Mount St. Benedict Chapel Renovation Progress
August 2006 - June 2007


Additional renovations at the monastery
In addition to the main chapel renovation, other renovations taking place include:

Construction of a Chapel of Reserve in the inner courtyard
The inclusion of a Chapel of Reserve is a direct response to the community's expressed need for a quiet and private place of prayer in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament. Aside from being both liturgically and theologically sound, it provides support for those who wish to "pray privately . . . with tears and heartfelt devotion . . ." (Rule of Benedict Chapter 52:4). This chapel will be the place of reservation for the Blessed Sacrament and will be available to guests and retreatants at the monastery. It will be accessible to those in wheelchairs or using other adaptive equipment. The close proximity of this chapel to the gathering space and the main worship space supports the image of the Body of Christ taking form and shape through gathering and worship.

Creation of a Reconciliation room adjacent to the Chapel of Reserve
As Benedictines we believe that forgiveness and reconciliation are the way to bring about right relationships--between God and ourselves, between each of us with our sisters individually and between us and the community. Therefore a space dedicated to reconciliation is a priority. This space will be built onto the side wall of the Chapel of Reserve providing a visibility and accessibility that has the potential to prompt an approach to both sacramental and non-sacramental reconciliation. This location--before the entrance to the worship space--is a strong reminder of the call in Scripture to make peace with one another before approaching the altar.

Welcome Center
The main entrance to the monastery is being remodeled to provide an aesthetic flow into the new gathering/worship space as well as to create a more welcoming space to greet guests to the monastery. "...all guests are to be received as Christ..." (Rule of Benedict Chapter 53:6-7) The space will be enhanced by a cloister walk that gives view to windows facing the inner courtyard and continues to the gathering space. An artistic glass wall will partition the welcoming space and the gathering space.

Chapel access hallways
In addition to the hallway leading to the chapel from the welcome center, the other access hallway from the dining room to the chapel is being renovated. Windows facing the inner courtyard will be added to create a cloister walk. Flooring will be replaced and match that of the gathering/worship space. In addition to providing more light in a dark hallway, these changes will also serve to reming community and guests, as they walk from the chapel to the dining room, that the Eucharistic meal is continued as bread is broken in the dining room also. Paddle doors will make the area 100% accessible.