If you are considering an extended stay at Schloss Mittersill—as either a student, volunteer, sabbatical guest, or participant in our ‘In Residence’ programme—you might have questions about life in community.
Q: That’s my first question: what do you mean by ‘community’?
A: Those of us who work at Schloss Mittersill or live in the castle on a long-term basis (more than a few weeks) consider ourselves part of the resident community. We come from many different countries, worshipping traditions, social and economic backgrounds, and cover about 70 years from the oldest to the youngest. We all make a commitment to live together according to principles which are contained in our Community Covenant—which should be read and understood by anyone who is seriously considering such a stay.
Briefly, we affirm our mutual belief in the Triune God, and resolve to live together in harmony as children of the same Heavenly Father. We aim to love each other, serve each other, and encourage each other. Without God’s help, this is a hopeless task, so we ask him to live in us, and empower us by his Spirit to create a life together that is beautiful for him.
Q: Are there rules?
A: Ours is not a restrictive community. Scripture teaches that the law leads to death, and the Spirit gives life. We have few ‘rules’. Rather, we endeavour to conduct ourselves in ways that please our Lord and honour each other.
Q: Where would I actually live?
A: Some community members live in the castle itself, but there is not room for everyone in the main building. The Neidhäusl is a 200 year old guesthouse on the castle grounds. This is where some of our students and other residents live in shared accommodation. Sabbatical guests and ‘In Residence’ participants normally stay in the castle, in a comfortable en-suite room; these are available for individuals and for families. Many staff members live off-site in the town of Mittersill.
Everyone can enjoy the castle’s facilities, such as the common rooms, the outdoor playground and sports ground, and the beautiful courtyard with its views of the mountains. There are laundry facilities, a sauna, and a growing theological library that includes study carrels and work space. The castle is wired for high-speed internet access, with wireless access in several areas.
Q: What is an average day like?
A: It depends on one’s responsibilities, but it begins with breakfast in the dining room before we go to our various responsibilities. On any given morning, students may be attending classes in the Green Room or studying in the Library. Staff members will be working at their jobs. Others will be cleaning rooms, preparing meals, making beds, or mopping floors. There may be private guests in the castle, or a conference may be underway.
Mid-morning, we enjoy a coffee break. It’s a chance to rest and refuel, and enjoy each others’ company for a few minutes. Our main meal is mid-day. We eat together family-style, enjoying a dinner that is prepared for us by the nice people who work in the kitchen. Those who are working at the castle are joined by their spouses and children for this important daily event in our life together. After we’ve eaten, we have a short devotional time that includes prayer for whatever needs are presented. We also use this time for community notices.
By suppertime, many who live off-site have gone home, and there is a light meal served again in the Dining Room.
Q: Are there any special events I should know about?
A: You should know that we think celebrating big events is vitally important, and with sixty or seventy people in the community at any given time, you can count on singing ‘Happy Birthday’ fairly often. You might also be here when there’s a wedding (we seem to have quite a few of these!), or some other special celebration.
Because people are coming and going all the time, we also find that we spend a fair bit of time saying ‘good-bye’, one way or another. This is one of the sadnesses and challenges of community life, but one that we embrace fully—always remembering that those who leave often return for a short stay, or sometimes a longer sojourn.
Recognising that we must all give primary attention to the reason we have come to Schloss Mittersill (to study, to write, to work, etc.), there are certain times when we all pitch in together to get a job done—such as putting on a houseparty or taking part in a community work day. These are often demanding, but invariably rewarding, times to work together to accomplish something big.
Q: You mentioned worship . . .
A: Worship is central for us. Because our community is international, and because we come from so many different worshipping traditions, our services tend to be eclectic and creative—we can all take part in organising and leading services. Each member of the community is expected to participate regularly in our times of corporate worship, which include a Wednesday morning prayer or communion service, and Sunday morning worship. We sometimes have special days of prayer, or prayer and fasting. Each member of the community is also encouraged to meet daily with God, in times of private devotion.
The context for our private and corporate worship is a belief that our very lives can, and should, be a daily act of worship.
Q: What about individual mentoring, counselling, or spiritual direction?
A: These are all terms that mean different things to different people. We do not have formal programmes in these areas, but we do engage in these activities every day. We provide an environment that is conducive to personal and spiritual growth, and try to respond to individuals’ needs on either a formal or informal basis, matching people up with those in the community who can support and encourage them.
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The conversation taking place at Schloss Mittersill is anchored by the events that take place throughout the year. Many people attend these events, and become a vital part of the network as they continue the conversation within their contexts. Some, however, choose to stay with us for longer periods of time, immersing themselves in a particular question, embarking on a project. People come for a time—to write, research, paint, sculpt—or simply engage thoughtfully with ideas. These are all sharpened in their pursuits as they interact with each other, our international staff team, and event participants.
Schloss Mittersill boasts a wide array of academic resources. Resident and visiting scholars, a developing library, and an intellectually stimulating environment make the castle an ideal place to study. Whether you need a quiet place to write a thesis, or are simply interested in an inspiring spot to pursue personal or professional studies, we can find an arrangement that will help you meet your goals.