Saint Meinrad Archabbey
Saint Meinrad Archabbey was founded in 1854 by monks from Einsiedeln Abbey in Switzerland. They came to southern Indiana at the request of a local priest for assistance in addressing the pastoral needs of the growing German-speaking Catholic population and to prepare local men to be priests.

Both of these missions remain part of Saint Meinrad's ministry to the Roman Catholic Church, as Saint Meinrad operates a graduate school of theology and has more than a score of its monks in parish work, chaplaincies, and diocesan assignments.

The Benedictine community at Saint Meinrad consists of about 100 men who dedicate their lives to prayer and work. They gather in community four times a day-for morning prayer, noon prayer, evening prayer and Mass-to pray for the Catholic Church and the world. Guests are welcome to join the monks in prayer in the Archabbey Church.

In addition, the monks spend private time reading spiritual and religious materials. They live by the wisdom and guidance of the Rule of St. Benedict, the sixth-century instructions for community living written by St. Benedict.

Shortly after arriving in Indiana, the Benedictines began offering high school courses to local youths. In 1861, the monks expanded their general courses to include undergraduate courses in philosophy and theology. Through these programs, the monks of Saint Meinrad began their mission, which continues today: preparing men for service in the Church as priests.
 

School of Theology
The School of Theology offers graduate-level degrees in theology. Priesthood candidates work toward a Master of Divinity. Lay degree students can earn a Master of Arts (Catholic Thought and Life) or a Master of Theological Studies.

Saint Meinrad began offering lay degree programs in 1969, although students worked on their degrees during the six-week Summer Session program. In the fall of 1993, the School of Theology expanded its mission to allow lay ministry students to attend classes during any of the academic terms. While some classes specifically aimed at ordination preparation are reserved for MDiv students, lay ministers are welcome to pursue their graduate degrees as part-time or full-time students. More than 5,000 men and women have studied in the School of Theology.

The Institute for Priests and Presbyterates offers programs to help priests make a successful transition into parish life and become effective pastors. Additionally, the Institute works with diocesan presybterates seeking to acieve greater unity.

Other programs in the School of Theology include a permanent deacon formation program, which assists Catholic dioceses in the formation of its deacon candidates, and a youth and vocations program, which encourages high school and college students to participate more deeply in the Church's liturgy and consider a vocation of service to the Church.

Abbey Press
Saint Meinrad Archabbey owns and operates an international company that produces and markets religious, spiritual and inspirational cards, books and gifts. Abbey Press is one of the largest business enterprises in Spencer County, Indiana, with more than 300 employees.

It was begun in 1867 when the Benedictine monks purchased a used printing press. Although primarily used for in-house printing needs, in the 1960s the monks recognized the opportunity of spreading its ministry beyond the printed word.

Today, Abbey Press markets its products throughout the United States and in 25 English-speaking countries. More than 20 foreign companies are licensed to print some of Abbey Press' publications in native languages.

Abbey Caskets
Saint Meinrad's newest venture began in the spring of 1999 with the establishment of Abbey Caskets. The result of requests by friends and alumni of Saint Meinrad to obtain shaped wooden caskets such as those used for monks' funerals, Abbey Caskets offers caskets handmade from poplar and modeled after the monastic version. The product line also includes a simple cremation urn and a rectangular wooden casket.