Sponsorship

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In the 19th century, the Duluth Benedictines founded ministries of health care and education. In recent years, we have moved from a position of ownership to one of sponsorship.

By doing so, we have promised to provide the foundational rock — our name, our values, and our own long record of stability — upon which other organizations can securely build. We thus share our own integrity and depth of commitment.

Today, the Sisters continue a formal relationship between the Monastery and three organizations: The College of St. Scholastica, Benedictine, and the Catholic entities of Essentia Health. In 2017, a Sponsor Council was formed with both Sisters and lay members. Their work will ensure that the Benedictine mission and values in Catholic health care and education continue through sponsorship.

The College of St. Scholastica (CSS) prepares students for a life of purpose and economic security by emphasizing the Catholic Benedictine values. Founded in 1912 on these values, the Sisters continue to teach and work at the College in Theology, Campus Ministry, and Mission Integration and serve on College boards. CSS enrollment is about 4,000. In a beautiful setting overlooking Lake Superior, the 186-acre Duluth campus has a mix of historic and new buildings that also include the Monastery and the Benedictine Living Community of Duluth.

Benedictine is a Catholic, faith-based organization entrusted with advancing the life-enhancing senior care ministry of the Sisters. Headquartered in Duluth, Benedictine is a mission-based, non-profit health system. More than 35 Benedictine communities in six states provide exceptional Catholic senior care, with independent living and complete long-term care services for aging adults that include assisted living, memory care, and rehabilitation. The Sisters work closely with the Mission Integration department and the director of Benedictine to ensure the continuation of mission, values, and Catholicity at each community. Sisters also provide pastoral care to the Benedictine Living Community in Duluth and serve on various boards.

One of the many Catholic entities of Essentia Health is St. Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth. This is a Level I Adult and Level II Pediatric Trauma Center in Duluth, providing 24-hour emergency care and critical care. St. Mary’s provides holistic healing for all human life. St. Benedict’s humane approach to caring for the sick is carried on through all of Essentia’s Catholic-sponsored facilities through the guidance of the Sisters. The Sisters provide Mission Integration and pastoral care and serve on many boards throughout Essentia Health.

Sister Joan Marie Stelman
Sister Joan Marie Stelman

Mission integration ensures that Catholic health care in Duluth continues to thrive and be Catholic.

“I take my goal from the chapter on Humility of the Rule of St. Benedict: that every employee will arrive at that perfect love of God and their neighbor, which will enable them to embody our values without having to think about it. What they once had to work at will be so natural to them that in all they do they will show the compassion of Christ to each person they encounter. This will not be a burden but rather will bring them joy.”

~ Sister Joan Marie Stelman is the Senior Vice President for Mission Integration at Benedictine

The Sponsor Council ensures a continuation of Benedictine Catholic values and mission in our sponsored institutions.
The Sponsor Council ensures a continuation of Benedictine Catholic values and mission in our sponsored institutions.
The College of St. Scholastica began with Tower Hall, built of locally-quarried stone.
The College of St. Scholastica began with Tower Hall, built of locally-quarried stone.
Chapel in the Benedictine Living Community in Duluth, part of the BHS
Chapel in the Benedictine Living Community in Duluth, part of the BHS
Artist conception of the new St. Mary's Medical Center that will replace the old structure.
Artist conception of the new St. Mary's Medical Center that will replace the old structure.
Care of the Sick
“Our humanity comes to its fullest bloom in giving. We become beautiful people when we give whatever we can give: a smile, a handshake, a kiss, an embrace, a word of love, a present, a part of our life...all of our life.”
–Henri Nouwen