New Skete Monasteries News

By David Bushhouse I spent this summer (Pentecost—Transfiguration) volunteering at New Skete as part of the Resident Experience Program. I lived at the monastery in one of the guest rooms, eating, praying, and working with the monks. The past couple of months have given me the opportunity to reflect on the experience, and I can report that my time at New Skete was truly transformative. I would do it all over again if I had the chance.                    I graduated from college in May of this year with a bachelor’s degree in Biology, and I am currently beginning doctoral studies in Molecular Biosciences at Northwestern University. This summer presented a unique opportunity to take some time away from school and the lab and dedicate myself to rest, silence, and prayer. Also, I wanted the chance to work with my hands and learn humility while taking a break from the intellectually demanding w...

By Brother Thomas Recently, during a few days of silent retreat about an hour north of the monastery, I was having breakfast alone, lost in my thoughts, somewhat entranced by the snow that had begun to fall earlier that morning. A young couple, with their two-year-old son in tow, entered from the far end of the room and after preparing their food, found a seat at a nearby table. After we exchanged the usual pleasantries we often do with complete strangers, the child toddled up, tapped my leg, and offered a children’s book that I didn’t remember he’d had when he entered. The mother quickly interjected, “You don’t mind kids, do you?” “Not at all,” I responded, welcoming the opportunity, knowing deep within that it’s often easier for me to connect with children than it is with adults. I took the book, a story about Noah and the Flood, and began to read aloud the words of a tale that has become familiar to anyone who’s ventured just a few pages into Genesis. I accented the story wi...

By Ida Williams, Director of Marketing and Communications Here we are again, nearing the end of summer.     The monks and nuns are on retreat.   Some stay at the monastery, some travel to visit family, and most head to a beach location as a group for a time of spiritual rejuvenation. It is pretty quiet here during monastic retreat time.   No church services, no bells ringing, no guests arriving, and no dinners being prepared. Bark, bark, bark, bark…   “Yes, Kahn, I know you are still here.”   While the monks and nuns are away, the dogs stay and play with the staff and volunteers.   Kahn enjoying the office time Josh comes in first thing in the morning for feeding breakfast, potty breaks, and clean-up. After answering phone messages and emails, I walk to the training kennel to get Kahn and bring him to my office.   Now that he is eleven years old, he moves a bit slower, and strenuous play with the other do...