats are always welcome as well!
Weekend Marriage Encounter
 Eight couples spent October 17-18 at Saint Bede Center for a Marriage Encounter weekend. The team couples conducting the weekend were (left to right) Mike and Mary Sokup, Ken and Sue Ripp, and Ray and Betty Hurst. Father Frank Corradi (bottom right) presided at Mass and Sister Michaela Hedican (top middle) was also on the team.
Mike Sokup (left) and Steve Bohrer (right) led the music for the Mass on Sunday.
Photos from around Saint Bede's
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Sister Monica Mai and Father Frank Corradi enjoy a visit on the Feast of St. Francis.
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Father Corradi presides at Mass with the Benedictine Sisters and the Franciscan Fraternity.
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Sister Ruth Feeney (center) visits with the Franciscan Associates Joanne Gardner (left) and Judy Paquette (right).
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Sister Lucy Miller greets and directs a Franciscan guest to the Sunshine Dining Room.
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Taylor Comeau, a CVTC student, graciously helped us at Saint Bede Monastery during his community service hours. Taylor assisted with several maintenance projects this fall. We are grateful to many volunteers. |
Monastery’s Sale Efforts Gain
With Realty Firms’ Agreement
On July 13, 2009, agreements were put in place to proceed with the roll-out of a national scale marketing campaign for the Saint Bede Monastery property at 1190 Priory Road in Eau Claire. Over the course of the next several weeks, various marketing initiatives will be introduced as part of the re-energized effort to secure a buyer and close on a sale, including listing and marketing the property on a local and national basis. Read full story. View property information.
Snapshot -- Sister Ruth Feeney, OSB
 The sub-prioress assists the prioress in the work of administration and in sharing her care for the community. Along with other staff members she meets regularly with the prioress to discuss immediate concerns and the broad scope of future planning. Maintaining harmony in a monastery is a consequence of respectful relationships. The staff and Monastic Council always consider the common good and involve the total membership in decision making.
The sub-prioress serves on the Monastic Council, Development Committee, and the Development Advisory Council. As secretary, I am also present for the Worship committee. I appreciate the shared wisdom and collaborative work involved with each group. The broad perspective and the multiple details involved in every aspect of leadership energize me.
Read full story.
Center Invites Overnight Stays For Funeral,
Hospital Visitors
 In seeking to expand their charism of hospitality, the Sisters are offering use of Saint Bede Center to those needing overnight accommodations while in town to attend funerals or visit loved ones in local hospitals and hospices.
A new brochure, prepared by Administrative Assistant Mary Traynor, cites the Center’s “simple, peaceful” atmosphere and “supportive, caring Sisters and staff” in welcoming overnight stays by individuals and families. Read full story.
Monastic Musings
The following is the fourth in a series of reflections on the document entitled: Wisdom from the Tradition, A statement of North American Benedictine Women in Response to Our Times.
"Obey your thirst!" This slogan for the soft drink, Squirt, demonstrates how well advertisers know human nature. We all want to fulfill our desires. Listening to our wishes is strongly encourages in our culture. How fascinating it is that "to listen" is the Latin root word for our English word "obey."
Obey is a word that carries varies overtones and feelings for people in our society. Military obedience is the image many have when the word "obedience" is used. A command is given and is immediately fulfilled. We chaff at the thought of having to respond that way, but the majority of people view obedience in this manner. Read full story.
A Sacred Six Years:
Reflections on serving the Federation
Kind and generous friends made it possible for me to successfully complete two graduate programs without ever typing a graduate paper. A number of years ago, a friend suggested a trip to Ireland, and I turned it down since I am a homebody and the thought of traveling brought me much anxiety. Then a phone call came about 9 a.m. on March 10, 2003, asking if I would consider allowing my name to be included in a list of prospective nominees for Federation President. Thus began an amazing journey of broadening my horizon as I traveled around the world. It also began a journey of accruing new skills, as I learned to type, use a computer, work with budgets, and wend my way through office routines.
Read full story.
In photo: Sister Michaela Hedican, OSB, Prioress
Our Monastery Is For Sale
St. Bede Monastery is now for sale. View property information.
As long as we can, we will continue to offer hospitality
on the hill at Saint Bede. Most of the groups considering purchasing our monastery property
share the hope of continuing some sort of welcoming and
group hosting. May our open doors continue to welcome
you!
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