The Benedictine monastery of Saint Meinrad Archabbey, located in St. Meinrad, Indiana, was established in 1854 by the Abbey of Einsiedeln in Switzerland. A southern Indiana priest, Fr. Joseph Kundek, asked the Swiss monks to settle here to help minister to the German-speaking Catholic population and to start a seminary that would prepare local men to become priests.

In the 150 years since, the monastic community at Saint Meinrad has grown to over 100 monks. It is one of only two archabbeys in the United States.

Four times each day, the monks gather in prayer for the Liturgy of the Hours or Mass. The monks conduct retreats, serve as chaplains and offer pastoral assistance to parishes in a dozen dioceses throughout the United States. They also spread God's Word through other apostolates-particularly the School of Theology, Abbey Press and Abbey Caskets.

The monks began preparing men for the priesthood as early as 1857. The School of Theology continues that mission of educating leaders for the Catholic Church. Today, in addition to its seminary program, Saint Meinrad offers graduate degree programs for lay ministry students; a formation program for permanent deacons; and continuing education opportunities for priests, deacons, parish professionals and other adults. More than 6,000 alumni serve the Catholic Church and society in the U.S. and around the world.

Saint Meinrad's Abbey Press began in 1867 when the monks purchased a secondhand printing press for their own printing needs. Soon, the monks realized they could minister to a wider audience through the printed word. Today, Abbey Press financially supports the work of the Archabbey by offering inspirational and religious cards, gifts, books and other publications to Christian families around the world.

Saint Meinrad's newest venture began in the spring of 1999 with the establishment of Abbey Caskets. The handcrafted caskets and cremation urns are made of hardwoods such as poplar, oak, walnut and cherry and are sold directly to the public.