Advent Meditations
In this brief special edition of our newsletter, we give a few mediations for this holy season of Advent to help prepare us for Christmas. Read More….
Practice of the Presence of God
The practice of the presence of God, remaining always in God’s presence, is a beautiful practice that will aid us in our spiritual life and help us prepare for the feast of Christmas. Brother Lawrence, a humble Carmelite Lay-brother, was a mast of this method of prayer. “Although he passed his life in retirement, still there is nobody in any state of life who cannot draw great profit from learning about his conduct. He will teach persons engaged in the world to address themselves to God, to ask His grace for doing their duty, even while they are performing their business.” – Practice of the Presence of God
In WEBSITE NEWS we look forward to Christmas, remembering that so many of the Christmas customs we have spring from our Catholic Faith and have deep Christian symbolism. We especially look at the custom of having a Nativity set and the history behind the Christmas tree and Christmas ornaments. We have also expanded our offering of Liturgical music.
Christmas preparations are busy in Carmel, and we document just a few of them in our COMMUNITY NEWS. Read More….
St. John of the Cross
One of the special saints celebrated during these days is our own holy Father, St. John of the Cross. We know he enjoys a perfectly miserable reputation among many Catholics: gloomy, strict, distant, and cold. Let us see if we can dispel at least a few of the mistaken notions and fears about this great Saint, who was essentially a very gentle person, yet very intense.
In WEBSITE NEWS we share ideas for Christmas gifts, including some new music selections. Also of interest is the biography of St. Theophane Venard, a favorite Saint of Saint of St. Therese of the Child Jesus.
In COMMUNITY NEWS we have been busy preparing for a bake sale and finishing the St. Catherine vestment. Read More….
The Immaculate Conception
Celebrating the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, let us thank God for this great privilege given to Our Blessed Mother, all in preparation for her bringing forth to the world its Savior, and let us together honor her with tender affection.
In WEBSITE NEWS customers have asked us for a “Christmas shopping list.” We also introduce our new relic badge, our own Liturgical music CD, Saint medals and devotional rings.
We update you on what has been happening in the Monastery with COMMUNITY NEWS. We are now building our enclosure walls, starting Christmas baking, and looking forward to receiving another new vocation in 2006. Read More….