Student Residency Program

Spend an extended period of time of integration into the rhythms of monastic life in a summer or academic-year residency. Live, work, and pray alongside the Brothers, and assist in the Community’s ministry of hospitality.

"At the Monastery, my heart and soul once again found peace, and with it, room to grow in love of God and neighbor."

—Kelsy Hillesheim, 2023-25 student resident

 

"The residency gave me an opportunity to bear witness to how people who come from vastly diverse family backgrouds and who walk different paths of life can gather together and be kind to one another."

—Danping Long, 2025 summer resident

Programs and Eligibility

The academic-year residency runs from September 1, 2026, to May 30, 2027, and is open to currently enrolled (rising second year or above) graduate students at a Boston-area university. Those fulfilling degree requirements through remote or hybrid programs may be considered.

Applicants to the academic-year residency are highly encouraged to make themselves known to the Community by attending services at the Monastery, particularly our Tuesday evening program for students and young adults.

 

The summer residency is an intensive six-week program (July 7-August 16, 2026) for currently enrolled (rising second or third year) graduate students pursuing a degree with the intent to pursue ministry. In addition to prayer, worship, and work, the summer residency includes a formation program on monastic spirituality and practices. We especially encourage to apply those enrolled in remote or hybrid programs who may benefit from a period of residency in a community that prays the Daily Office and celebrates Holy Communion day by day.

Those who would like to apply the summer residency toward the fulfilment of a Field Education requirement should indicate this on their application and provide documentation and contact information on their program’s specific requirements. SSJE cannot guarantee that we will be able to meet those requirements.

 

Expectations

Prayer and Worship.  Academic-year residents are expected to attend at least one service per day (see Worship Schedule), and always the Sunday morning and Tuesday evening celebrations of Holy Eucharist. Summer residents are expected to attend all services.

Work and Ministry.     Residents engage in work to support the Society’s ministry of hospitality. Areas of work and specific responsibilities may include the following:

  • Guesthouse: assist Guest Brother and Guesthouse Receptionist with weekly turnover of guest rooms; stocking, tidying, and light cleaning of Guesthouse kitchen and refectory spaces
  • Kitchen: assist Executive Chef with preparing food; cleaning; stocking
  • Sacristy: assist Sacristan with preparation for liturgy, including cleaning and ironing linens, polishing metalware, and tidying the Chapel space
  • Gardens: assist Brothers in maintenance of gardens, including planting, weeding, and raking

Weekly work responsibilities for academic-year residents equal approximately 5-7 hours; for summer residents, approximately 12-15 hours.

Residents will also participate in the community’s eucharistic ministry as lectors, acolytes, and livestream camera operators. Academic-year residents will also assist in Holy Week and other major liturgies.

 

Support

All residents receive room and board. They are required to have their own health insurance.

Academic-year residents receive a modest monthly allowance to cover incidentals.

Summer residents receive a stipend of $3,600 and reimbursement for travel to Boston.

 

Apply

The application period for 2026-27 is closed. Please check back in late fall 2026 for summer 2027 and the 2027-28 academic year.