Crookston diocese to buy Mount St. Benedict campus

The Diocese of Crookston and the Sisters of Saint Benedict today (Thu) announced that the diocese plans to purchase the campus of the Mount Saint Benedict monastery in Crookston.

The property will become a pastoral center and retreat facility for the diocese.

Proceeds of the sale will go toward the retirement support of the Benedictine Sisters, who have served the diocese for more than 100 years.

The arrangement provides a private section of the current monastery for the sisters to live out their monastic lives.

The diocese also announced the launch of a $15 million capital campaign – $12 million for the purchase of the campus and a $3 million endowment for the property’s maintenance.

To date, $6.67 million has been pledged.

(Photo: Mount St. Benedict monastery)

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(Diocese of Crookston release:)

The Diocese of Crookston and the Sisters of Saint Benedict announce the Diocese of Crookston’s intent to purchase the Mount Saint Benedict Campus. The property will become a pastoral center and retreat facility for the Diocese of Crookston. The proceeds of the sale of the monastery will be allocated to the retirement support of the Benedictine Sisters who have served the diocese for over 100 years. The arrangement provides a private section of the current monastery for the sisters to live out their monastic lives.

“As religious communities across the United States have become smaller, they have been searching for ways to regroup in smaller residences while putting their larger buildings to alternate good uses. Some religious communities are being left with empty, unusable structures. We are among the fortunate communities whose buildings are relatively new, still in excellent shape, and there is someone standing by, ready to use the building for a worthy, ministry-related purpose,” said Mount Saint Benedict Administrator, Sister Jane Becker, OSB.

Ministries in the Diocese of Crookston will continue in a modern, accessible location that offers training rooms, offices, retreat facilities and private grounds within walking distance from the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.

“The timing of this project is providential for the Diocese of Crookston, as well as the Benedictine Sisters. It will offer tremendous support to diocesan ministries. It is simply the perfect fit for all parties concerned,” said the Most Reverend Richard E. Pates, Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Crookston.

The Diocese of Crookston announces the launch of “The Perfect Fit” Capital Campaign to raise $15 million; $12 million for the purchase of Mount Saint Benedict and a $3 million endowment for the property’s maintenance. To date, $6.67 million in funds have been generously pledged so the Diocese of Crookston and Sisters of Saint Benedict can carry on their shared mission to grow and sustain the call to missionary discipleship in northwest Minnesota. All Diocese of Crookston faithful will have an opportunity to support this endeavor financially and prayerfully in coming months.