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There is joy… and then there is, JOY (cue the choir of angels!) but what’s the difference?
If you are fortunate and pay very close attention, you may experience moments of joy, daily. Random occurrences that cause a burst of something like happiness; the sudden gift of seeing a butterfly in flight; hearing a baby laugh, the taste of something delicious, the smell of pumpkin pie or pine trees or maybe it’s even your team winning the game. It’s different for each of us and that is extraordinary! This is the kind of joy that lifts your spirit by something that comes into your orbit when you aren’t expecting it. Fortunately, we can make it a practice and choose to put ourselves on paths where our chances to experience joy is more likely.
It is with much anticipation we announce, that since the Fall of 2022, the Monks of New Skete residential area, has finally undergone MAJOR renovations. As it is the private, cloistered area for the Monks (and of course for one or two of their dogs!) and not accessible to the public, it is possible people would not be aware of the deteriorating conditions of that area. However, what this revitalization signifies is more than construction. It’s an exciting look to the future.
The founding Monks secured their permanent, Cambridge property in 1967. However, their sleeping quarters was not their first priority. Instead, they simultaneously built an all-purpose building, which included a workshop to earn money to support themselves, an area for daily worship and a communal area where together, they created a foundation that would incarnate their unique, distinct vision and philosophy of monastic life. Over the years that vision, has given life to so many.
It’s a remarkable story! Their first, cloistered, residential area came in 1968. It was then that public utilities caught up to the busy Monks who up until then didn’t have electricity or even a phone! What a difference from today where computers, cell phones, broadband and fios move us through our day. It is an astonishing evolution but one that has its spiritual sights set for the “long haul.”
What does this project mean to us; to you...and the future of all?
For many years, the Monks have been acutely aware of the many areas of restoration needed at their monastery: the residential area, the guest area, the kitchen or dining area. Where to start? We have been researching, saving, strategizing, designing and redesigning since 2006. It was finally time to begin.
'Put on your own oxygen mask before assisting others.' --Randy Pausch
To think of one’s own needs before others, may initially feel selfish. However, in this case, we prayerfully discerned the need to ensure that the monks of today and tomorrow would be able to minister to the needs of others as we move forward. The personal and financial investment the Monks have already made to make these modifications demonstrate their commitment not only to a safe and healthy environment for today, but also to a more energy and environmentally conscious sustainability for tomorrow. The scope of work completed assists to protect the health and safety of the current and future monastics. The removal of mold and lead, updating electrical, plumbing and heating systems, adding an elevator lift, and a generator are just some of the changes. Modification solutions were chosen with sustainability and energy efficiency in mind.
We aren’t done. It’s just the beginning of the Monk’s Long Look Forward Campaign. We humbly ask that you consider a gift today to specifically assist the Monks with this very important undertaking. Your gift will support the expenses associated with this completed residential transformation and will enable us to replenish resources that will once again allow us to strategically advance our renovation plans to the monastery’s next area most in need.
Online or by check, your thoughtful donation can be given in Honor or in Memory of someone special of your choosing. The following commitment page provides details on how your involvement now will contribute to the incalculable gifts afforded to all those who experience the Monks and the Monastery now and in the future.
What is the cost of the Monk’s Residence Renovation?
1.5 million dollars.
How old was this part of the residence?
55 years old.
Why give now if the project is done?
Gifts now will enable us to replenish resources that will once again allow us to strategically advance our renovation plans to the monastery’s next area most in need.
Since it was built in 1968, how many Monks would you estimate have lived in this cloistered area? Br. Marc estimates at least 50 men have made this area home over the years. Some were here from the beginning for many years until their passing, others for a very short time. While the length of their stay varied, through their gifts of art, writing, music, time and talents, all of them have left something of themselves that have influenced our life and future. We hope during their time at New Skete they too were gifted with a positive experience to share with the world. Something that made their life journey better.
Download the information on the Monks' renovations to their residential area.
