The beginning of Fall

Brother Robert James, our Superior, is on vacation in France. Brother Josép is on vacation in nearby Cottekill and a family visit in Florida. Brother Ephrem got back home from a family visit in Louisiana.

This past summer, our Monk's Cell Bookstore manager, Yanick Savain has been hard at work to open up an online Monk's Cell where we can shop from anywhere on the web; in case you cannot visit in person, which we love too.

It is a beautifully curated religious bookstore found at:

https://bookshop.org/lists/this-week-at-the-monastery

Yanick also curates a weekly list of books relevant to happenings at the monastery. You can find it at:

https://bookshop.org/shop/monkscell

Go check it out. She did an amazing job. And spread the word. Your purchases support the monastery.

Below, are screen captures of the two web addresses above.

On Tuesday, September 27, Brothers Robert Leo and Randy represented the Order of the Holy Cross at our diocesan bishop's luncheon for leaders of religious communities. This was the first time this annual tradition could resume since the Covid pandemic. You can see from the picture below that our diocese is blessed with a wealth of religious communities. Our diocesan bishop, The Rt. Rev. Andy Dietsche (center of the picture, next to Br. Robert Leo) is also the bishop visitor for our Order. We are grateful for his friendship and care.

From top, clockwise: religious leaders of the diocese of New York with their three diocesan bishops; Mr. Mark Santana, Mr. Samuel Kennedy (with Summer the lab sleeping at his feet) and Br. Randy in conversation in the enclosure common room; Samuel; our bookkeeper, Ms. Toni Taylor in conversation with Br. Timothy under the church's ambulatory; Br. Aidan in conversation with a guest under the red beech tree; Br. Aidan enjoying some al fresco reading on the enclosure porch.

Our electrical supply system in the enclosure required some much needed upgrade. The outside work happened this past week. The indoor work will happen in the next week but will be much less spectacular.

Speaking of electriciy, our electric vehicle charging station is progressively getting more usage. It is located in the Sacristy parking lot on the side of the Middle House. So bring your EV next time you visit us.

Electricity. From top, clockwise: earthworks for the upgraded electrical supply to the monastic enclosure; our electrician, Ms. Anita Scherf and Mr. Jamie Morano of JAM contractors; attached to the wall on the left side of the picture, our ChargePoint EV charging station.

Br. Robert James is on vacation. So someone else must be responsible for the beautiful bouquets of asters and goldenroads that grace the church. We are probably seeing the last fresh cuts from the gardens in these weeks.

Church blooms from our gardens, still.