Center for Benedictine Life
We are the Monastery
The Center for Benedictine Life
at the Monastery of St. Gertrude:
All of us: The Monastery of St. Gertrude is more than just the sisters; it is becoming the Center for Benedictine Life which includes sisters, oblates, employees, cohousing, volunteers, friends and benefactors.
Sharing Benedict: Our purpose is to share Benedictine spirituality, values and practices with the world.
With New Purpose & Leadership: St. Gertrude’s will continue into the future as the Center for Benedictine Life, creating new ministries and supported by new forms of leadership.
June 13, 2022
Our vision
Prayer awakens. Justice impels.
Compassion acts.
Thy Kingdom Come.
Sister Cecile Uhlorn
August 29, 1939 – September 19, 2023
The monastic community of Sisters at the Center for Benedictine Life at the Monastery of St. Gertrude announce that Sister Cecile Uhlorn, OSB, passed into eternal life on September 19. Funeral arrangements are pending. May her soul rest in peace!

Join Us in Prayer and Fasting for Ukraine and an End to Gun Violence.
We ask that you pray with us for peace and wellbeing for all.
Our Ministries
Historical Museum
Spirit Center
Inn at St. Gertrude
Enjoy One of the Upcoming Retreats
All are welcome!
Individual Retreat
flexible dates
St. Benedict said, “Listen with the ear of your heart.” Why? It is this type of listening that allows the hearing of divine wisdom and inspiration that guides our lives into ever-increasing fullness, peace, and joy. But sometimes the noise and blur of life make that difficult. That is why we offer you the opportunity to come to Spirit Center and listen.
Redefining Retirement:
A Spiritual Practice
October 10 – 12, 2023
Whether already retired or preparing for retirement, you can redefine the way you live into the second half of your life through an examination of the wisdom of Reb Zalman Schachter-Shalomi and Richard Johnson and the values of Benedictine spirituality. Explore the challenge with others on the journey.
Grateful Simplicity
October 31 – November 2, 2023
Autumn presents marvelous opportunities for spiritual housecleaning, to refresh the way we look at God, at ourselves, at others, and at the world. Using concepts drawn from Benedictine and Franciscan spirituality, this holistic retreat will provide suggestions and insights about decluttering body, mind, and soul, shaking the dust off old ideas, and rearranging what is important.
Visit Us
All are welcome to visit the monastery chapel, the Welcome Center, Museum, Spirit Center and the Inn at St. Gertrude. The Welcome Center and Historical Museum Hours are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday-Saturday, in the Pacific Time Zone.
For those who are unable to visit, the 11:30 am Sunday Mass is livestreamed on our Facebook page.