Our monastery in Dayton, Wyoming, is located at the foot of the Big Horn Mountains. On these thirty-eight acres of land, guests and retreatants have the opportunity to experience the presence and beauty of God in nature as well as in the quiet of the chapel and in the hospitality of the sisters.

In 1983 our Congregation responded to the request of Bishop Joseph Hart to come to this vast diocese that comprises the entire state of Wyoming. After residing temporarily in Casper and Big Horn, the community settled at Dayton, a picturesque village fifteen miles west of Sheridan, on Highway 14, one of routes leading to Yellowstone Park. The monastery is just six miles from the beautiful Tongue River Canyon.

San Benito is the only monastery in the diocese. With less than twenty-five sisters in the entire state, the services of the community are much in demand. We are available for retreats and spiritual direction at the monastery and we also give instruction on prayer and the Scriptures at other locations.  For those individuals who want to share in our monastic spirituality we have the Oblate Program with “Chapters” in several areas of the state.

Our gift shop, Monastery Creations, has a variety of items from hand-crafted soaps, candles, pottery, cards, and other souvenir items, to tapes, CDs, and new and used books. You are welcome to browse a select number of items online, or to visit in person to see the entire selection. Your purchases help to support our life of prayer.

From the beginning of our time in Wyoming, we have had a relationship with the Crow and Cheyenne tribes on the nearby reservations.  Through service, dialogue, and participation in festivities we have grown in our awareness of and appreciation for the Native American people and their way of life.

Likewise, by sharing our resources and facilities with members of other faith communities, we have experienced the richness that comes through such exchanges.

We look forward to welcoming you to San Benito.