Who are Duluth Benedictine Ministries, and what is a Ministerial Public Juridic Person (MPJP)?
Duluth Benedictine Ministries (DBM) is a Catholic, Benedictine-sponsored organization committed to continuing the healing and teaching mission of Jesus in the spirit of the Sisters of St. Scholastica Monastery in Duluth, Minnesota. Our work is rooted in the core values of the Benedictine tradition: hospitality, stewardship, respect, and justice.

DBM is a Ministerial Public Juridic Person (MPJP) within the Roman Catholic Church. This means we are officially recognized by Church authority to carry out our healthcare and education ministries on behalf of the Church and as a Catholic sponsor to our ministries. As an MPJP, we ensure that the founding mission and values of the Benedictine Sisters continue to guide our sponsored ministries, even as laypeople take on leadership roles. It's a structure that blends spiritual tradition with professional governance, enabling us to faithfully serve others with both integrity and accountability.

How can my organization become a Public Juridic Person (PJP) in the Catholic Church?
To become a Public Juridic Person (PJP), your organization must go through a formal process with the approval of Church authority such as the diocesan bishop or the Vatican, depending on the scope of the ministry. The organization must demonstrate that its mission aligns with the values and teachings of the Catholic Church and that it has the capacity to carry out a ministry of the Church, such as education, healthcare, or social services.

The process usually includes:
1. Discernment and Preparation: Clarifying the organization’s mission, governance structure, and commitment to Church teaching.

2.   Canonical Consultation: Working with a canon lawyer or Church representative to prepare the necessary documentation.

3.   Application: Submitting a petition to the appropriate Church authority, outlining the organization's purpose, governance, and alignment with ecclesial ministry.

4.   Approval and Recognition: If approved, the Church grants the organization juridic personality, giving it the canonical authority to operate in its ministry on behalf of the Church.

Becoming a PJP is both a spiritual and structural commitment which ensures that the organization continues its ministry in fidelity to the Church while allowing for lay leadership and sustainable governance.

How is DBM connected to the Benedictine Sisters of St. Scholastica Monastery?
DBM was established by the Benedictine Sisters to continue their legacy of service. While the sisters remain involved, DBM provides a structure for lay leadership to carry forward their mission in a sustainable way.

Why did the Benedictine Sisters of St. Scholastica Monastery create DBM?
Aware of the declining availability of Sisters at St. Scholastica Monastery to provide oversight to their sponsored ministries, the Duluth Benedictine Sisters began exploring and discerning options that would allow their ministries to continue to grow and thrive when the Sisters were no longer available to provide leadership. A petition to the Vatican for a change in sponsorship to a Ministerial Public Juridic Person – called Duluth Benedictine Ministries – was approved in December 2022 with the official change taking place on July 1, 2023. With this change in sponsorship, the Sisters are ensuring that their mission and ministries will continue long into the future. 

Where can I learn more about the Benedictine Sisters of St. Scholastica?
You can visit their website: www.duluthbenedictines.org.

Are DBM ministries only located in Duluth?
While DBM is based in Duluth, our sponsored ministries are spread across several states.

What ministries belong to Duluth Benedictine Ministries?
DBM sponsors several ministries in Catholic education and healthcare.

The sponsored ministries are:

Benedictine 
A Catholic health system that provides senior care and living communities across multiple states.

The College of St. Scholastica
A Catholic Benedictine college in Duluth, Minnesota, offering undergraduate and graduate programs.

The Catholic facilities of Essentia Health
St. Mary’s Medical Center, Duluth; St. Mary’s, Detroit Lakes; St. Joseph’s Medical Center, Brainerd; Holy Trinity Hospital, Graceville; and St. Mary’s Hospital, Superior, WI.

St. Francis Regional Medical Center
Located in Shakopee, Minnesota.

St. Mary's Health 
Located in Cottonwood, Idaho.

How does DBM maintain its Benedictine identity in modern ministries?
DBM ensures that all sponsored ministries uphold the core Benedictine values by:

Providing spiritual formation and leadership development

Serving on governing boards

Offering guidance on mission integration and Catholic identity

How can my ministry get sponsored under DBM?
For more information, contact Jan Barrett: jan.barrett@duluthbenedictineministries.org.