Holy Wisdom Monastery internal reorganization – what does this mean for me?

The Sisters of Holy Wisdom Monastery and the Benedictine Women of Madison Board have been working tirelessly to get documents and signatures in place to finalize the internal reorganization of Benedictine Women of Madison, the civil corporation of Holy Wisdom Monastery. We have previously presented to the community what is entailed, but we thought it a good time to review the reasoning for the restructuring with the full community as the July deadline is approaching.

The main purpose of restructuring is to protect the longevity of Holy Wisdom Monastery (both the Sisters Division and the Ministries Division), by setting up the corporation in such a way that each division’s future is not interdependent on the other division’s success.

Why is this work being done?

• Creating systems – the restructure will formalize three new entities: the Trustees, the Sisters Division and the Ministries Division. It will also formalize procedures for how the organization will coordinate and share resources.
• Frees up the sisters – formalizing the ministries as a separate division that is financially sustainable and self-governed will allow the sisters more freedom to grow their community and focus on their prayer and community lives.
• Uncertain future – the restructure creates a sustainable foundation that allows for multiple potential successful outcomes during these transitional times.

How is this work being done?

• Consultants – Holy Wisdom Monastery has been working with attorneys who have supported other religious organizations through similar transitional periods.
• Formation of the Trustees – the new structure creates the Trustees at the highest level, who have reserved powers that are meant to ensure the financial stability and overall coordination of the Divisions of the Corporation. The Trustees will be comprised of the Prioress and people she appoints.
• Clarifying the divisions – the Corporation will have two operating Divisions: the Sisters Division and the Ministries Division. The Sisters Division will be governed by monastic structure, and the Ministries Division will be governed by the delegated governing board.

Will this reorganization impact me or my monastery experience?

• It is not likely that our community members, guests, visitors or coworkers will feel any direct impact from the restructuring. The primary change in the corporation divides the responsibilities of the Corporation between the Sisters Division and the Ministries Division in a coordinated manner, but the day-to-day experience will look the same. The Ministries Division will have the delegated authority and responsibility for the physical plant and ministries at Holy Wisdom. The Sisters Division will focus on the growth of the monastic community.

We hope this information is helpful. The date for finalizing the internal reorganization is by July, 2025. The Board, Trustees, Sisters and administration of Holy Wisdom all look forward to having this work behind us and the foundation set – allowing us to focus on the future. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have questions about the reorganization. Any of us are happy to discuss the process and what we anticipate being the outcome

Sincerely,

Sister Lynne Smith, OSB, Prioress;
Bob Dinndorf, Board Chair;
and Erin Trondson, Executive Director