A monastic life rooted in . . .

Community

Community life calls us to be a real family. We draw strength from meditating on the love of Mary and Elizabeth in the joyful mystery of the Visitation. We try to reflect the stance of Elizabeth towards her young cousin Mary. Our Professed Sisters share their experience and wisdom in guiding newer members. Daily recreation together allows for growing in relationship with one another. In a spirit of generosity and gratitude to God we share our gifts in community and self-giving service.

This giftedness is expressed in our work within the Monastery which includes typical monastic tasks as gardening and manual labor as well as assignments in the kitchen, refectory, sacristy, retreat area, formation and infirmary. Other forms of service may be administrative, educational, clerical, financial, and creative, with additional charges relating to maintenance of buildings and grounds.

In addition to our daily common prayer and recreation, our communal mealtime also gives us an opportunity to be fed spiritually as we reflect on the religious text being read. A short period of conversation at table follows our main meal.

Our community has served the Brooklyn Diocese since 1855. The Brooklyn location offers visibility of the skyline of Manhattan which prompts us to intercede for those who live and work within the entire urban environment. Our Monastery grounds provide an enclosed oasis of prayer and peace amidst its seven terraced acres of green lawns, trees and even a lake, a rare sacred space in our city!