You are welcome here
“All guests who present themselves are to be welcomed as Christ.”
–Rule of Benedict
Holy Wisdom Monastery is a place of welcome. We respect all people, and welcome guests with diverse views and customs. Reverence for all guests comes out of the Benedictine tradition of hospitality. We invite you to join those who say, “When I come in the door, it feels like coming home.”
At Holy Wisdom Monastery, our mission is
to weave prayer, hospitality, justice and care for the earth into a shared way of life.
Here We Stand
The Sunday Assembly Worship Community at Holy Wisdom Monastery created a declaration in opposition to current government policies that erect barriers that make it more difficult for us and other people of good will to love our neighbor, support the vulnerable and cherish the earth’s splendor. Therefore we feel called to stand publicly, humbly and nonviolently…
In Memorium
Joanne Kollasch, OSB
1930-2025
Sister Joanne spent more than 70 years as a member of Benedictine Women of Madison, an ecumenical Benedictine community of women. She was known for her welcoming smile, warm hospitality, strong faith and her deep wisdom through many years of practice in the Rule of Benedict and community life.
Join us for Worship,
Sundays at 9:00 am
Join our Sunday Assembly worship at 9:00 am at Holy Wisdom Monastery, or virtually, where people from various Christian backgrounds come together to worship. All are welcome.
Click the button to go to our livestreaming page.
Building Community
Building CommunityBringing people together and building community is the part of our mission we refer to as a shared way of life. Today, many people search for a way to connect and belong, to learn from one another, to serve and share experiences. We have a variety of communities at Holy Wisdom Monastery, groups of people who take inspiration from Benedictine spirituality and values. We call this our Community of Communities. Please learn more by clicking the purple buttons and consider joining one of these communities.
Learn More About Our Community of Communities
Click the purple buttons to learn more about the various communities of Holy Wisdom Monastery. We hope you consider joining one or more.
Benedictine Sisters
Benedictine sisters form the heart of this ecumenical monastic community. We seek God through a life following the Gospel and the Rule of Benedict.
Sunday Assembly
People of all ages form an inclusive community which gathers for ecumenical worship at the monastery Sundays at 9:00 am. All are welcome.
Oblates
Adults from varied faith backgrounds learn about Benedictine spirituality and apply this knowledge in their personal lives.
Friends of Wisdom Prairie
Friends support caring for the earth through volunteering, donating and learning. They also attend tours, lectures, outings and workdays.
Center for Clergy Renewal
Renewal for mid and early-career pastors through the gifts of Benedictine monastic community and spirituality.
Grow Through Learning
Join us for programs and experiences that nourish your spirit
Holy Wisdom Monastery offers a variety of programs, retreats, events and experiences to encourage life-long learning and enrich your spirit. Come for a weekend silent retreat, learn about ways to care for the earth from local professionals, enhance your spiritual life with guided meditations, experience life in a religious community while learning prayer, gardening and restoration practices.
Upcoming programs, retreats, events
Our upcoming programs are described in detail on event pages which include a way to register. Please click on the image or title of the program to go to the event page of the program you are interested in, or click the All events/calendar button to see all of our upcoming events in a list.
All events/calendar
Kids on the Prairie
Jun. 14
Ongoing Opportunities
Event Photos & Recordings
Center for Clergy Renewal
Providing clergy with fertile ground to root deeply into God’s love, grow in community and scatter seeds of hope for a flourishing world.
Learn About Holy Wisdom
About
Holy Wisdom Monastery is an ecumenical Benedictine community of communities, located near Madison, Wisconsin. Prayer, hospitality, justice and respect for all of creation form the heart of these communities. Our peaceful setting includes restored prairie, a retreat and guest house and a ‘green’ monastery building. Learn more about us and how you might find yourself at home here. All are welcome.
Links to learn more
> Mission
> Aspirations & Opportunities
> History
> Benedictine Sisters
> Communities of Holy Wisdom
> Meet the sisters
> Prayer and worship
> Welcoming guests
> Care for the earth
> Board of directors
> Staff directory
Stay Informed
Sign up for our newsletter for event, worship, and volunteer opportunity information. We never share your contact information with outside organizations.
Join Our Community
If you would like to get involved
with our community,
there’s an opportunity for you here!
