You may join us here at the Abbey by a sojourn in our Retreat House for a silent retreat, as a visitor to our Gift Shop or as a family member visiting a member of the community. You can assist at Mass here in our church or be one with us as you pray the Liturgy of the Hours at work or at home. You can join us by keeping abreast of the news here or sending in a question. You might join us by burying a loved one in our cemetery or supporting our work, at your own home, to be better stewards of our environment and natural resources. Some of you may even join us by inquiring about the Lay Cistercians. Or you may be one of those who would like to give your life to God by becoming a member of our monastic community.
However you plan to join us, welcome to Holy Cross Abbey.
There are videos accessible under ABOUT to welcome you here, tell you about the Retreat House or even joining the monastic community. The FAQ’s under ABOUT may be as relevant to the curious visitor as to someone interested in joining the community.
If you are investigating the possibility of a monastic Vocation, please check the Vocation Page under TAKE PART. But please explore Monastic Life under TAKE PART and the story of this community and of our Order under HISTORY.
Some of you may seek to TAKE PART by praying with us. Don’t miss the page PRAY WITH US. Then you may also wish to check out our blog, NEWS, to find the texts for the Canticles used for LAUDS here at Our Lady of the Holy Cross. Please check there regularly for updates.
Should you be seeking information about our Lay Cistercians, again, check out the LAY CISTERCIAN PAGE under TAKE PART.
Perhaps you’d like to visit. You may come here for a Day Visit just to enjoy the beautiful setting in the Shenandoah Valley. While you’re here, you’re welcome to visit the Abbey’s Church or browse in the Gift Shopor even stroll through Cool Spring Natural Cemetery. (If you’re interested in our services in church, you can find our schedule under the tab VISIT).
You could plan a longer visit for spiritual renewal at our Retreat House; don’t miss the video about the Retreat House under the tab ABOUT. You may also check out the map under DIRECTIONS.
What you might find on our Gift Shop, the store’s hours and the link to Monastery Bakery Products are all under VISIT and more information under MONASTERY STORE.
Finally CONTACT will allow you to be in touch with us; we will relay your message or question to the appropriate person as soon as possible; you may even find your question answered in a future posting on the FAQ’s.
Whether your visit is virtual or will be a future visit to the Abbey, please accept our welcome and our prayers for your intentions. Please keep us in your prayers and thoughts.