The first step a person exploring our life should undertake is to contact the
vocation
director (Brother Christopher-Monks, Sister Patricia-Nuns, Sister
Melanie-Companions)
and arrange to make an initial visit. Individuals who are
interested in our life need to
develop a positive relationship with us through
several visits. These visits are usually
three days to a week in length
(depending on individual circumstances). Visiting helps the
candidate get to know
the community and how we live. The visit provides the opportunity
to speak with
individual members and begin the process of discerning whether
New Skete is
the best place to grow and mature.
New Skete offers a unique opportunity for individuals interested in the
monastic life
to spend time with us living according to the rhythms of our
contemplative life.
Guests have ample opportunity for solitude and prayer,
join us in choir for services,
spend a certain period of time each day in common
work, share meals with us, and
have several spiritual conferences throughout
the week on the monastic vocation. The
dates for monastic retreat experience
are usually in December and early summer and
no fee
is expected. If you are
interested, please contact the monk’s at 518-677-3928
or e-mail the
vocation
director, the nun’s at 518 677 3810 or email the
vocation
director or the
companions at 518 677 8863 or email the
vocation director.
When an individual enters our community as a novice, an ongoing process of growth and formation begins that will continue throughout life. The point of this process is to become more closely formed according to the image and example of Jesus Christ who is ultimately the true teacher.
In the novitiate period especially we believe that it is crucial to provide the novice with a serious period of formation, in which he or she is exposed to the richness of monastic tradition. Novices from all three houses participate in classes in monastic spirituality, Church history, liturgy, and Scripture. Candidates follow a syllabus of important readings. These lay the foundation in mature personal development for acquiring a solid monastic identity.
The process of formation continues after the monastic makes profession. In addition to daily personal study and reflection, the community invites guest speakers to address important topics. Provision is made for each monastic to seek spiritual direction on a regular basis.
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