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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. "We all appreciate the wonderful history of Saint Bede Monastery," said David Mickelson, the exclusive listing broker from Century 21 Metro Realty in Eau Claire. "While this property is an important part of the history of Saint Bede, finding and securing a buyer is a step toward the future. Our team will explore all possibilities for a potential buyer while showcasing the property's attributes, potential, and availability locally and nationally." In June this Benedictine Community, through its local listing broker, David Mickelson, engaged Frauenshuh, Inc., a Minneapolis-based commercial real estate firm, to complete a real estate assessment of the Monastery property. The assessment aimed to develop a more thorough understanding of market conditions, constraints, and opportunities in the process of selling a special-use property. It also identified potential strategies for marketing the property, both locally and nationally. "The assessment provides a useful framework to guide the sale process," said Sister Michaela Hedican, Saint Bede's Prioress. Century 21 Metro Realty and Frauenshuh, Inc. have joined forces in a co-brokerage arrangement to add commercial expertise and bolster the creativity, depth, and reach of the monastery sales effort. David Anderson and Sherry Hastings of Frauenshuh's commercial real estate group bring extensive experience to the assignment. "We believe the sale process will ultimately be a success," said Frauenshuh's David Anderson. "The potential is there for a business, public entity, or institution with a vision similar to the Sisters, to acquire and use this property for a productive venture or service." The firm's Sherry Hastings added that "We are honored to team with Century 21 Metro Realty and the Benedictine Sisters to facilitate and complete this important sale." Century 21 Metro Realty and Frauenshuh, Inc. will provide periodic marketing updates and reports to the Saint Bede leadership team to track the progress of their combined efforts. "We are prepared and excited to begin the team effort in this very important process," said Sister Michaela. In photo (from top): David Mickelson - Century 21 Metro Realty, David Anderson - Frauenshuh Commercial Real Estate, Sherry Hastings - Frauenshuh Commercial Real Estate Center Invites Overnight Stays for Funeral, Hospital Visitors
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. Among amenities: -Accommodations for up to 30 persons in comfortable, modestly priced single and shared rooms. Bob Lesniewski, among planners for expanded uses of the Center, says the brochure has prompted positive reactions from local funeral directors and health care organizations that he has visited. “Accommodations at the Center work especially well for families not affiliated with a church to spend time together,” he said. “They also can pray in Saint Bede Chapel, share a meal – even have a picnic on the grounds.” For more information, or to make arrangements, contact the Center at (715) 834-8642, e-mail at center@saintbede.org, or visit the Sisters’ website – www.saintbede.org Monastic Musings
The following is the sixth 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. Etched over the entrance of many Benedictine monasteries in Europe is the simple word PAX, which is Latin for “peace.” Down through the centuries, Benedictine monasteries have been seen as places of peace, as sanctuaries protecting one from violence and danger. This architectural tradition was incorporated into the building of many monasteries in the United States. Early in his Rule, Benedict urged his followers to: “Seek peace and pursue it.” (Prol. 17) This fifth century admonition seems most apt for our day when violence and rage are so prevalent. These realities leave many feeling fearful and distrustful. For Benedict, the alternate to these feelings is the engaging of biblical justice which nurtures right relationships. Wisdom from the Tradition, A Statement of North American Benedictine Women in Response to Our Times, asserts, “The Rule of Benedict is an instruction in the way of right relationships. Written in his later years as an experienced monastic leader, Benedict’s Rule is characterized by balance and moderation; it emphasizes respect for all, the inclusion of each person and the value of common good.” page 72) Our focused planning for the future this past year is a poignant experience of right relationships leading to peace. As we met, discussed, discerned, and prayed about our future, we listened to the wisdom of everyone in the community. Each person’s view or insight was respected and held as their piece of the wisdom, even though everyone may not have been in agreement with it. The final decisions we all made to transfer our profession of stability to Saint Benedict’s Monastery, St. Joseph, Minnesota, filled us with a peace that deepened our bonds with one another. By the grace of God, right relationships, as envisioned by St. Benedict, were able to move us through fear to a decision that valued and sought the common good. Hearing the resounding “Yes” from Sisters at Saint Benedict’s Monastery as they called to tell us their decision regarding our joining them, confirmed that sense of peace for us. For both of our communities, who came to such a monumental decision based on right relationships, peace is impressed on our hearts and not just on our monastic walls. PONDERINGS: Our Unfolding Future“Crowd upon crowd in the valley of decision; for near is the day of the Lord in the valley of decision” (Joel: 3:14) Long ago the prophet Joel spoke of the many people who are a part of any decision. His reference to a “valley of decision” describes us, despite our living on a hill. Our community entered that “valley of decision” when we decided to sell our monastery and property in August 2007. Though there are many details that need to be tended, we are continuing to move through the “valley of decision” Archived Newsletters
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(Editor's note: The following submitted update by real estate professionals based in Eau Claire and Minneapolis
reflects the expanded efforts of the Sisters to find an appropriate buyer for their distinctive buildings and grounds.)
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.