Since the inceptions of Saint Cecilia Church and Sacred Heart Church, they both have been served by the Benedictine monks of Saint Vincent Archabbey in nearby Latrobe. This monastic community has been involved in parish work and education since its founding monks arrived from Europe in 1846. From Saint Vincent, 21 other abbeys and monasteries were founded in the USA, Mexico, and Puerto Rico. Although the monasic ideal involves detachment from the world to serve God in prayer and labor, historically Benedictines have been called upon to serve as missionaries, educators, scholars, liturgists, and parish priests. The Benedictines strive to maintain a strong community and prayer life, hospitality, simplicity of lifestyle, and a strong commitment to their vows of obedience, stability, and conversatio morum, a Latin term meaning “conversion of life”, which includes living a life of chastity, sharing of all goods in common and willingness to defer to one another in peace, out of mutual respect. The Benedictine strives to see Christ in every person, most especially in the poor, needy, neglected and rejected of the world, and to balance work and prayer in seeking God above all.