Frequently Asked Questions

  • When newcomers enter our temple for the first time, there is so much to see! Images of our beloved Kriya Gurus and saints surround us. These objects have been made holy by our loving devotion and prayers. You will often see people bow before our sacred photographs and statues in a gesture of prayer, love, and respect. Bowing is an individual choice and not mandatory.

    A holy temple, even more than many church buildings, offers a noticeable sense of peace and quiet. There are so few places in our noisy world which offer such silence. This sense of peace and the presence of our Gurus grows ever deeper as time passes, nurtured by the meditation and loving devotion of our community. We nurture the peace by remaining completely silent when we pass through the temple doors, avoiding even whispered conversation. To leave the world behind and to show respect for our gurus we remove our shoes, but socks, slippers, and even bare feet are welcome. Some people take a zafu, which are piled near the back on both sides of our temple, and place it under their feet for comfort. We do not bring any food or drink into the temple other than water in a closed container. Of course, cell phones are turned off. As we relax into the silence, we may find that experiencing the inner silence of meditation is easier when we are surrounded by the loving devotion of others. We are pleased to bring newcomers into our building and temple because we know the power and peace of the silence and are happy to share it.  

  • Volunteer Opportunities

    In true Franciscan spirit, there are many opportunities to serve with hands and hearts at The Assisi Institute. The first step to service is simply to come join us!​ Come for a service, a workshop or retreat, an event, or a yoga class.

    Help With Our Building and Grounds

    Includes cleaning, repair work, and gardening.

    Help With Our Services

    Includes temple set-up, greeting, fellowship assistance, sound-board assistance, and bookstore supervision.

  • Retreat Center

    The Saint Clare Center for Contemplation is a retreat center housed at The Assisi Institute. The center’s facilities include a library and sitting room, a dining room, a large kitchen, and comfortable bedrooms, some with adjoining bathrooms. In addition to the retreat center’s facilities, The Assisi Institute features a meditation temple, fellowship space, a fellowship kitchen, a large multi-purpose room, and a gift shop. Bed and bath linens are provided for each guest. We do not offer meal service, but a well-equipped kitchen is available. Please note that we are a strictly vegetarian community, and no meat or fish are allowed anywhere in the building. Some individuals and groups prepare their own simple meals or bring in prepared food. We are happy to make catering suggestions or direct you to a wide variety of nearby restaurants. Visitor, day, and overnight rates are available. 

    The Assisi Institute Fellowship Room  

    Also available at The Assisi Institute is our friendly fellowship room and its small adjoining kitchen. This room, which features plenty of seating for up to 50, is perfect for workshops, classes, and day retreats. 

    We would love to show you what we have to offer! For inquiries or to book a retreat, email Purnima at info@assisi-institute.org. For tours of our building, email Mary at maryemcfee@gmail.com.