Dear Friend of New Skete,
Like people the world over, our animal “quarantine– mates,” need to be blessed– this year especially! Unfortunately, we will not be holding our traditional Animal Blessing event at New Skete in 2020, however, we will indeed be praying and blessing your pets and all animals, as we observe the feast of St. Francis on October 4th.
...Open our minds and hearts to listen to your Good News, and give us the grace to proclaim it in all we do, especially in how we treat our fellow creatures, human and animal and indeed every gift of creation. _
_ - New Skete
Reflect and Celebrate Them
Pets have always played an essential role in the lives of many people. As COVID-19 continues to change the way people go about their day, now more than ever, pets are contributing to both the mental and physical well being of their humans.
How does your companion animal help you and your family both mentally and physically? How do they make a difference in your life? Do they get you moving and out of bed every morning? Do their silly antics make you laugh? Are they great listeners? Great company? The best snugglers? Or are their jobs more serious? Do they assist you with mobility or alert you to health dangers? Maybe your pet has passed away? What was their special gift to you while they were with you?
Bless Them
▪ Complete and submit prayer intention request form.
▪ Include a message (with or without a photo) about how your pet has helped improve the quality of your life.
▪ Consider including a gift to New Skete, in honor of, or in memory of your pet.
| ▪ | Complete and submit prayer intention request form. |
| ▪ | Include a message (with or without a photo) about how your pet has helped improve the quality of your life. |
| ▪ | Consider including a gift to New Skete, in honor of, or in memory of your pet. |
Click here to submit your prayer intention and upload a photo.
Your gift today will assist New Skete Monasteries in the areas of most urgent need. This may include costs associated with repairs or renovations for buildings, grounds, equipment or other necessary projects to the Monk’s or Nun’s monasteries. It may also assist with unexpected costs related to health care for the monastics. We are thankful for your continued support and friendship.
Stories and photos received by September 28th, along with a tax deductible donation of $25 or more, will be included in an online 2020 Animal Blessing collection and shared electronically in celebration of St. Francis. (For those who need a hardcopy, we can mail one out.)
As you may know, New Skete Monasteries (The Monks and Nuns of New Skete) is an Eastern Orthodox Monastery, a not for profit organization. As monastics, in accordance with the simplicity that characterizes monastic life, we earn our daily bread by the work of our own hands. We find in work, a time-honored means of self-discipline and growth. Along with the compensation from our work, the monastics also rely on gifts and donations from those who support our mission.
We hope we will be able to welcome you in person soon. Until then, may God's blessings be on all of you.
If you would like further information or if you have any questions please feel free to call or email Karen Gladstone,
Director of Advancement and Stewardship karengladstone@newskete.org (518)677-3928 ext. 214
Yours in Christ's love,
