Our Story |
In 1993 House of Bread Monastery was incorporated into the Federation of St. Gertrude and Sister Jean Ann Berning, 0.S.B. was elected first Prioress. We believe the orientation of the Rule of St. Benedict
and our Swiss Benedictine heritage to be basically Eucharistic. Our community emphasizes
this orientation by the choice of the name House of Bread We are mindful of our natural environment and the need to call ourselves to good stewardship of the natural gifts of God so evident in our Island setting. |
The corporate and individual ministry of the House of Bread Monastery is Hospitality. "All guests who present themselves are to be welcomed as Christ." (RB 53,1) Each member is responsible to live out our corporate ministry not only within the monastery but also in their place of work. This taking of the message of who we are, individually and corporately, to all those we meet, brings the expression of a lived Benedictine presence here on the Island. We value a simple life style which includes planned gifting of our time, talents and money to those in need. We express this by having guests within the monastery or retreat house, and support societies and agencies that assist the poor and those in need. |
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In 1972 Bishop Remi J. De Roo of the Diocese of Victoria met
with the General Chapter of the Federation of St. Gertrude and requested, "that the
Benedictines return to Vancouver Island so that their spirituality might be shared with
the people in the area." In response the House of Bread Monastery was established as
a Dependent Priory of the Queen of Angels Monastery, Mt. Angel, Oregon. 
to signify that we desire to be sacrament persons sharing the "bread" of
Scripture and Eucharistic presence with others. Personal prayer and spiritual reading
(Lectio) are values to supported by the presence of an oratory, a library, and agreement
concerning times and areas of quiet. Daily liturgically oriented corporate prayer is
essential, as is shared responsibility for its preparation 
Benedictine Sisters who
would like to have a sabbatical on the West Coast of Canada are welcome. Our rural setting
on Westwood Lake lends itself to those wishing quiet time and rejuvenation.