Our Woodlands

Yesterday during a snow storm several sisters went down to the farm to inspect the 200 trees the forester harvested last week.  Most were black walnut trees which will be sent to Germany and other places to make furniture.  We have a large woodlands and we plant lots of trees.  This year we plan to plant 10 acres of farmland with trees.
The forester commented that several of the trees from one area he harvested were 49 years old.  It turns out that during the first year here the sisters planted those black walnuts.  Sr. Mary Ann remembers well planting those trees.  This year marks our 50th anniversary of foundation. We are now reaping a good harvest from the work of her hands.  We hope the trees we plant today will provide for the sisters who will be here 50 years from now!

Sr. Kathleen

Sr. Mary Ann, Tree Planter

Sr. Joan's Golden Jubilee

On February 5th, the feast of St. Agatha, Sr. Mary Joan Garrity celebrated 50 years of monastic profession.  Mass and renewal of her vows  were celebrated at 10:30 AM in the Abbey Church.  It was followed by a celebration dinner.  Sr. Joan, a foundress of our community, has lived in our woods as a hermit for over 30 years.  Each morning she comes to Mass with the community.  Most of her day is spent in solitude and silence.  She faithfully works at the candy factory; shrink wrapping each box of candy that is produced.  She virtually does this job single-highhandedly while no one else is there.  If you have purchased our candy Sr. Joan has put the shrink wrap on your box.  Sr. Joan has several siblings including her identical twin sister Judy.  Sr. Joan always has a big smile for anyone she meets.

Sr. Joan and Br. Dennis before Mass

Sr. Joan renewing her vows

Flowers from her family

Sharing stories about Joan