You are welcome at Benet Hill

Come exactly as you are

Where welcoming smells like cinnamon

We're not what you might expect

We are a contemporary Benedictine monastery that fosters curiosity and understanding, welcoming everyone with an open mind and heart. 

When you step in the front door you might catch heavenly aromas of sugar and spice from the kitchen. Sister Lucy’s melt-in-your-mouth cinnamon buns are standard fare at the monastery.

Who comes to Benet Hill?

the short answer? anyone.

This poem was written by a man who stayed on retreat at Benet Hill for a week in June, 2023. He shared it with the sisters on his last morning to much tears, smiles, hugs, and laughter!

"I was welcomed from the beginning
to sort out and transcend my sinning.
A retreat in the context of God
to reset and let God my spirit prod.
So much kindness has been shown
by Sisters I have never known.
You invited me to pray and find peace,
and I did midst the Black Forest trees.
I prayed psalms which many times I have read, and left the chapel knowing my soul has been fed.

Sister Therese in her kindness and love gave me direction.
Her words and her questions caused me great reflection.
I learned about the spirit and God's forgiveness,
to center myself and feel His goodness.
She taught me to give daily prayer a stab.
She even taught me the lessons from a horseshoe crab.
I read and prayed as never before
and have finally answered the knock at my door.



I could not have known nor predict
the blessings from the Sisters of St. Benedict.
You are inspiring and you are love,
and you offer God's peace like a winged dove. Sent to do good, which you surely do,
you are God's ambassadors,
you are God's Crew!

Thank you for your kindness giving the space I needed.
For too long I avoided a voice I should have heeded.
I will leave stronger more alive in my faith, knowing it will lead me along my way.
I hope to return to revisit and embrace,
for Benet Hill is a loving, spiritual place.

And one more thing if I can be so bold,
I will come back for a taste of your cinnamon rolls.

What is a contemporary Benedictine?

Timeless and timely

Like you, we can’t live without our smart phones. But we also live by a rulebook first published during the Dark Ages. How does that work?

It works because the values that St. Benedict included in his Rule, like hospitality for strangers and respect for all creation, are as important today as they were in 516 CE. Since the beginning, those of us who follow the Rule of Benedict are known as “Benedictines.”

But there's a secret sauce that makes us contemporary Benedictine women. We are tough, loving, adaptable, and, above all, resilient!
what we do:
listening and responding

We live in a monastery but we’re not locked inside. We stay up-to-date on issues and listen with the ear of our heart before responding. Some of us are actively engaged with issues like human trafficking and immigrant rights. Others dedicate themselves to creative prayer or guiding individuals in their spiritual journeys.

Modeling and teaching

We celebrate the gift of each day through daily practices of Ora et Labora (prayer and daily work). We love to share what we’ve learned and adapted over these 1,500 years of Benedictine practices! We offer online, hybrid and in-person learning, practice, and worship opportunities. We also provide individual and group retreat space. 

Noticing and loving

We’ve found that seeing the Divine’s presence in all creation isn’t that hard once we pay attention. That recognition helps us to see the Christ in each person, no matter their nationality, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, political leanings, or economic circumstances. Wherever you are on your spiritual journey, we will welcome and love you.

We all yearn for more

What are you seeking?

Everyone is on their own unique journey and we are here to help you on yours. Below are just a few of the things people are often seeking. 

Not sure where to begin? Let us help guide you.

What we hear

Common misconceptions

“The Penguin” from The Blues Brothers. Whoopi Goldberg in Sister Act. The nuns from your Catholic school. We all have preconceived ideas about “Sisterhood”.

Misconception #1

We're mean and carry big rulers

We don’t wield rulers as weapons and if we’re ever unkind to you, please tell us so that we can make amends.

Misconception #2

We wear full-length habits

Some nuns wear habits but we don’t. We tend to dress in comfortable layers for the Colorado weather.

Misconception #3

We're modern-day saints

Sorry to burst your bubble, but we’re as wounded and imperfect as the next person. Thank goodness God isn’t done with us yet.

Misconception #4

We don't have a sense of humor

Trust us on this one: there is simply no way that a bunch of women could live together this many years unless they know how to laugh loud, hard, and often.

Our faith continues to evolve.

Some people believe that religious women are simply born holy and faith-filled. The truth is that we’re on a spiritual journey just like you. We question our long-held beliefs and challenge our assumptions.

In the wake of tragedy, we do our share of praying about where God was. And we ponder our expanding universe and what new scientific discoveries mean to our understanding of the Divine. We’re all travelers. And we welcome the company on this spiritual journey.