Monetary donations are the simplest way to support New Skete and can be used immediately for our current needs. Gifts may be made by personal check, cashier's check, money order, cash (not recommended by mail) or click on the Donate button below to quickly and safely donate with your credit card. We are a 501[c3] organization and all donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law.
Some individuals choose to make the monastics recipients of part of their tithes on a regular basis, either weekly, monthly, quarterly or annually. All gifts are promptly acknowledged and you may choose to remain anonymous with your contribution.
Checks may be mailed to:
New Skete Monasteries
PO Box 128
Cambridge, NY 12816
Mail to:
Nuns of New Skete
343 Ashgrove Rd
Cambridge, NY 12816
or
518-677-3928 ext 214
Tour of Church Renovation
Often times our donors prefer to support us by donating tangible items. Please contact us
concerning our policy of accepting in-kind gifts.
A gift to New Skete is a wonderful way to honor a loved one on a special occasion or to memorialize a loved one as a celebration of their life. A card notifying the honored or the family of the deceased will be sent upon receipt of your memory/honor gift. The amount of your gift will not be disclosed.
To make a memory/honor gift, please include:
• The name of the person being honored or memorialized.
• The contact information for the person to whom you would like a notification to be sent.
Please remember us when making or revising your will. Your generosity means leaving a lasting legacy with New Skete. Often, a bequest can be arranged with a simple legal amendment to your existing will. Your attorney can help with specific wording that reflects your desires.
Stocks, bonds, and mutual funds may be transferred to New Skete Monasteries. Check with your financial advisors [attorney, accountant, etc.] to learn more about the tax advantages for you and your family.
Life insurance policies, whether paid up or by naming New Skete as beneficiary on a new policy, may be donated. Check with your financial advisor for tax advantages.
Naming New Skete as a beneficiary of a portion of your retirement assets [IRA’s, 401K’s, etc.] isanother wonderful way to provide support for us and our future. Donating retirement assets may provide tax benefits, such as avoiding estate and income taxes that might otherwise be due if the assets were left to your heirs.
A charitable remainder trust is a special tax-exempt entity and irrevocable. Charitable remainder trusts are an arrangement in which cash, appreciated securities or real estate are donated to us, but the donor (also called the grantor) continues to use the property and/or receive income from it while living. The beneficiaries receive the income and we receive the principal after a specified period of time. The donor avoids any capital gains tax on the donated assets, and also receives an income tax deduction for the fair market value of the remainder interest that the trust earned. In addition, the asset is removed from the estate, reducing subsequent estate taxes.
Upon termination of a charitable remainder trust, the remaining assets support New Skete.
*As with any estate planning decision, consult your legal, financial and tax advisors for advice and information on applicable state and federal laws.
New Skete Monasteries invite your support and participation in our ministries. We seek creative ways to share our lives with others and help to insure the future of our monastic community. You are always welcome
to join with us in:
~ Liturgical services:
~ Pre-sanctified Liturgy followed by soup meal on Wednesdays and Fridays during Lent; morning Matins, evening Vespers, Saturday evening Vigil, Sunday morning Divine Liturgy followed by coffee hour; special Feast Day services throughout the year
~ Retreats
~ Group, Individual Directed or Private Retreat
~ Open House / Cambridge Balloon Festival in June
~ Annual Pilgrimage at the Feast of Transfiguration in August
~ Mission Sunday meal on Palm Sunday evening
There are many ways to share in our lives; donations of your time, skills or talent or by helping us with various chores at the monasteries, is a gift we truly appreciate. We especially need help with cleaning and maintenance of the Holy Wisdom Church, as well as Spring and Fall clean-up of our grounds and gardens.
For more information on volunteering at New Skete Monasteries please email karengladstone@newskete.org
Support New Skete by telling others about our community and invite your friends and family to visit our monasteries, sample our hospitality and share in our life and mission
Please contact New Skete Director of Advancement and Stewardship, Karen Gladstone at 518-677-3928 x214 or karengladstone@newskete.org should you have any questions regarding ways to support New Skete.
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