Both weekends (March 28-30 for men and women, September 11-14 for men only) have openings and those interested are encouraged to send in a deposit or email the intent to attend, asap. The fees for both weekends have been changed to $175 (March), $250 (September; starts Thursday) suggested contribution making them very affordable retreats at the […]
Updating Posts
It had been my custom–inconsistent at times–to update the Word from the Abbot and Featured Post on Sundays. However, I’ve been cooking every other Sunday this month and a Sunday meal in the monastery, as in any family, is a special meal. The extra preparation is complicated by leaving the kitchen at 11:00 AM to […]
Feast of the Holy Family, 29 December, 2013
The community Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 AM, Fr. Vincent Collins presiding and preaching.
Homily from the Christmas Day Mass
Readings: Isaiah 52:7-10; Hebrews 1:1-6; John 1:1-5, 9-14 If it is something of a cliche to characterize Christmas as joyful, cliches exist for good reasons! It may also be commonplace to distinguish joy from happiness; that, too, is valid, though there’s no reason why joy can’t spill over into happiness. I pray that is our […]
Abbot Robert’s Christmas Homily
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone forth. For the grace of God has appeared… To shepherds in the field watching their sheep, the angel of the Lord appeared…and the glory of the Lord shone around them…and suddenly a multitude […]
Christmas Schedule
Tuesday, 24 December: 8:00 PM. A Recital of Carols sung by Madeline MacNeil 8:30 PM. Christmas Mass Wednesday, 25 December: 11:00 AM. Christmas Day Mass We follow a Sunday schedule and Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament will follow Vespers (5:30 PM) on Christmas Day.
Homily for the Fourth Sunday of Advent
Isaiah 7:10-14; Romans 1:1-7; Matthew 1:18-24 The Sunday Mass Readings for Advent seem to shift perspective. We began with our eye on eternity, specifically, final judgment. That seems to continue through the Second Sunday with this difference: the voice of John the Baptist, speaking in historical time, warns us of future judgment but we are […]
Thank You for Your Gifts
On behalf of the community please accept our thanks and appreciation for all so many of you did for us this year. We have accomplished a lot in 2013 at Our Lady of the Holy Cross as a result of your ongoing support. Our year-end wind-down is in full swing (not too late to send […]
Conservation Easement at Holy Cross: Part Two
Mike Hobart, the Chairman of Clarke County’s Board of Supervisors writes: The Shenandoah River and Blue Ridge Mountain border Clarke County making it truly one of the most interesting and beautiful places on earth. The residents of the County share a common vision resulting in comprehensive action to promote preservation of our land and natural […]
Christmas Services Schedule, 2013
Christmas Eve, 24 December: 8:00 PM: a half hour recital of Christmas Carols in the church. Singer Madeline Mac Neil will sing and accompany herself on the hammered dulcimer. 8:30 PM: The Christmas Night Mass. The Christmas Night Mass is integrated with Monastic Vigils. Abbot Robert Barnes will preside and preach. Christmas Day, 25 December: 11:00 […]