ABBEY NEWS

The monks of Blue Cloud Abbey wish a blessed Christmas and peaceful New Year to all our friends and benefactors. This season is a good time to give thanks for the many blessings God has given us. One blessing we often take for granted is simply living in a nation where we have the freedom to practice our faith. My personal prayers each new year are for continued growth of the faith worldwide, and for individual conversion among both monks and laity.

One important piece of information was accidentally left out from the Fall Newsletter. The fund-raising campaign for the new greenhouse was held in memory of our departed Br. Gene Cler, who took care of the old greenhouse until his death in 1998. Apologies to his family and friends who thought we had forgotten Br. Gene, and thanks to those who informed us of the oversight.

As usual, the fall season brought an increase of retreat groups to the Abbey. In early September, the permanent deacons of the Sioux Falls Diocese made a group retreat here. Other groups during September were Blue Cloud oblates, students from Gustavus Adolphus College, and priests of the Sioux Falls Diocese. October brought a Sunday visit by high school students from Hankinson, North Dakota and a visit by ministers of the ELCA. The second weekend marked the annual Literary Festival. Nationally published author John Hassler was in attendance as some of his works were read. John

has been our guest several times in the past. Other groups scheduled for later in October are the Great Plains Coalition, Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, and the Region VIII Deacon directors.

Fr. Abbot made his annual visit to our Priory in Coban, Guatemala in early October. Our visitation by the Swiss-American Congregation took place on October 25 to 28. The visitation was conducted by Abbot Nicolas Morcone of Glastonbury Abbey, and Br. Thomas Sullivan from Conception Abbey.

2003 CALENDAR

Once again, it is time to release the Blue Cloud Abbey calendar. Last year we started featuring full color photographs each month. The response was so favorable that we will be doing the same this year. The calendar photos are chosen to give our friends a sense of our daily monastic routine through the year. In the spirit of Christmas, we have been sending it to all who mail in prayer intentions during our Advent/Christmas campaign. It is a small way of thanking you for your support. We appreciate our many benefactors whose donations help us cover the cost of printing and distributing the calendar. The calendar has been very popular with friends and visitors to the abbey, each year all the copies have been given out rather quickly.

Fr. Matthew