Helping Hands

 

by Brother Gregory

Years ago, when New Skete was founded in 1966, it was always stated that the Founder of New Skete was Fr. Laurence, but in the past 20 years or so this idea of there being just one Founder has changed. Keep in mind that Fr. Laurence did not walk up the mountain alone. With him were about 11 other young men who walked up the mountain with him. Today, we refer to all those young monks who walked up the mountain as the Founding Monks, and they are given a special place of honor, as they gave their lives to building a monastic community in Washington County, New York. In 1969, five former Poor Clare nuns built a monastery 3 miles from the monks’ monastery. A shared vision was formed, and today we are known as the Monks and Nuns of New Skete. Let’s not forget the foundation of Emmaus House, a third monastic community of New Skete made up of married monastic couples. Although that community closed in 2014, the Emmaus House building remains as a welcoming Guest House for visitors to New Skete.

When I first came to New Skete in 1996, I was much younger and had a lot more energy. Back then, at the monks’ monastery we did all the work, and there were no employees. Br. Marc did all the road plowing and road repairs. The monks did all the cooking, dog training, and puppy program cleaning; we washed the dishes, mopped all the halls and floors, cleaned the bathrooms, cut the grass, and so much more, not to mention all the work to maintain the liturgical life of the monastery. The monks would put on their boots after Matins and breakfast at 9:00 AM and take off their boots at 9:00 PM—and, of course, don’t forget all the love and attention that the beautiful German Shepherd dogs and puppies received and gave back to us. Back then, this work schedule was not a problem, and we could handle it with energy to spare. Between the 3 monastic communities, there were about 33 monastics and plenty of hands to carry on the work of the monasteries. But times have changed, with monastics passing away or monastics leaving the community. My view now is that everybody shares in that foundation spirit that was started back in 1966. The monastics who left the community left a positive, lasting mark on the community. Many people today have come to know about New Skete through our dog books or have read our book In the Spirit of Happiness. Some people share in the foundation spirit through their prayers and support even though they have never visited our monasteries. In addition, we are blessed to have the Companions of New Skete, Resident Experience volunteers, dedicated employees, and members of our Chapel Community, too. All of them share in that foundation spirit.

As the life of New Skete continues with all the work that we do, we are in need of more, very generous Helping Hands. People are so very generous. If this simple article inspires you to want to volunteer and share in our Foundation Spirit, just reach out to Karen Gladstone at

New Skete Volunteer Interest and Availability Form

New Skete Resident Experience Program

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