Skip to main content

Benedictine Peacemakers 2025-2026 Application

Thank you for your interest in the Benedictine Peacemakers 2025-2026 Cohort! As we move into this program's inaugural year, we are excited to invite you into the creative energy, deep thinking, commitment to justice, and community support and stability at Mount Saint Benedict Monastery.

Please read these instructions fully before beginning your application process.

In this program’s initial year we will be accepting three to five women between the ages of 22-30. You must be able to live at Mount Saint Benedict monastery in Erie, Pennsylvania for one year from June 2025 until June 2026, and come into the program alone (no dependents, spouses, or pets moving into the monastery with you). Due to the fully immersive nature of the program, you will not be able to hold another job, full or part time, outside of the program at the same time – your basic needs will be provided for (housing, food, and a monthly stipend provided, health insurance available as needed). If you have specific questions about these requirements, please reach out to Michelle Scully [email protected] or 814-899-0614 ext. 2507

The 2025 – 2026 cohort application is three parts, and your application will not be considered complete until all pieces are received. The application deadline is February 28, 2025.

  1. The first part of the application is the form found below on this page - please note that if you exit out of this page, the form will not save for you return to, so please plan to fill it out completely and submit. 
  2. The second part of the application is comprised of longer form self-reflection questions that can be found here. You can type your answers in a document, or respond orally in video format. When complete, please send your responses to Michelle ([email protected])
  3. Finally, you will need to submit two references, a personal and a professional or educational reference. Guides for these references can be found here – those writing your references can send them directly to [email protected] or you can gather them and send them in.

Application timeline:

All three application pieces are due by February 28, 2025
You can expect to hear back from us by March 14, 2025
Interview and discernment process will take place through March and April 2025
Accepted and participating applicants will sign a letter of intent by Mid-May
Move-in to Mount Saint Benedict Monastery will occur June 15, 2025
until program completion on May 24, 2026

The below form, part one of the application packet, contains four parts:
1. Identifying Information
2. Education History
3. Employment History
4. Logistic Questions

If you have any questions throughout the application process, please reach out to Michelle Scully at [email protected] or 814-899-0614 ext. 2507

Section One: Identifying Information
First Name *
Last Name *
Country
Address Line 1 *
City *
State/Province *
Postal Code *
Section Two: Education History
Have you attended college?
Have you attended graduate school?
Are you interested in pursuing further education?
Section Three: Employment History
Please list previously held jobs: places of employment, role, and years employed. You can also email a resume to [email protected] - just note in this field that you will email.
If you have any professional certifications or licenses that you would like to share, please do so here:
Section Four: Logistic Questions

Your answers to these questions do not affect our considering you for the program, they are simply to help us plan and prepare adequately.

Do you currently have a driver's license and a vehicle?
Do you currently have the clearances necessary to work with children in Pennsylvania?
If you become a part of the Benedictine Peacemakers, do you anticipate needing to be on our health insurance plan, or will you be covered elsewhere (ex. on a parent's plan)?
Are their any accommodations (physical, dietary, health-related) that you anticipate needing during a year with us? If so, please explain to the degree you are comfortable:
Are there any hesitations or logistic concerns that you have or may need assistance navigating in relation to living at the monastery on a stipend for a year (student loan deferment, visa, etc)?
Have you already submitted the application part 2 "Self-Reflective Questions" to [email protected]?
Have your two references been submitted to [email protected]?