“I didn’t expect this heat,” is the way one MIW participant responded to the ‘how’s it going check in.’  Thankfully the Retreat House is air conditioned…it’s been warm here along the Shenandoah River. The ten folks here for this intense week are a varied group coming from as far away as Florida, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and […]

Readings: Isaiah 7:10-14, 8-10; Hebrews 10:4-10; Luke 1:26-38 At the beginning of each of the four Gospels, we are firmly informed that Jesus is the Son of God, not the son of Joseph. Matthew tells us: Joseph son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife for that which is conceived in […]

Because the conventional date of the Annunciation, 25 March, fell in Holy Week this year, the celebration was transferred to this Monday. The Church does this so as not to interrupt the solemn celebration of the central event of our salvation, from Palm Sunday and through the Easter Octave. Of course, the Annunciation of the […]

The community Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 AM, Fr. Vincent Collins presiding and preaching. It is the First Sunday of the Month and Eucharistic Adoration will begin at 4:00 PM. Vespers will be celebrated at 5:30 PM followed by Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament. All are welcome to join us.

Readings: Acts 10:34a, 37-43; Colossians 3:1-4; John 20:1-9 Have you ever noticed how difficult it is to change? Have you ever noticed how risky it is to absorb new information into an old way of doing things? Have you ever found yourself failing to understand or even hear what someone is telling you because it […]

Be grateful for God’s grace; as you have been transformed into a new creation by Easter’s healing action, so walk now in the newness of life. You have been given a share in Christ through the fellowship of faith, by participation in his sacrament, by communion with the Holy Spirit. Strive not only to keep […]

If May is a beautiful time of year, it is especially beautiful at Holy Cross Abbey. Who would want to miss the Virginia Blue Bells blossoming along Castelman Road, bordering the gracious Shenandoah River? So isn’t it good news for you that there happens to vacancies in the Abbey’s Retreat House that month? Still available […]

In this first week of Easter, it is good to remind ourselves, as Father Louis does here in Thoughts in Solitude, just how important our reliance on God is to our well-being: MY LORD GOD, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know […]

Eleven folks are joining the community for a Monastic Immersion Week starting Monday. Coming from as far away as Texas, folks of all shapes and sizes will spend a week ‘immersed’ in the contemplative life of community.  Pray for a fruitful week for participants and monks.

The community Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 AM, Abbot Robert Barnes presiding and Fr. James Orthmann preaching. After the Gospel and homily, Abbot Robert will lead the congregation in renewing our Baptismal promises.