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 […]
Conservation Easement at Holy Cross Abbey: Part I
An earlier post mentioned that Holy Cross Abbey has placed over 900 acres of historic land–the site of the Battle of Cool Spring–into easement with The Civil War Trust. This post is a follow up to begin considering some issues related to easement and some of the specifics of this particular easement. Some Misconceptions. The biggest […]
Third Sunday of Advent, 15 December, 2013
The community Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 AM, Fr. Vincent Collins preaching and presiding.
Abbot Robert’s Homily for the Immaculate Conception
I know that the prayers of today’s Solemnity are theologically correct about stains and blemishes and cleansing souls from sin, but that kind of language really doesn’t help me enter into this great feast. Nor does it help me appreciate the immense gift God gave to this daughter of Adam and Eve. I note that […]
Homily for the Second Sunday of Advent
Readings: Isaiah 11:1-10; Romans 15:4-9; Matthew 3:1-12 I know you don’t need me to tell you that everything about John the Baptist seems extreme: his appearance, his clothing, his diet–certainly the way he speaks. His urgency spills out in violent judgment; he’s explosive. But have you ever considered this? People are drawn to him. He […]
Conservation Easement at Holy Cross Abbey
This post is a mere announcement to be followed by further posts, in depth, considering the impact of Conservation Easement. As readers of this website probably realize, Holy Cross Abbey had put some 200 acres of the northwest end of the property into Conservation Easement through Clarke County channels and the agency of her officials. […]
Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, Monday, 9 December
The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception will be celebrated this year of Monday, 9 December. Because of the importance of the Advent Season the Solemnity is transferred to Monday so the Second Sunday of Advent may be celebrated in its integrity. The community Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 AM, Abbot Robert Barnes presiding and […]