Our prayer in common is our vocation as Cistercians, members of the Benedictine monastic family. This is our witness of the value of praying together in Christ, our witness to all the faithful in the Church. This is also our great blessing from God, being such a rich source of grace for each of us […]
Twenty-seventh Sunday, Year B, 4 October, 2015
Readings: Genesis 2:18-24; Hebrews 2:9-11; Mark 10:2-16 The community Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 AM, Abbot Robert Barnes presiding and preaching. It is the first Sunday of the month and Eucharistic Adoration will begin at 4:00 PM; all are welcome to join us. Vespers (5:30 PM) will be followed by Benediction of the Most […]
Laudato Si’, Part Eight
I thought it might be worth while, especially after Pope Francis’ visit to the United States, to quote in full the two prayers that conclude the encyclical, Laudato Si’. The Holy Father is a plain-spoken man who does not express himself in the abstractions of “ecclesialese”. His two prayers are more comprehensible than a number […]
Twenty-Sixth Sunday Year B, 27 September, 2015
Readings: Numbers 11:25-29; James 5:1-6; Mark 9:38-43, 45,47-48 The community Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 AM, Fr. Vincent Collins presiding and preaching.
Fr. Joseph’s Homily for the 25th Sunday, Year B
Readings: Wisdom 2:12, 17-20; James 3:16-4:3; Mark 9:30-37 The official arrival of autumn this Wednesday unfortunately heralds the arrival of the cold and flu season. And as we know so well from past years, a cold or flu is something difficult to keep to oneself and it is almost inevitable that we will infect others […]
Laudato Si’, Part Seven
The final Chapter of Pope Francis’ Encyclical is entitled Ecological Education and Spirituality. After reviewing the enormity of the challenges facing us, the serious damage we have done–continue to do–that is, after acknowledging how destructive we can be, Pope Francis reminds us that as human beings we also have an incredible capacity for change, for good, […]
Volunteers Help on Ecological Project
Since the last Monastic Immersion Weekend, we’ve been enjoying volunteer help clearing the growth around the native hardwoods and bushes planted along our streams. I myself have been going out about three times a week–I’m now up to ninety minute work periods–to clear the growth. The cooler temperatures are a real help and I can […]
The Monastic Tradition of Liturgical Prayer
The Divine Office is not a performance but our worship of God. We represent the whole Church, Christ’s Body, who, as God’s creatures, offer to our Creator our worship, praise and thanksgiving. We express our needs and the needs of those around us confident of his provident care for creation. He even calls us his children, […]
Twenty-fifth Sunday, Year B, 20 September, 2015
Readings: Wisdom 2:12, 17-20; James 3:16-4:3; Mark 9:30-37 The community Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 AM, Fr. Joseph Wittstock presiding and preaching.
Prime Openings In The Retreat House During October
We’ve noticed over the past decades that everyone wants a reservation at the Retreat House during October. And we never wonder why: the weather is ideal, the humidity is low, the frost has come and pollen and gnats have disappeared…And perhaps the changing foliage has something to do with it too. Even rainy days feel cozy and […]