1. Why, how, and who founded the community  Why - The Benedictine sisters founded the community to teach the predominantly German children of Saint Michael's.  How - They founded the community by Reverend Henry Lemke, pastor of Saint Michael's parish in Elizabeth, requesting the sisters On September 29, 1864, to live in the city of Elizabeth, New Jersey, and begin classes for 72 children.  Who - The Benedictine sisters of Elizabeth, New jersey are monastic women who seek God in community, through Gospel values and the Rule of Saint Benedict.