We had been keeping a reservation for a large group from 6 through 13 March only to learn today that they would not be coming. The Weekend, Friday though Sunday, 6 to 8 March, is now available as are the weekdays, Monday through Friday, 9 to 13 March. Lent is a wonderful time for a retreat and […]

We’re experiencing some problems with the boiler that heats the church and chapter room. Given how the temperatures still drop so low at night we’ve begun congregating in the refectory, where there is heat, to celebrate the Divine Office and Mass. We hope to have the problem corrected soon. Of course, this is nothing like the unheated […]

Readings: Genesis 9:8-15; I Peter 3:18-22; Mark 1:12-15 The community Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 AM, Abbot Robert Barnes presiding and preaching. Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament follows Vespers (5:30 PM)

Weekends are often prime time for busy people to take a retreat. If you’re planning ahead, you’ll be glad to know that there is very good availability during the weekend of 24-26 April. If you’re interested in those dates, contact Carol Hensley, Monday through Friday, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM by calling 540-955-4383 or email Carol at information@hcava.org

Readings: Leviticus 13:1-2, 44-46; I Corinthians 10:31-11:1; Mark 1:40-45 I suspect we’ve all experienced having dental x-ray images taken and being draped with that heavy apron that shields the rest of our body from exposure to harmful radiation. And, as we know, the person operating the x-ray machine typically steps out of the room and […]

Readings: Joel 2:12-18; II Corinthians 5:20-6:2; Matthew 6:1-6; 16-18. Mass with the blessing of ashes will be celebrated at 7:00 AM; Abbot Robert Barnes will preside.

Readings: Leviticus 13:1-2, 44-46; I Corinthians 10:31-11:1; Mark 1:40-45. The Community Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 AM, Fr. Joseph Wittstock presiding and preaching. Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament will follow Vespers (5:30PM)

Readings: Job 7:1-4, 6-7; I Corinthians 9:16-19, 22-23; M<ark 6:53-56 Today’s Gospel narrates a series of healings that inaugurates Jesus’ ministry. I’ve often heard this text described as a demonstration of Jesus’ power over disease and demons revealing who he is, a persuasive announcement of the Kingdom of God. If this is a persuasive revelation […]

Readings: Job 7:1-4, 6-7; I Corinthians 9:16-19, 22-23; Mark 6:53-56. The community Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 AM, Fr. James presiding and preaching. Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament will follow Vespers (5:30 PM).

You must withdraw mentally, rather than physically, in your intention, in your devotion, in your spirit. Christ the Lord is a spirit and he demands solitude of the spirit more than of the body–though physical withdrawal can be a benefit when the opportunity offers itself, especially in time of prayer. To do this, follow the […]