Monastic Immersion Experience
McKenzie Snow, Summer 2011 Monastic Intern
Watch the MIE video to learn more... |
Experience monastic prayer, worship, common life with us.
Participate in an internship in a Monastery department: retreat ministry, historical museum, gardens and herbal products, marketing and communications and possibly others.
Participate in classes on monastic topics, faith sharing groups and common work.
Spiritual direction available.
Open to women of all faith backgrounds ages 18-50.
Dates:
Session I—June 4- July 28, 2012
Session II—August 11-31, 2012
Long Session—September 15, 2012 - June 1, 2013
2011 MIE Update
The Monastery experienced a summer of youth, energy and new vitality thanks to the women who participated in the first summer of the “Monastic Immersion Experience”, a program to allow women to volunteer and experience our way of life for eight weeks. Four young women, ranging in age from twenty to thirty-four, stayed with us while participating in an internship in a Monastery department, attending classes on monastic topics, engaging in spiritual direction and sharing our life of work and prayer.
The 2011 Monastic Immersion Experience participants get centered on one of Sister Teresa's field trips. |
Jennifer from Austin, Texas; McKenzie from Spokane, Washington; Erika from Pullman, Washington; and Danielle from Chicago all engaged fully in the community life of the monastery from praying to picking raspberries to learning to knit and play a mean game of Pinochle. Two of them helped out at Spirit Center, one worked with the marketing and communications department and one worked wherever help was needed.
Sisters frequently shared how much they enjoyed the life and energy of the group. The participants expressed appreciation for the chance to learn more about our way of life. They also reported being surprised at how fun the sisters are (alas, old stereotypes die hard).
“It has been a life-changing experience for them and us,” said Sister Teresa, membership coordinator. “We are deeply grateful for their presence among us this summer.”
Would you like to learn more about the Monastic Immersion Experience at St. Gertrude's? Just fill out the form below: