Nightwatch
The Nightwatch program has been updated and expanded with three exciting and innovative offerings: Nightwatch Crossroads, Knightwatch Medieval and Nightwatch Dusk & Dawn.
Founded in 1975, Nightwatch upholds the mission of vthe Cathedral by offering a variety of spiritual and educational programs that appeal to people of different ages, backgrounds, and interests. Held on weekends from October through early June, groups of up to 100 youth and adults take part in programs designed to bring people from throughout the world together in this great Cathedral.
If you are unable to participate, but would like to help expand Nightwatch programming and outreach, please consider making a donation. You may do so by contacting the Office of Development at (212) 316-7488 or support@stjohndivine.org.
Knightwatch Medieval
is a fun and educational overnight experience designed for children ages 6 to 12 and their adult chaperones. Participants will take a journey back in time to the age of storybook kings, princesses and knights in the setting of the largest Gothic Cathedral in the world. Each child, upon arrival at the candle-lit Cathedral, will discover his or her noble title and coat of arms. A lovable court jester will be the guide on a scavenger hunt for clues to A) assist a princess under a spell by a magician, B) help a pair of star-crossed lovers find happiness, and C) support a bashful knight in his attempt to get out of an unwanted betrothal. The participants will also meet a lowly squire whose life will change in ways he never dreamed possible. After unraveling the many secrets of the drama unfolding around them, families will enjoy a celebration with medieval dancing and singing, all in the great space of the Cathedral. Minstrels will teach the dances, and there will also be time for art projects (such as making clay gargoyles or doing brass rubbings) under the guidance of Cathedral educators.
Before going to bed in the great nave of the Cathedral, participants will be lulled to sleep by our resident storyteller. In the morning a continental breakfast will be served. So bring your imaginations and sleeping bags to Knightwatch Medieval!
Please note: one adult must attend for every 3 children participating.
CLICK HERE to download or view a FAQ sheet.
CLICK HERE to download or view a sample schedule.
CLICK HERE to download or view a list of what you should bring.
CLICK HERE to download and print the participant permission and release form. A release form must be filled out and submitted for every participant (adult and child) and presented at check-in.
To read an article about Knightwatch Medieval from the Cathedral's Spring 2013 newsletter, CLICK HERE.
What participants say about Knightwatch Medieval:
"You completely forget the outside world and you feel natural in your medieval clothes.
You feel wrapped up in that time period.
Great actors and fun activities, it's all there.
Once you come out of the Cathedral the next morning you feel woken up from a trance." Eline, age 10
"Sleeping in the Cathedral was really a once in a lifetime experience. Lying in the middle of this immense space, with just some lights and candles was awe inspiring and waking up in the morning with the light shining through the beautiful stained glass windows was very special.
I thought the play was very well done - using the whole Cathedral instead of just a stage, having the kids participate and be a fly on the wall sometimes so they felt they knew more than some of the characters really got them involved in the story and the happy outcome." Petra, parent
To read Scooter Magazine's Alice Perry's thoughts on her Knighwatch experience, CLICK HERE.
Spring Sleepover Dates:
March 22, May 24, June 14 - 6:30 pm.
For reservations CLICK HERE.
$135.00 per person.
Discounts available for groups of 15 or more. Maximum capacity for this program is 75. For further information please call (212) 316-5819 or email nightwatch@stjohndivine.org.
Preview and pre-order next season's Knightwatch Medieval dates by clicking the reservations link above!
Knightwatch Medieval: Cancellation and Refund Policy
If you must cancel or reschedule your reservation, please call 212-316-7518. There are no refunds, but we will try to accommodate you at the next available sleepover date. If there is a price change between your original event date and a rescheduled event, the new price will apply. An $8-per-order processing fee applies. In the unlikely event the Cathedral finds it necessary to cancel a sleepover, a full refund will be made.
Nightwatch Crossroads
is a Friday evening and overnight spiritual and faith exploration for middle and high school youth groups and their adult chaperones. This is the age when young people begin to think about the big issues of religion, philosophy and justice. It is a vital period of life when often the greatest opportunity to transmit wisdom is to point young seekers to the teachers and teachings that form the bedrock of spiritual knowledge.
Nightwatch has created an engaging program to encourage this interest. Working with the texts and core values of the world’s faith traditions, we guide participants toward awareness of their own spiritual resources and the tools to develop these resources. Educational professionals in the areas of music, theatre, art, and spiritual direction will lead discussions on compassion, forgiveness, tolerance, faith and social justice. Prayer and meditation, relaxation techniques and chanting, in the sacred setting of the Cathedral, will be a powerful part of the experience. Small group discussions will give participants the opportunity to grow by helping each other to integrate insights gained from the work.
At the close of the evening, we will share an agape ritual meal and/or Eucharist that we will create together. Music will be provided by teen peers. In the morning, a continental breakfast will be provided, and students will have free time for a little basketball or volleyball downstairs. After breakfast, groups are invited to stay for a History and Highlights tour offered by Cathedral educators.
Nightwatch Crossroad’s season runs from October through June. We will offer two programs to choose from: a multi-faith or a Christian oriented overnight. The multi-faith program will employ stories and wisdom from a variety of the world’s religious traditions. The Christian oriented evening will focus primarily on the wisdom teachings of Jesus. We hope you will try both for a well-rounded spiritual education!
CLICK HERE to download or view a FAQ sheet.
CLICK HERE to download or view a sample schedule.
CLICK HERE to download or view a list of what you should bring.
CLICK HERE to download and print the participant permission and release form. A release form must be filled out and submitted for every participant (adult and child) and presented at check-in.
Spring Nightwatch Crossroads dates:
April 19, May 31
CLICK HERE to make reservations for Crossroads Multi-faith dates
March 15, April 26, May 17, June 7
CLICK HERE to make reservations for Crossroads Christian dates
$85.00 per person.
Discounts are available for groups of 15 or more. Maximum capacity for this program is 100. For further information please call (212) 316-5819 or email nightwatch@stjohndivine.org.
Nightwatch Crossroads: Cancellation and Refund Policy
If you must cancel or reschedule your reservation, please call 212-316-7518. There are no refunds, but we will try to accommodate you at the next available Crossroads date or offer credit to be used within the next calendar year. If there is a price change between your original event date and a rescheduled event, the new price will apply. A $6-per-order processing fee applies. In the unlikely event Nightwatch finds it necessary to cancel a Crossroads sleepover, a full refund will be made.
Nightwatch Dusk & Dawn
is designed for adults seeking time away from their busy lives for soul renewal and spiritual direction. This two-part series will offer a Friday evening of meditation, chanting and a teaching from a spiritual leader. Saturday will be a half-day retreat in a workshop style setting, led by a guest facilitator. Participants will have time to learn and practice the tools of meditation, chant and relaxation, as well as group reflection, question and answer, and private prayer.
Please check this page for details on the next Nightwatch Dusk & Dawn.
Nightwatch Dusk & Dawn: Cancellation and Refund Policy
If you must cancel or reschedule your reservation, please call 212-316-7518. There are no refunds, but we will try to accommodate you at the next available Dusk & Dawn event or offer credit to be used within the next calendar year. If there is a price change between your original event date and a rescheduled event, the new price will apply. A $6-per-order processing fee applies. In the unlikely event Nightwatch finds it necessary to cancel a Dusk & Dawn event, a full refund will be made.
