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St. Scholastica Monastery
A Community of Benedictine Sisters

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  • Who we are
    • About Us
    • Community Members
    • Sisters in Eternal Rest
    • Prayer Schedule & Prayer Request
    • Monastic Congregation of St. Gertrude
  • Spiritual Direction
    • Ministries
    • Hesychia House
    • Girls’ Education Matters
    • Social Justice Awareness
  • Vocations
    • Questions
    • Stories
    • Discernment Resources
    • Male Monastics
  • Oblates
    • Become An Oblate
    • Blog
  • Ways to Help
  • News
    • Newsletters/Magazines
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We Live, Pray, and Grow Together
We are Simply Benedictine

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G.E.M. Fiesta 2026

Stephanie Nugent

Horizons - July 2026 Issue

Stephanie Nugent

Sr. Hilary Decker’s Jubilee Marks 70 Years

Stephanie Nugent

May Oblate Sunday Celebrates Oblation and New Enrollees

Stephanie Nugent

Our Mission

Seeking God in our life together and enlivened by daily prayer, we, the Benedictine Sisters of St. Scholastica Monastery in Fort Smith, Arkansas, respond to the needs of the people of God in a spirit of hospitality, simplicity, and reverence for one another and all creation.

Charism Statement
St. Gertrude

St. Scholastica Prayer Requests

If you have a special intention, please let the Benedictine Sisters of St. Scholastica Monastery know by filling out this online prayer request form. Your intention will not be listed online, but will be placed on the monastery prayer board. Each sister checks the bulletin board daily and remembers those prayer requests in her personal prayer time.

Submit a Prayer Request

Stand by the roads and look, ask for the ancient path, which the way to good. Walk on it and find rest for your soul.

Jeremiah 6:16

Weekly Reflection

Weekly Reflection - October 12, 2026

October Reverie
Sister Cordelia Lange

One hazy day in October
I sat idly near my window
And gazed at God's Beauty outside.
The trees so lofty and silent
The sky as screen for it all
Was quiet, yet covered with haze
All motionless and waiting for
The wind to put all in action.

I was drawn to study the scene
And let it speak loudly to me.
As I sat gazing and waiting
I noted how limbs were entwined
Stretching themselves to each other
Offering closeness and support
That brought beauty to the scene.

Then they spoke -- no, He spoke to me.
"Nature is filled with my Presence
And I speak to you -- if you stop.
Be quiet. Wait. Learn from the trees.
Welcome your sisters with kindness
Lose yourself -- stretch out your arms --
Support others with kindness and love
And let My Spirit move you.
Wait in silence -- I'll meet you there.

When Sorrow or Pain strikes
We each ask, "Why?"
The answer doesn't come. We say -- "How long?" "How much"
And wait --- in silence.
Then
We whisper, "God help us"
And -- He does
In ways we cannot comprehend
Faith, trust, and love
Refuse to die -- they grow.

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St. Scholastica Monastery

A Community of Benedictine Sisters in Fort Smith, AR

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Ways To Help

We at St. Scholastica Monastery are grateful for everything you, as our contributors, do for us. You can contribute to St. Scholastica by prayer, participation, volunteering and donations.

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The Journey

Take the first step. If you are interested in our community, we invite you to contact us.

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Stories

Everyone has a story to tell. Listen to the vocation stories of some of our Benedictine Sisters.

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Come & See

Ever wonder what monastic life is like? Come and discover the possibility of all that monastic life has to offer!

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Is This Your Calling?

Learn More About Our Vocation
Quiz: Am I Called to Religious Life?

From the Pen of Sister Laura Cathcart

Posted on March 30, 2026 by Sr. Laura Cathcart

The Very First Advice Column

According to the New England Quarterly (vol. 98, Issue 3, Sept. 2025), the very first advice column ever written appeared in 1691. The Athenian Gazette, or Casuistical Mercury (often shortened to Athenian Mercury was founded by John Duton. This periodical set out to answer questions submitted by the readers. According to the article, Mary Beth Norton, author of “I Humbly Beg Your Speedy Answer”,…

St. Scholastica Monastery

A Community of Benedictine Sisters in Fort Smith, AR

1315 S. Albert Pike Avenue
Fort Smith, Arkansas  72903
479-783-4147

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St. Scholastica Monastery
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