The final Chapter of Pope Francis’ Encyclical is entitled Ecological Education and Spirituality. After reviewing the enormity of the challenges facing us, the serious damage we have done–continue to do–that is, after acknowledging how destructive we can be, Pope Francis reminds us that as human beings we also have an incredible capacity for change, for good, […]
Volunteers Help on Ecological Project
Since the last Monastic Immersion Weekend, we’ve been enjoying volunteer help clearing the growth around the native hardwoods and bushes planted along our streams. I myself have been going out about three times a week–I’m now up to ninety minute work periods–to clear the growth. The cooler temperatures are a real help and I can […]
The Monastic Tradition of Liturgical Prayer
The Divine Office is not a performance but our worship of God. We represent the whole Church, Christ’s Body, who, as God’s creatures, offer to our Creator our worship, praise and thanksgiving. We express our needs and the needs of those around us confident of his provident care for creation. He even calls us his children, […]
Twenty-fifth Sunday, Year B, 20 September, 2015
Readings: Wisdom 2:12, 17-20; James 3:16-4:3; Mark 9:30-37 The community Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 AM, Fr. Joseph Wittstock presiding and preaching.
Prime Openings In The Retreat House During October
We’ve noticed over the past decades that everyone wants a reservation at the Retreat House during October. And we never wonder why: the weather is ideal, the humidity is low, the frost has come and pollen and gnats have disappeared…And perhaps the changing foliage has something to do with it too. Even rainy days feel cozy and […]
Abbot Robert’s Homily for the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, 14 September, 2015
Readings: Numbers 21:4-9; Philippians 2:6-11; John 3:13-17 On this feast of the Triumph of the Holy Cross–the patronal feast of our monastery under the sign of the mystery of Christ’s cross–we are God’s witness in the Church to the saving grace of the cross of Christ in our lives. The cross is a profound enigma, […]
Fr. James’ Homily for the 24th Sunday, Year B
Readings: Isaiah 50:5-9; James 2:14-18; Mark 8:27-36 Mark’s Gospel begins: The Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God. But for the next eight chapters there will be no mention of the title Christ until Peter uses it today. In between, however, Jesus is identified in many ways: a voice from heaven calls […]
Prayer in the Monastic Tradition
I would emphasize today this essential point: that the expression of community prayer in choir has to be rooted in our personal prayer. The external performance of monastic chant, if it is empty of spiritual devotion on the part of the monks and nuns offering it, is quite meaningless. That is obvious. You remember St. […]
Monastic Immersion Weekend
Our Monastic Immersion Weekend ended after a beautiful Mass celebrated by Fr. James. In our two days together we had wonderful conferences from Sr. Kathy Ullrich who spoke to us about the layers of our lives, outer, right here and inner. She also told us about a retreat the sisters had with the Abbot from […]
Monastic Immersion Weekend Begins Today
Ten men will spend two full days with the monastic community starting today. This Monastic Immersion Weekend, our seventh since beginning a few years ago, will welcome our 100th participant since the program began. Above are just two items participants receive-one for fun (the hat, obviously) and one serious, the Abbey Crucifix which is […]