A Journey of Faith, Service and Self-Discovery
In our fast-paced, ever-connected world, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters—peace, purpose, and connection. For women seeking a deeper experience, the Volunteer Monastic Year (Freiwilliges Ordensjahr) provides an opportunity to step away from the hustle of daily life and immerse yourself in something more meaningful: a year dedicated to spiritual growth, service, and community. Here at Seligenthal Abbey, we offer not only a rich monastic tradition but also the unique experience of working with children across a range of educational settings, from kindergarten to high school.
What is the Volunteer Monastic Year?
The Volunteer Monastic Year is a national program organized by the Deutsche Ordensobernkonferenz (DOK), designed to give participants the chance to live and work in a religious community for a year. The application process is centralized, and once you are accepted, you will be guided to a religious community that best suits your interests and spiritual journey. Here at Seligenthal Abbey, we offer women the opportunity not only to engage in monastic life but also to work with children, providing a rare chance to explore potential career paths in education while deepening your faith.
Why Choose Seligenthal Abbey?
Seligenthal Abbey, located in Landshut, Bavaria, is a Cistercian convent with a rich history that dates back to 1232. As a participant in the Volunteer Monastic Year here, you will experience the grace and depth of Cistercian spirituality—marked by simplicity, prayer, and communal service. But Seligenthal is more than just a place for spiritual retreat; it’s a vibrant center of education and service, making it ideal for women who are interested in exploring both monastic life and educational work.
One of the distinctive features of Seligenthal is our educational mission. We are deeply committed to the formation and nurturing of young people, running institutions that serve children from the age of 3 to 18 years. These include a kindergarten, a primary school, a Wirtschaftsschule (a type of vocational school), and a Gymnasium (secondary school). Volunteers have the unique opportunity to not only deepen their spirituality but also gain hands-on experience working with children across a wide range of ages and developmental stages.
What to Expect: A Blend of Monastic Life and Educational Experience
At Seligenthal Abbey, the Volunteer Monastic Year offers a perfect balance of spiritual practice and practical work with young people. Here’s what you can expect from your time with us:
Monastic Life: A Spiritual Foundation
Daily Prayer and Reflection: Your days will be anchored in the rhythm of the Liturgy of the Hours, joining the sisters in morning, midday, and evening prayer. This spiritual practice offers peace and structure, providing you with time to reflect, grow in your faith, and develop a deeper relationship with God.
Community and Simplicity: Life at the abbey fosters a sense of sisterhood and mutual support. Living and working alongside the sisters will help you learn the value of simplicity, humility, and shared purpose, allowing you to focus on what truly matters in life.
Hands-On Service: Alongside your spiritual duties, you’ll contribute to the running of the abbey through practical work, from gardening and housekeeping to cooking and other tasks that support the community’s daily life.
Work with Children: Explore Your Vocation in Education
One of the most enriching aspects of volunteering at Seligenthal Abbey is the chance to work closely with children and young people in our educational institutions. Whether you’re passionate about education or simply curious about working with children, this experience allows you to explore potential career paths while making a meaningful impact on the lives of young people.
Kindergarten (Ages 3–6): You’ll have the chance to work with our youngest children, helping them develop early social, emotional, and cognitive skills through play, storytelling, and interactive activities. This is a wonderful opportunity to explore early childhood education and understand the foundations of learning.
Primary School (Ages 6–10): In our primary school, volunteers assist teachers in guiding children through foundational subjects like reading, writing, and math. You’ll support classroom activities, engage with students in creative ways, and observe how young minds begin to grasp the world around them.
Wirtschaftsschule (Ages 10–15): Our vocational school provides students with a more practical education, preparing them for the workforce. Volunteers may help in various capacities, such as assisting with life-skills lessons, supporting teachers, or engaging in mentorship with students who are considering their future careers.
Gymnasium (Ages 10–18): For those interested in secondary education, volunteering at our Gymnasium offers insight into a more academic environment. You’ll have the opportunity to assist teachers in subjects ranging from languages to sciences, help with extracurricular activities, and support students preparing for their Abitur (university entrance qualification).
Why Join the Volunteer Monastic Year at Seligenthal?
A Dual Experience of Spiritual Growth and Career Exploration: Few opportunities offer the combination of personal spiritual growth and hands-on experience in education that you’ll find at Seligenthal Abbey. Whether you’re discerning a religious vocation or simply exploring potential career paths, this experience is a meaningful way to broaden your horizons.
Serve and Inspire Young People: Working with children and teenagers offers a rewarding experience that not only impacts their lives but also enriches your own. You’ll develop skills in communication, patience, and leadership, all while playing a vital role in shaping the next generation.
Discover Your Passion: Many women who come to Seligenthal are at a crossroads in their lives—uncertain of their next steps, whether in career, relationships, or faith. Through this year, you’ll have the space and support to reflect on your future, explore potential vocations in education or ministry, and discern what path truly aligns with your passions and values.
Be Part of a Thriving Community: At Seligenthal, you’ll experience the joy of living in a close-knit, faith-driven community. The bonds you form with the sisters, fellow volunteers, and the students will leave a lasting impact on your heart.
Requirements for participating in the Volunteer Monastic Year
Anyone between the ages of 18 and 75 can apply. Mental stability is important. Other requirements include openness and a desire to share life with sisters or brothers for a limited time. The Volunteer Monastic Year is not necessarily tied to the Catholic faith. However, joy and willingness to participate in communal prayer and life according to the particular form of the religious community are essential.
Of course, only women can live in women’s communities, and only men can live in men’s communities.
How to Apply
If the Volunteer Monastic Year is a potential option, an initial meeting (online-meetings are possible) with the coordinator, Sr. Joanna Jimin Lee, will take place, during which all relevant questions can be discussed.
Afterward, interested individuals can apply for the Volunteer Monastic Year, and the remaining details will be arranged. In your application, you can mention that you’re particularly drawn to Seligenthal Abbey, and the central program team will help guide you through the next steps.
Once accepted, you’ll have the opportunity to visit Seligenthal and see for yourself what makes our abbey and educational programs so special. This visit will give you a feel for both the spiritual and educational aspects of your year, helping you discern whether Seligenthal is the right fit for you.
Following a visit to the religious community on site, the contract is signed, and the Volunteer Monastic Year can begin!
If you are interested, Sr. Joanna can be reached via email at ordensjahr@orden.de, by phone at +49 (0)1575 8490186, or through the contact form.
Final Thoughts
At Seligenthal Abbey, the Volunteer Monastic Year is an invitation to embark on a journey of faith, service, and self-discovery. Whether you are discerning your vocation, seeking a deeper connection with God, or exploring a future career in education, your time with us will provide rich opportunities for growth and transformation.
If you’re ready to step into a year that offers not only the chance to live monastic life but also to work with and inspire young minds, we warmly invite you to consider Seligenthal Abbey as your home for this experience. Apply today and begin a journey that could shape your future in ways you never imagined.
Comments