January 10, 2016

January 10, 2016

Here we are on the last day of the Christmas Season, the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord!  And here is a Christmas photo journal so you can share in the joy of our monastery Christmas.

Father Casimir blessing the Christmas tree

We began our celebration late in the afternoon on Christmas Eve with the annual Christmas tree blessing in our chapter room.  Fr. Casimir did the honors, after which we turned on the tree lights for the first time this season.

From there we went straight to church for 1st Vespers of Christmas.  Then we went to bed early, to snatch a couple of hours of sleep, before getting up just after 10:00 p.m. for our beautiful Christmas Vigils.  This is very special.  We sit in chairs around the creche at the altar with only the creche lights, and the lectern light, on.  Our Vigil consists of selections from Early American folk carols (on CD) and the reading of Psalms and Scripture by our Sisters.  Unfortunately this doesn’t photograph well so you’ll just have to imagine it!

Midnight Mass

“On Christmas Eve our Midnight Mass begins at Midnight!”  So went the recording on our voice mail greeting.  You’d be surprised how many phone calls we get each year asking us what time our Midnight Mass begins!  We were joined by a small crowd of retreatants and intrepid neighbors.  A lovely, quiet, holy Mass of the tender love of God for us in Jesus, our Emmanuel.

Following Mass we had a little silent snack in the refectory, and then stumbled back to bed for a few more hours.  Up again at 5:30 a.m. for Christmas breakfast.  Mother Vicki made her famous almond danish for the occasion–yum!

Lauds on Christmas morning

Christmas Lauds is especially joyful with its sweet antiphon, “O Shepherds tell us–tell us, whom did you see?  Proclaim the message, speak the word: Who has now appeared on earth?”  And the shepherds reply, “We have seen the newborn Lord, and choirs of angels praising him, singing hymns of peace and joy!”  At Chapter, following Lauds, we exchanged “Merry Christmas” greetings.

Chapter on Christmas morning, “Merry Christmas!”

 

 

 

 

 

 

At 8:00 a.m. we were back in church for the Christmas Day Mass.  Again we were joined by retreatants and friends.

Christmas morning Mass

Our Creche, sculpted by Esther

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On special occasions like Christmas Day, we all help in the kitchen to prepare the feast day meal.

Rita sets up the serving tables while Kate, in the background, puts finishing touches on the dining tables

Clare and Fabi preparing the avacados

Kate gets the rolls ready

Nettie

Esther and Cathy

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We shared our dinner with the monks of Erlac Monastery, ate too much and had a happy time.  After the dishes were done, we partook of a lovely Christmas nap in the quiet dormitory!

Br. Dominique, one of our Erlac Monastery brothers, with Jacqui and Vicki

Fabi, Marg, and Cathy

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next up was our visit to the Christmas Tree to find out what the abbey Santa Claus had left under the tree.  The two most popular items: books and jigsaw puzzles.

Cathy hands out gifts for Santa

Vicki and Kate

Miriam and kitty

 

Nettie and Denise

 

Cathy and Jacqui sharing a gift

Christmas Vespers and Benediction brought this day of praise and joy to a peaceful close.

Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament on Christmas evening

Our hearts are full of love and gratitude for the immeasurable gift of God to humankind in his Son Jesus, our Emmanuel, born on Christmas Day, and also for all of our friends who sent cards and donations.  Thank you, and God bless you, one and all!

Our Christmas portrait