Our Lady of the Rock Monastery

Our Lady of the Rock Monastery is a Benedictine community of women in the San Juan Islands of Washington state, part of the Abbey of Regina Laudis. Set on 300 acres of forest and farmland, the nuns live out their vocation through prayer, work, and hospitality. Visitors can join daily liturgies and participate in farm activities or retreats.

Our Lady of the Rock Monastery is a Benedictine monastery of women located in the San Juan Islands, Washington. As a dependent priory of the Abbey of Regina Laudis in Bethlehem, Connecticut, the community follows the Rule of Saint Benedict and Saint Scholastica, emphasizing a life of prayer and manual work. The nuns live on 300 acres of forest and farmland, where they raise animals and cultivate the land as part of their monastic vocation.

The community celebrates the liturgical calendar with a focus on traditional Gregorian Chant, as detailed on the Prayer & Liturgy page. Daily liturgies include Lauds at 6:30 am, Mass at 8:00 am on Sundays and 7:50 am on weekdays, and Vespers at 5:00 pm on Sundays and 5:00 pm on weekdays. These times are central to the monastic rhythm of life and are open to visitors who wish to participate.

The monastery offers retreats and hospitality to guests, as described on the Guests page. Guests can stay in the retreat house and are invited to partake in the community's work and prayer. While the monastery does not charge for accommodations, donations are encouraged. Special events, such as weaving workshops and internships, are also available for those interested in a deeper monastic experience.

Facilities include a chapel, guest houses, and a farm with animals like sheep and cows. The community also has a strong connection to the local Catholic parishes and offers support through internships and retreats for young women and other groups. The Current Events page highlights recent celebrations, including the World Day for Consecrated Life and the Feast of St. Scholastica, which are open to visitors and participants.

Newcomers are welcomed to join the liturgies and to participate in the community's work, such as feeding animals or helping with farm tasks. The Contact Us page provides details on how to schedule a visit and the importance of the ferry to Shaw Island for those traveling from the mainland.

Our Lady of the Rock Monastery on Shaw Island offers a serene Benedictine experience rooted in prayer, work, and hospitality. First-time visitors would notice the welcoming openness to participation in daily liturgies and farm activities, with a schedule centered around traditional Gregorian Chant. The community’s connection to the land and commitment to monastic life create a contemplative, rural atmosphere distinct from urban worship settings.

Pros

• Clear, accessible service times for daily liturgies, including Lauds, Mass, and Vespers.
• Offers hands-on retreats and internships for deeper engagement with Benedictine life.
• Welcomes visitors to participate in farm work and worship, fostering a sense of shared vocation.
• Provides accommodations for guests with a donation-based model, emphasizing hospitality.
• Hosts recurring workshops like weaving and liturgical music, enriching community interaction.
• Maintains a strong presence in the San Juan Islands through local parish connections and events.

Cons

• Remote location on Shaw Island may require ferry access, which could pose logistical challenges for mainland visitors.
• Limited details on accessibility features for guests with mobility needs or other accommodations.
• No explicit mention of family-friendly programming or services tailored for children.
• Event and program descriptions are brief, leaving some specifics about participation unclear.
• Donation-based model may raise questions about financial expectations for visitors.
• Website lacks detailed newcomer guides, potentially leaving some logistical questions unanswered.