We’ve had some cancellations at the Retreat House this weekend, so it seemed worthwhile to let you know about that in case the Spirit inspires you to get away from all the noise and busyness to celebrate Pentecost in a more contemplative setting. With all the recent rain, the Shenandoah Valley is lushly beautiful and, despite […]
Prayers for Fr. Paschal
As some of you know, Fr. Paschal underwent successful surgery on his heart on 2 May and has been recovering at Rose Hill Nursing Home in Berryville. During that time, he has gratefully received the visits and attention from many of you, his friends, concerned neighbors and acquaintances. This morning, he developed pneumonia and has been […]
4 June, 2017, Pentecost, Year A
Readings: Acts 2:1-11; 1 Corinthians 12:3-7, 12-13; John 20:19-23 The community Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 AM, Fr. Vincent Collins presiding and preaching. The new sound system has been completely installed and is up and running as of this week; those of you who have waited for this improvement for years may celebrate the […]
The Ascension of the Lord, Year A, 28 May, 2017
Readings: Acts 1:1-11; Ephesians 1:17-23; Matthew 28:16-20 The community Mass is celebrated at 10:00 AM, Abbot Joseph Wittstock presiding and preaching.
Monks chanting
Here is an audio of the community with the Monastic Immersion Weekend participants chanting the office of Mid-Day prayer.
Fr. James’ Homily for the Sixth Sunday of Easter, 21 May, 2017
Readings: Acts 8:5-8, 14-17; 1 Peter 3:15-18; John 14:15-21 As we draw closer to Pentecost, our readings refer us to the coming of the Advocate–or more correctly–the other Advocate, since Jesus was our original Advocate. This coming of the Holy Spirit is tricky if taken too literally. The image can imply that the Spirit is presently […]
MIW-more photos
Here’s a photo of the MIW Class of ’17 in choir during Lauds today… And here you can hear them at the beginning of the Office singing the hymn and beginning the first Psalm of the Office…sound pretty good! Our ninth Monastic Immersion Weekend is in full swing and the 15 people attending […]
Sixth Sunday of Easter, Year A, 21 May, 2017
Readings: Acts 8:5-8, 14-17; 1 Peter 3:15-18; John 14:15-21 The community Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 AM, Fr. James presiding and preaching.
Abbot Joseph’s Homily for the Fourth Sunday of Easter, Year A
Readings: Acts 2:14, 36-41; 1 Peter 2:20-25; John 10:1-10 In decades and centuries past, Catholics have sometimes been criticized for trying to save themselves through so-called “good works” and thereby were thought to be spurning God’s totally free gift of salvation. However, our second reading seems to support this notion by suggesting that Jesus’ suffering […]
Fifth Sunday of Easter, Year A, 14 May, 2017
Readings: Acts 6:1-7; 1 Peter 2:4-9; John 14:1-12 The community Mass is celebrated at 10:00 AM, Fr. Vincent Collin0s presiding and preaching. Today is Mother’s Day and we remember our mothers, living and deceased, during today’s Mass. As on every Sunday, Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament follows Vespers (5:30 PM).