So that in all things, God may be glorified.
Rule of St. Benedict, Chapter 57
Our Mission
To promote interest, study and understanding of the vocation to the religious life, and to sustain an ecumenical religious (monastic) community on South Whidbey Island.
This monastic community is guided by the venerable Rule of Saint Benedict.
Saint Benedict and His Rule
Saint Benedict, the "Father of Western Monasticism," wished his monks to be self-supporting and live in community. His Rule for Monasteries -- a daily balance of liturgical prayer, manual labor, and spiritual reading -- exacts no unusual austerities, but aims rather to cultivate the family spirit of the community and to establish moderation as an ideal.
Benedict established a monastery near Rome in about 525 AD, and during his lifetime set up 12 monasteries where he ruled as an abbot. The "Benedictine" movement spread quickly and became a great force in the development of Europe. The Benedictines were forefront among the great missioners who converted the barbarians, teaching them agriculture and the arts, and settling them in towns and villages near the monasteries. Farm land was produced from wilderness where wild beasts had roamed. The example of democracy among the monks and their Rule conditioned the peoples of Britain and continental Europe for the eventual abolition of serfdom and the democratic forms of government gradually won. Today, there are Benedictine monasteries in most of the free world.
Our Vision of a Monastery
The monastery will be, first and foremost, our home and the place where we will pursue the Opus Dei, the Work (praise) of God — particularly the singing of the Divine Office in liturgical splendor. We currently provide Solemn Evensong on Monday evening at 5:30 p.m. and on holy days throughout the year at St. Augustine's in-the-Woods Episcopal Church, Freeland, Washington.
Rule of Benedict 43:3
Saint Benedict also insisted that his monks balance their day with prayer and work (Ora et Labora), and we will have workshops where we can pursue our skills in stained glass, icon writing, horticulture, and music.
A monastery is also a place for quiet "retreat" and, as such, ministers to the needs of those seeking time away from the noise and haste of a busy world. Typically, this includes "quiet days" for individuals and formal group retreats conducted by a spiritual director. We also host periodic workshops on liturgy, music and arts of the church. We will maintain an art, gift and book shop which could include local and monastery-made goods. As an added outreach and benefit to the larger Whidbey community, our facilities and grounds might be used for non-religious events throughout the year, such as seasonal festivals, art exhibits, etc.
The monastery, named Tanglewood, is located on beautifully wooded acreage on Scenic Avenue in Freeland. The land was a gift from a dedicated supporter of our ministry.
Tanglewood Monastery in the snow - January 2008.
News
On April 1st at St. Augustine's Church we experienced the great joy of receiving two Oblates; Frank Shirbroun and Teresa DiBiase into our midst, as well as three associates; Anne Pringle, Elizabeth Kershaw, and Jim Langler.
Please join with us in celebrating this joyful occasion by remembering them in your prayers and thanksgivings.
To receive our quarterly newsletter, please e-mail us.
e-mail: efsj@whidbey.com
The Ecumenical Fellowship of Saint John
P.O. Box 782
Freeland, WA 98249-0782