All people and the animals they love are welcome!

Dear Friends of New Skete,

In celebration of the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals, we invite you to New Skete for the Blessing of the Animals! With our love of all creation and our obvious connection to dogs, it comes as no surprise we hold this gathering dear to our hearts. Meeting your pets as we welcome you to the monastery is truly an occasion we look forward to every year.

When you're stressed and overwhelmed with life, when it seems everyone you encounter is angry, when you feel its impossible for everyone to reach any sort of common ground about anything, it's reassuring to know when you gather with folks who love their animals, you already have at least one very important thing in common. And that's a great place to start.

Rain or shine, the blessing service will be held. Ideally we will gather in the Meditation Garden, which is the area surrounded by the Holy Wisdom Church and the Transfiguration Chapel. Delicious refreshments of the season will follow. We also invite you to bring, send, or email photos of pets who have passed away or who are not able to attend. Photos will be displayed and blessed along with everyone in attendance. 

During this time of celebration, we ask you to consider a gift to New Skete in honor of, or in memory of, your pet or loved one. Donations of $100 or more received by October 1st will be uniquely recognized at the 2026 Animal Blessing. For details please see the accompanying form.

Your gift will provide assistance in the areas of most urgent need. This may include costs associated with repairs or renovations for buildings, grounds, equipment, or other necessary projects to the Monks' or Nuns' monasteries or churches. It may also assist with unexpected costs related to health care for the monastics. We are thankful for your continued support and friendship.

Except for our end-of-summer and mid-winter retreats, please know we welcome guests and visitors to New Skete throughout the year, whenever your schedule allows. May God's blessings be on all of you, and we hope to see you soon!

Yours in Christ's love,

Brother Christopher                     Sister Cecelia

Prior, Monks of New Skete         Prioress, Nuns of New Skete

We are created in the image of God and called to grow into His likeness. Yet we can easily become trapped behind the personas we create—seeking approval, concealing our struggles, and sometimes turning even our spiritual lives into a form of performance.

This retreat invites us to lay aside these masks and move toward the freedom of becoming our true selves in Christ: vulnerable, integrated, and whole.

Join us for this one-day spiritual conference exploring how we can move beyond the personas we create and live more fully and authentically in Christ.

A light continental breakfast and lunch are included. 

Overnight accommodations are not included.

Registration is required. 

Donations to help offset the cost of the retreat are welcome.