About Benedictine
Our Why
Beyond being providers of senior care in a network of Catholic retirement communities, we’re a not-for-profit faith-based organization guided by our deep-rooted heritage and devotion to the Rule of Saint Benedict. This foundational framework is the force behind all we do and the source of our core values.
While our daily pursuits forever remain committed to those traditions, we also live looking forward, focused on the next senior we can honor and empower, on the faith-based senior housing communities we can strengthen and enrich, and on the journey we make together as a part of the Benedictine Living Community family.
Timeline
Where It All Began
Sister Alexia Kerst and her staff of Benedictine Sisters opened the first St. Mary’s Hospital to the public.
During the early years, the hospitals founded by the Benedictine Sisters of St. Scholastica Monastery had two main sources of income: fees from patients and from what became known as the “lumberjack ticket,” which offered affordable health insurance in the form of a “ticket” to men working in lumber (and later mining camps) at whatever Benedictine hospital was nearest to their work site. Stories are told about Sister Amata Mackett, considered the chief saleswoman for the program, who visited the lumberjack camps and later the mining camps across northeastern Minnesota to sell the tickets. While selling the tickets, she also dispensed advice, darned socks, baked pies, and when called upon presided over funerals. According to archival records, she was six feet tall and was known to the men as “Sister Lumberjack.”
Throughout their history, the Duluth Benedictine Sisters have had a commitment to own and/or operate hospitals wherever there was a need. The Sisters founded or were asked to take over small hospitals across Minnesota including: St. Joseph’s Hospital in Brainerd, (1890-today), St. Anthony’s Hospital in Bemidji, (1892-1922), St. Vincent Hospital in Crookston, (1902- ), Miner’s Hospital in Crosby (1946-1964), St. Michael’s Hospital in Cass Lake (1904-05), St. Joseph’s Hospital in East Grand Forks, (1895-1896), St. James Hospital in International Falls, (1912-1913), St. Benedict’s Hospital in Grand Rapids, (1898-1912), and Hibbing General Hospital in Hibbing, (1942-1977). Some of these early hospitals closed when the need for a small hospital declined. The Sisters transferred the ownership of some of the buildings to the local community when they felt their work was done.
When legislation was passed mandating a system of workmen’s compensation in Minnesota, the hospital ticket program ended. It had served its purpose in helping keep the Benedictine Sister’s hospitals financially solvent during the early years affording guaranteed health care to hundreds of miners and loggers in northern Minnesota.
Benedictine was established by the Benedictine Sisters of St. Scholastica Monastery in 1985 with three Minnesota entities – St. Mary’s Hospital, Duluth; St. Joseph’s Hospital, Brainerd; and Benedictine Health Center, Duluth. In 1996, St. Mary’s Medical Center merged with the Duluth Clinic to form SMDC Health System.
Between 1987 and 1990, two Catholic hospitals in Minnesota and one in Idaho, as well as six long term care communities in North and South Dakota joined Benedictine.
As Benedictine grew, it became evident that a more structured approach to mission integration was needed. Sister Claudia Riehl, OSB, was named system mission integration director in 1993. She was responsible for advancing and integrating the foundational elements of Catholic health care into the culture of Benedictine. Passionate about her work, Sister Claudia became a beloved symbol of the Mission and the Sisters throughout the organization.
Benedictine continued to grow and mature as more than 23 organizations joined between 1995 and 2013.
In 2004, as part of a focus to ensure Catholic sponsorship, Benedictine joined with SMDC Health System to form a parent organization called Essentia Health. Also during this year, Benedictine began its quality improvement journey following the Baldrige Performance Excellence Program. During the next eight years, Benedictine would attain all four levels of achievement, receiving the Minnesota Performance Excellence level (highest level) in 2012.
In 2008, Essentia Health reorganized its structure and Benedictine and its long term care facilities left Essentia Health forming an independent ministry focused on the delivery of long term health care. The hospitals and clinics that were part of Benedictine remained with Essentia Health.
Our Values
Benedictine is a Catholic faith-based organization entrusted with advancing the life-enhancing senior care ministry of the Benedictine Sisters of Duluth, Minnesota. We witness to God’s love by creating inclusive communities, supporting those we serve to live well and with purpose, with special concern for the underserved.
Hospitality
Caring for others as if they were Jesus Christ himself is a Benedictine tradition based in the Gospel and the Rule of St. Benedict, “Jesus said, ‘…anything you did for even the least of my people…you also did for me.'” At Benedictine, we are committed to serving others as if we were serving Jesus himself – extending the unconditional love of Christ to all.
Stewardship
Founded by the Benedictine Sisters of St. Scholastica Monastery, Duluth, Benedictine communities offer compassionate care to people from all walks of faith. You will find belonging here.
Respect
We create a welcoming environment where your unique needs are respected. Our staff strives to honor and support each individual, listening to them with the “ear of their heart.” Together, we resonate in the joy of uncovering new passions and continue in the pursuit of lifelong talents.
Justice
The fruits of our work are enhanced wellness and purpose for our residents. We care for your whole self — body, mind and soul.
Work With Us
As a mission-driven organization, Benedictine offers a supportive culture and work environment to all employees. We empower you to make a difference, learn new skills, and achieve your goals. Whether you are a care provider, a member of our culinary team, or serve in an administrative role, we have a place for you to turn your passion into a career that enriches the lives of others in the process.
Living Options
Benedictine is dedicated to empowering seniors to live to their highest potential for a healthy, happy, active life. Our array of living options are designed to allow residents to choose a lifestyle that balances personal freedom and independence with security and peace of mind. Live the life you desire here.
Therapy & Care Services
Our mission is to provide life-enhancing care and support for seniors to help them live fully and live well. To accomplish this, we offer a range of senior health care services on our campuses, in our therapy centers and at other locations–even in your home. We know that your well-being depends on this, and we are here to care for you every step of the way.