Monastery of the Ascension, United States

What it is

A community of nine Benedictine monks in the farmland of southern Idaho, founded from Mount Angel Abbey in 1965.

What it needs

The prior's message on the monastery's site says the monks accept that they will not survive as a community and are in the process of turning over ownership of the monastery to the Missionary Servants of the Word, who already operate the retreat house. The monks continue their life of prayer there and accept online donations.

Before you act. This is an orderly handover to another Catholic religious community rather than a sale. The prior said in March 2025 that the community is closing; the monks remain in residence and still publish their quarterly chronicle.

Sources

Last checked 9 November 2026. Responsible body: Monastery of the Ascension.

Other houses to consider

St. Leo, United States

Holy Name Monastery, St. Leo

In June 2026 the community announced that, for the health care and safety of its members, it would relocate from Holy Name Monastery to the American House senior residence in Zephyrhills over the following months. The sisters say information about the future of the monastery property will be shared when available; gifts support the sisters' care and their remaining ministries.

Status: Closing or moving
Community: In residence
Order: Benedictine
Founded: 1889

St. Joseph, United States

Saint Benedict's Monastery, St. Joseph

The community is now far smaller than its buildings and is constructing a right-sized monastery nearby so that its resources go to mission rather than maintenance. When the sisters move, expected in winter 2027, the existing monastery buildings will be sold. No construction cost or fundraising target has been published.

Status: Closing or moving
Community: In residence
Order: Benedictine
Founded: 1857