RETREATS FOR STUDENTS AND YOUNG ADULTS | NEW SKETE MONASTERY
“Stepping away from my phone and into daily life at New Skete gave me the clarity I didn’t know I needed. The experience helped me slow down and understand who I am outside the expectations placed on me.”
- Jackson
Experience Authentic Monastic Life
You’re not a spectator here; you’re part of the rhythm. New Skete offers a rare opportunity to experience monastic life from the inside: simple meals shared in community, daily prayer in the chapel, meaningful work, and the quiet hospitality that defines our life. Young visitors often describe this as “a completely different pace”—one that opens space for clarity, gratitude, and a renewed sense of purpose.
Deepen Your Spiritual Practice
College life moves fast, and it’s easy to feel spiritually scattered. At New Skete, the day is shaped by prayer, reflection, and intentional silence. Young adults often tell us that simply being here helps them reconnect with God, breathe deeply, and rediscover practices that ground their hearts. Whether you join the monks in chapel or pray quietly on your own, this is a place where your spirit can rest and grow.
Discernment & Direction
Many students visit during times of transition—graduation approaching, life decisions ahead, or simply a desire for direction. New Skete offers the rare gift of quiet and perspective. There is no pressure and no expectation. You can talk with a monk, journal on a bench overlooking the gardens, or walk the trails in silence. People often leave with a clearer heart and a deeper sense of who God is calling them to be.
Engage With Creation
Our land is part of the retreat. The wooded trails, mountain quiet, and open skies have helped countless young adults reconnect with themselves and with God. Whether you love hiking, photography, or simply being outdoors, the natural beauty of New Skete makes it easy to slow down and feel present. Many visitors say the landscape itself becomes part of their prayer.
Arrival
You’ll stay at Emmaus House, the New Skete guesthouse. You’ll be welcomed by our Guesthouse Manager, and shown to your private room with a private bath.
Photos of the guesthouse → see photo gallery below
Coffee and tea are available in the guesthouse kitchen at any time. You are welcome to bring light snacks and store them in the refrigerator.
7:15 AM — Matins (Morning Prayer)
Begin the day in prayer with the monks.
8:00 AM — Breakfast in the Monks’ Refectory
A simple, communal meal shared in silence or quiet conversation, depending on the day.
9:00 AM — Hands-On Participation (Optional Service Period)
Students are welcome — though never required — to join the monks in meaningful service rooted in community, gratitude, and purpose. Participation in the Service Period is entirely voluntary.
Depending on the season and needs of the monastery, this may include:
- Helping in the gardens under the guidance of our Guesthouse Manager, who has a Master's Degree in Landscape Architecture from Cornell, offering opportunities to learn about horticulture and land stewardship
- Assisting in the kitchen alongside members of the monastic community and staff
- Hiking trail cleanup and light outdoor upkeep
- Observing aspects of our dog-training program
- Supporting small monastery projects
Students interested in canine training may also benefit from time with members of our training staff, including Sarah, who holds a Bachelor of Technology in Canine Training and Management from SUNY Cobleskill.
This work is gentle and grounding — a natural expression of the monastic rhythm. Students who prefer to use this time for rest, study, prayer, or reflection are fully supported in doing so.
12:15 PM — Dinner (Midday Meal) in the Monks’ Refectory
The main meal of the day, shared together. Attendance at meals is expected. If you will be absence please let the Guesthouse Manager know.
1:15 PM — Tersext (Midday Prayer)
A brief time of prayer that marks the passing of the day and recenters the heart.
1:30–4:45 PM — Personal Time for Reflection & Renewal
Choose how you’d like to rest and recharge:
- journaling in the guesthouse library
- hiking the wooded trails
- quiet reading in your room
- visiting the churches
- personal prayer or meditation
- studying, if you bring coursework
- spiritual conversation with a monk or nun
The grounds are open to explore, and silence during this time is encouraged but not required.
5:00 PM — Vespers (Evening Prayer)
A peaceful, contemplative service marking the transition from day to evening.
5:45 PM — Supper in the Refectory
A simple evening meal shared with the community.
Evening — Rest, Quiet, or Conversation
After supper, you may enjoy:
- casual conversation with the monks or fellow guests
- a quiet walk
- reading, journaling, or prayer
- time to reflect on the day and prepare for tomorrow
Quiet hours begin at 9:00 PM to help maintain a restful atmosphere.
Notes
- Participation in any service or activity is optional; we honor your pace and comfort level.
- Retreatants often say they appreciate knowing the rhythm ahead of time — but also that they quickly feel at ease once they’re here.
- The day can be adapted based on your needs, schedule, or desired level of involvement.
