New Skete Resident Experience Program

Our vocation as Eastern Orthodox monastics, united in two communities of monks and nuns, is to grow in the likeness of Christ through a vowed life.  We seek to embody and express Christ's love and message for all seekers in a manner responsive to contemporary needs and faithful to the prophetic spirit of the earliest Christian communities.

As New Skete is an Orthodox monastic community comprised of monks and nuns, we are passionately committed to living the monastic life in a manner appropriate for the 21st century. Our life is grounded in prayer, both through our liturgical life and in our personal prayer. We gather for Matins and Vespers daily and celebrate the Divine Liturgy on Sundays and feast days. Prayer is the heart of our life, which energizes and connects all the other activities the community is involved in: the breeding and raising of German shepherd dogs, the training of dogs of all breeds, the baking of cheesecakes and fruitcakes, the painting of icons, hospitality, and research into the liturgical arts.

Over the course of our history, New Skete has developed a unique monastic culture that is at once both solidly traditional yet open to the creative breath of the Spirit. We believe that monasticism is perennially relevant, providing a place where men and women can explore the deepest meaning in life as monastics, or as visitors.

An expression of this uniqueness is our resident experience program for men and women who are 20 years and older, and who wish to spend a significant period of time in a quiet environment in order to discern their life path, however that may unfold. While open to individuals who are thinking about monastic life, we also welcome inquiries from those who, while not feeling called to monastic life as a permanent vocation, wish to cultivate a solid spiritual foundation that anchors whatever life path they embark on. Our temporary residents participate in the daily rhythm of prayer and work at the monastery; they join the monks and nuns for daily worship, and they share in the various aspects of the community’s work and culture: the puppy and dog training programs, the care of the monastery and grounds, the hospitality and events, and other cottage industries the monks may be involved in. We are open to utilizing the particular gifts volunteers may possess to help the community. In so far as it is possible, we encourage volunteers to take advantage of immersing themselves in the unique monastic culture, and we provide the opportunity (should they so desire) of meeting regularly with a monk who acts as a spiritual resource person to help them in their spiritual journey.