ORA / Pray
“During my stay on Shaw, the Benedictine tradition was illuminated in the community’s devotion to constant prayer and hospitality to God’s presence in their work and in other people. Throughout my time on the island, I was encouraged to live in constant prayer, either by praying the psalms, silently adoring God, or pondering His wisdom in His creation. The true beauty of the Benedictine tradition is such that these men and women who follow Saint Benedict’s Rule listen to the varied ways in which God speaks through His word and through His creation and, along with nature, respond to His love with fidelity. The rhythm of prayer, the closeness with God’s creation, and the kindness of the community and extended community made life more real and more vibrant.”
—Monastic Practicum student from St. Vincent's College, Summer 2023
The Monastic Internship Program at Our Lady of the Rock offers a small number of committed individuals between the ages of 18 and 40 the opportunity to immerse themselves for a year in the ancient Benedictine rhythms of prayer and manual work. Our “campus” is the land of the monastery, the place where one directly encounters the laws of nature in the soil, plants, and animals. Through exposure to a life of prayer attuned to the world of creation and an intensive relationship with the Community, an Intern has the rare opportunity to embark on a gradual process of spiritual growth and personal transformation, enhanced by the quiet and beauty of Shaw Island.
PROGRAM CURRICULUMStewardship
- Animal Husbandry—caring for our pigs (seasonal), Scottish Highland Cattle, sheep, chickens, and walking our dogs
- Land Management—Learning to operate large machinery, Haying, Composting
- Apiculture—learning bee keeping
- Horticulture—gardening in our raised beds gardens and greenhouse, herbs and spice processing
- Cooking and Baking
- Fiber Arts: Weaving (taught by local weavers) and Spinning
- Gregorian Chant: Lessons in voice, Gregorian modes and rhythm
- Lectio Divina: Individual Spiritual Reading
- Journaling and research in intern's area of focus
- Monastic History classes with Monastic Community taught by our Chaplain in Residence, Father Ezekiel Lotz, OSB
Liturgy
- Interns are encouraged to participate in the daily celebration of Mass by our Chaplain in Residence, Father Ezekiel Lotz, OSB. A scholar in Church History, Father Ezekiel offers homilies, rich in theology and Scriptural exegesis.
- Musical Participation: Interns are invited to sing the Gregorian Chant pieces with the Monastic Community during Mass and the Divine Office and to take on special solo roles, such as the Exsultet at the Easter Vigil.
- Sacramental Participation: Interns enrich our liturgies through preparation of sacramentals such as building the Easter Fire or "Burying the Alleluia" on Mardi Gras.
Intern Lighting the Easter Fire
APPLICATION
The Monastic Internship Program is open to men and women who are 18 years of age or older. Enrollment is limited. Acceptance is discerned through a process of personal interviews by email and phone and if possible during time spent as a guest of the Monastery. Interns live in housing provided by the Monastery. No religious affiliation is required, although openness to the spiritual orientation of the Community is essential for the experience to be fruitful. A person may begin the Internship at any time of the year, but we prefer a full year’s commitment in order to complete the organic cycle of all four seasons on the land and the liturgical cycle. If you would like to inquire further into the Monastic Internship Program please write to:
Guest Secretary
Our Lady of the Rock MonasteryPO Box 425
Shaw Island WA 98286
or email Guest Secretary.
MONASTIC PRACTICUM
When a year-long internship is not possible we do offer a Monastic Practicum of a few months. Students from Notre Dame and St. Vincent's College have participated in six-week monastic immersive experiences.
GALLERY OF PAST AND PRESENT INTERNS |
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