Benedictine Cohousing Companions
Community is key to the Benedictine way of life.
Do you feel a call to Benedictine, monastic life?
Is a traditional vocation not a fit for you?
Would you like to be a pioneer in creating a new way of living according to the Rule of St. Benedict?
People have been living monastic life according to the Rule of St. Benedict for over 1500 years. In the past most of those people took formal vows as monks or nuns. But today, many people are looking for new ways to live Benedictine life. In our rapidly changing, unsettled times, Benedictine spirituality offers a time-tested, structured way of life seeking God above all.
The Center for Benedictine Life at the Monastery of St. Gertrude, in Cottonwood, Idaho, is pioneering a new way for women to live Benedictine, monastic life outside the traditional requirements of Roman Catholic religious life. The emerging community of the Benedictine Cohousing Companions (BCC) offers women the chance to create a new form of monastic community in the midst of an existing women’s monastery.
The Benedictine Cohousing Companions will be a group of single women who will commit to creating a new way to live Benedictine spirituality. They will not make vows or a life commitment, but will covenant to explore how to live according to the Rule of St. Benedict, adapted for new circumstances in the 21st century.
This new venture will require women who are adventurous, courageous, able to live in community and who desire to live a Benedictine life. Does that sound like you? Please spend some time reflecting on our “frequently asked questions” and ask for more information:
FAQs
What is cohousing?
Cohousing is a broad movement characterized by groups of people who commit to living together in close proximity in order to form intentional community. The key is the commitment to become a community of mutual support. Each community has clear guidelines about what this commitment involves. Cohousing requires substantial time, effort, and common understanding. It is not for people who are just looking for a place to live.
Can anyone apply to be a Benedictine Cohousing Companion?
The Benedictine Cohousing Companions will be open to single women (not married or in a committed relationship) without dependents, pets, or emotional support animals. The screening process will be extensive, and potential residents will need to be very actively engaged with other potential residents to begin to create community and shape what this new form of Benedictine living will look like.
What makes the Benedictine Cohousing Companions different from other cohousing?
The key is that St. Gertrude’s is building a Benedictine cohousing community. The core of this community will be the commitment to live according to Benedictine spirituality and values within the Christian tradition. While members do not become sisters, they do agree to live a life grounded in the Rule of St. Benedict. This is an essential component of the program.
What if I like the idea of living in the Monastery, but I'm not interested in Community?
If you are primarily interested in living with the Sisters, attending daily Mass and prayer, but not making a commitment to building a new kind of Benedictine community, then the Benedictine Cohousing Companions would not be a good fit.
Is the Center for Benedictine Life already doing this?
There are several women actively discerning become Benedictine Cohousing Companions. Women are invited to visit and further explore this calling to a new form of Benedictine life.
Where will the cohousing be?
Benedictine Cohousing Companions will live on the fifth floor of the monastery building. One floor has been designated for cohousing and has been extensively remodeled to provide for private bathrooms, additional living space, and amenities.
Will Benedictine Cohousing Companions interact with the Sisters?
Benedictine Cohousing Companions will eat meals with the Sisters, participate in daily Mass, common prayer, and all public activities.
Will Benedictine Cohousing Companions pay rent?
Benedictine Cohousing Companions will make a monthly financial contribution to the Center for Benedictine Life at the Monastery of St. Gertrude commensurate with the value of having their own room, private bath, all meals, utilities, and amenities. The monthly amount has been tentatively set at $1,000.
I'm still interested. What do I do next?
Please contact Sr. Teresa Jackson, membership@stgertrudes.org to ask about next steps.
Cohousing Project Inquiry
Fill out the form below to request more information on the Cohousing project, or email Sr. Teresa Jackson at membership@stgertrudes.org