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2026 New Skete Pilgrimage

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By Karen Gladstone On Saturday, August 8th, New Skete greeted close to one hundred visitors for the annual Pilgrimage, a day of community that has become an annual tradition. Mark your 2027 calendar now and save the date for Saturday, August 7th. You won’t want to miss it! The day began with early Matins followed by an inspiring Liturgy service. Throughout the event, Pilgrims enjoyed a church tour, attended a fascinating guest speaker presentation, learned about and experienced an on-site Labyrinth, and participated in a very energetic, East European Folkdance lesson! All of these structured activities paired wonderfully with ample time for personal reflection, feasting on a delicious lunch and baked treats, and visiting with friends, old and new. Vespers with Healing Service concluded the day. Much gratitude to the donors who sent well-wishes for the Pilgrimage or gifts in honor of or in memory of loved ones. Additional thanks to the volunteers who gave generously of their time and t...
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The Ministry of Many Small Things

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  The Ministry of Many Small Things by Ida Williams with a Reflection by Brother Marc Following our June dog training workshop, a conversation arose around the kitchen table about the many different roles required to support the life and hospitality of the monastery. As we reflected on the week, I found myself sharing something I often say when people ask about the variety of my responsibilities: "The diversity of my duties is one of the things I love most about my job. Otherwise, I'd get bored." Later that evening, I found myself thinking more deeply about that response and realizing there is a kind of circle at work in my life here at New Skete: I love my job because I do so many different things. I do so many different things because I love my job. At first glance, my work often changes from one hour to the next. A morning might begin with communications, shift to preparations for an upcoming workshop, include questions from prospective guests, a...
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Paschaltide

  By Brother Brennan I recall that as a child growing up in Our Lady of Prompt Succor parish, in Westwego, Louisiana, Easter was, of course, always sacred and special. While it was somehow “smaller” than Christmas, there was a difference I could perceive then, but just not explain.   Giving up something for Lent, attending the stations of the cross weekly, meatless Fridays, and the Paschal Triduum services all helped us prepare for and embrace the momentousness of the feast in our lives—both individually and communally. Around the corner from the church, just beyond the parish cemetery, lived my aunt and uncle, who always hosted a massive potluck barbecue for the extended family and many friends, complete with an Easter egg hunt and cabbage ball (just like softball, but with a smaller diamond and a larger, softer ball, eliminating the need for gloves). Although there always seemed to be less “fuss” over Easter than for Christmas, with all that December shopping, continual ...
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The Fresh Start Effect

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  by Ida Williams During Resurrection Sunday, my Southern pastor mentioned something called the Fresh Start Effect. I immediately wrote it down in my notes. It’s a concept from behavioral science that explains why people feel more motivated to pursue goals after a clear “new beginning.” When we step into a new chapter—whether marked by a date, a place, or a change in circumstances—we tend to separate our “old self” from our “new self.” These fresh starts can be obvious: New Year’s Day, birthdays, the first of the month. Or surprisingly ordinary: a Monday morning, rearranging a room, stepping into a new role. It isn’t the event itself—it’s the sense of a clean slate. Even in baseball, players who are traded or move between teams often show a surge in performance. The change of environment offers a psychological reset—a chance to leave behind a slump and step forward with renewed focus. It’s not just about skill. It’s about perception, momentum, and belief. Not every fresh start come...
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Matins reading from Maximus the Great, Jan. 21

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  A timeless message from St. Maximus the Great whom we remember on January 21st. The icon was a gift to the community from the iconographer Robert Lentz, OFM. Matins reading from Maximus the Great, Jan. 21 The Lord reminds us in the gospels, “Whoever loves me will keep my commandments. And this is my commandment: that you love one another.” So, those who do not love their neighbor do not obey God’s command. But those who do not obey this command cannot love God. People are blest if they can love everyone equally. Moreover, if they truly love God, they must love their neighbor absolutely. Such people cannot hoard their wealth. Rather, like God, they generously give from their own resources to each according to their needs. Since they imitate God’s generosity, the only distinction God draws is the person’s need. God does not distinguish between a good person and a bad one, a just person and one who is unjust. Yet God’s own goodness of will makes God prefer the person who strives aft...
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The Path and the Destination

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  by Brother Luke Sometimes when I set out for a walk with my dogs, I do not have a particular route in mind. Usually, they are resting in their crates in our “mud room,” which exits our building behind the Bell Tower. That is the quickest way out and often the most efficient. But if I want them to get water before we go, I have to go out the back door past other dogs in their crates. That’s more of a challenge and may affect my choice of routes outside. Once outside, I have many options. Which one to choose? Does it matter? To me, maybe, but not to my dogs. They will enjoy their romp in the woods no matter what the season or which trail I pick. So, I pick the trail and they go with it. Dogs operate in nature as they are designed to do, and they are not troubled by the need to wrestle with choices of right or wrong. It’s not exactly autopilot; they do have to operate within their framework. Bark, growl, or bite may be determined by circumstances, training, or temperament, but whate...
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Ordinary Chosen for Extraordinary

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Our Lady of the Sign by Ida Williams with gratitude to Sister Cecelia for her insights Our Lady of the Sign — Patroness of the Nuns of New Skete As we enter the season of Christmas, when we reflect on God choosing to come among us in the most humble and unexpected way, it feels fitting to remember that the nuns’ monastery is dedicated to  Our Lady of the Sign —the icon that proclaims that very mystery. This image of Mary shows her with hands raised in prayer, the Christ Child revealed within a radiant circle over her heart. The sisters place their life and work under her protection and patronage, trusting her to guide the community and intercede for all who come here. The icon expresses the heart of the Incarnation— God with us —and reminds us that New Skete is meant to be a place of prayer, peace, and hospitality offered in Christ’s name. Just as Christmas celebrates God entering the world quietly and lovingly, the icon of the Sign reveals God dwelling within the ordinary, held in...
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