An Old Monastery in a Modern College Town.
The Society of Saint John the Evangelist was founded in Oxford, England, and our home here in the Boston area places us within walking distance of some of the country’s great universities. This is not accidental. We are blessed to be here, and we are glad when students and young adults find their way to us.
Whatever stage – or age – you find yourself in as a student navigating a demanding season, a young professional seeking something more than busyness offers, or someone curious about prayer and silence without knowing quite where to begin, there is room for you here. Below is a description of what we offer and how to take a step.
Every Tuesday Evening
Each Tuesday, we extend a particular welcome to students and young adults. The evening begins with the Holy Eucharist at 6:00 pm, followed by a simple, drop-in supper and conversation with the Brothers. Most weeks it ends with Compline: what we sometimes call goodnight prayers for monks. You are welcome to join for any or all of it. No reservation is needed.
Retreats and Quiet Days
A day or a week of silence at the monastery can be a significant thing. We offer self-guided retreats, Quiet Days, and program retreats throughout the year. If cost is a barrier, we have a scholarship available to young adults and students that can cover the expense of a retreat and travel to the monastery. Write to us if you would like to know more.
Group Visits
Residency
For those drawn to a deeper and more sustained experience of monastic life, we offer two residential programs.
Academic-year residency. Open to local young adults and graduate students, running from September through May. Residents live and pray alongside the Brothers and assist in the community’s ministries. There is no formal application process; we invite those interested to get to know us first through Tuesday evenings and regular worship. Room and board are provided.
Summer residency. An intensive program for young adults and graduate students who are not local or who cannot commit to a full academic year. Residents join the Brothers for worship, meals, and work across six weeks. Room, board, and a stipend are provided.
Click here for more detail and to apply.
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