Introduction to the community
The mission of the Order of Saint Helena is to show forth Christ through a life of monastic prayer, hospitality and service. Our core values are:
- Prayer: We celebrate the Holy Eucharist and pray the Divine Office daily. We practice individual prayer, intercession and meditation.
- Hospitality: We offer an oasis of welcome for guests, both individuals and groups.
- Service: We minister and serve where our gifts meet the world’s needs.
- Tradition and Innovation: We are women living communally under a vow of monastic poverty, celibate chastity and obedience to God. From Benedictine roots, we discern new ways to interpret traditional monasticism, striving to grow in diversity and inclusivity.
As an Order, we are not restricted to any single area of work but witness and respond to the Gospel, with individual sisters engaging in different ministries as they feel called by God and affirmed by the community. Our ministries are thus wonderfully varied: for example, parish ministry, leading retreats, spiritual direction, teaching, chaplaincy, interfaith dialogue, and community service. Four sisters are ordained priests.
The Order is led by a two-member Leadership Council.
Contact details
Address: Convent of St Helena, 414 Savannah Barony Drive, North Augusta, SC 29841, USA
Community information
Bishop Visitor: Rt Revd Carlye j Hughes, BIshop of Newark
Third Order, Fellowship, Associates
Associates – open to all women and men.
Leadership
Leadership Council:
Revd Dr Ellen Francis Poisson OSH (Formation)
Revd Miriam Elizabeth Bledsoe OSH (Vocations)
Membership
Sister Ellen Stephen
Sister Carol Andrew
Revd Sister Rosina Ampah
Sister Ann Prentice
Sister Mary Lois Miller
Sister Linda Elston
Sister Faith Anthony
8 Apr 2018 – Sister Ruth Juchter, aged 92, professed 52 years
1 Jan 2020 – Sister Barbara Lee, aged 76, professed 29 years
18 Nov 2021 Sister June Thomas, aged 87, professed 35 years
11 June 2022 Sister Benedicta, aged 86, professed 43 years
