Sr. Stephanie celebrates 60 years as a Benedictine

Friday, Aug. 21, 2015

By Sr. Luke Hoschette, OSB

“Living with meaning and purpose requires positive values.”  This is a mantra for Benedictine Sister Stephanie Mongeon as she celebrates 60 years of religious life. 

Sr. Stephanie was born on a farm in North Dakota, the seventh of 10 children. There were many farmhands to feed and she learned early how to be a hard worker. 

Sr. Stephanie always prayed she would do what God asked. So, when as a student at the College of Saint Benedict she heard the Lord calling her, she responded with customary enthusiasm and entered the monastery. As a Benedictine sister, she spent 10 years teaching in high school and college while pursuing graduate studies. She earned a master’s degree in institutional management at Kansas State University.

In 1965 she joined the staff of St. Benedict’s Hospital in Ogden, serving as Director of Dietary Services, nutritional consultant and vice president for mission effectiveness. Her last role, which catapulted her into public speaking on issues of importance to her, was that of Director of Pastoral Care and patient/employee advocate. 

Because she responded to the call as a sister, “God has enabled me to reach out to so many people,” she said.

Now, after 48 years in Utah, Sr. Stephanie is back at the motherhouse using her gifts and talents – “not getting in God’s way,” as she says.  She is involved in hospitality and vocation work, and works with Campus Ministry and college students. She exudes an energy, which is contagious, and if you get too close, you’ll catch it, too!