Behold peace, not promised, but present; not deferred but conferred; not prophesied but presented! Behold, God the Father has sent to the earth, as it were, a sack filled with his mercy, a sack that must be cut to pieces in the passion so that it can pour out what is concealed in it for […]

Readings: Genesis 15:1-6, 21:1-3; Hebrews 11:8, 11-12, 17-19; Luke 2:22-40 It is no surprise that we celebrate a Feast of the Holy Family, given the emphasis the Church puts on the family. But how Scripture describes families, including the Holy Family, reflects the realities we actually know, as opposed to the ideals we never attain. […]

Readings: Numbers 6:22-27; Galatians 4:4-7; Luke 2:16-21 The community Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 AM, Abbot Joseph Wittstock presiding and preaching. It is a non-work day and we follow the Sunday schedule. Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament follows Vespers (5:30 PM).

Readings: Isaiah 52:7-10; Hebrews 1:1-6; John 1:1-5, 9-14 He is the refulgence of God’s glory, the very imprint of his being…who sustains all things by his mighty Word. We heard these words from the Letter to the Hebrews, one of the most majestic and beautiful writings of the New testament. And these words describe the […]

Lauds: 8:00 AM Christmas Day Mass: 10:00 AM Midday Prayer: 12:20 PM Vespers: 5:30 PM followed by Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament Compline: 7:30 PM

Readings: Isaiah 9:1-7; Titus 2:11-14; Luke 2:1-14 We have probably all had the experience of purchasing–or receiving–some sophisticated gadget or other and then needed to diligently consult the instruction manual in order to use it. However, for some devices or appliances an instruction manual is not sufficient and, instead, requires an actual expert to come […]

24 December: Fourth Sunday of Advent: 10:00 AM A Recital of Carols at 7:45-8:15 PM in the Mansion (Cool Spring House) by Madeline MacNeil; all are welcome to attend Christmas Night Mass: 8:30 PM   25 December: Christmas Day Mass: 10:00 AM

Above all else, we must seek faith, of which we read: purifying their hearts by faith. Blessed are the pure of heart, for they shall see God. Entrust yourself, therefore, to God. Commit yourself to him. Cast your thought on him and he shall sustain you so that you may say with confidence and faith […]

Readings: Isaiah 61:1-2, 10-11; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24; John 1:6-8, 19-28 The lives of the saints are a source of inspiration and encouragement to many Christians in their own struggles to grow in love of Christ. And for this reason we more easily identify with those saints who struggled as we do and are perhaps less […]

Carol Hensley’s Office will be closed for the Christmas Holidays from Wednesday, 20 December, and will not reopen until Thursday, 28 December. During those days you will not be able to contact Carol or make a reservation for the Retreat House. We would recommend waiting until 28 December to make any calls; although Carol has […]