Christmas at Santa Rita Abbey 2016

The Christmas Season is so beautiful, so meaningful. We hope you and your loved ones had a special one! We are composing this journal entry on the last day of the Christmas Season, the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, January 9th this year. Here are some glimpses of Christmas at Santa Rita we hope you will enjoy.

Christmas Eve morning Mass, surrounded by half set-up Christmas decorations
Blessing of the Christmas Tree before Vespers on Christmas Eve
The Office of Christmas Vigils at 10:30 p.m. on Christmas Eve
O come, let us adore Him!
Meanwhile, outside it was snowing! A white Christmas!
Midnight Mass
A quiet, candle-lit snack afterwards
View of Cistercian Altar Breads and art studios buildings early on Christmas morning
Lauds, morning prayer, on Christmas morning
The abbey church in the fresh now just after sunrise
Christmas Day Mass: Sr Jacqui proclaiming the first reading
Sr. Nettie proclaimed the second reading
Fr. Casimir giving the homily after proclaiming the Gospel
Christmas Day Mass: Fr. Casimir praying the Eucharistic prayer
Backyard view of the church
The Santa Rita Mountains stayed shrouded in clouds all day
The Retreat House in its Christmas snow blanket
Christmas dinner with all the Sisters, Fr. Casimir, and our monastic neighbors, the Brothers of Erlac Monastery
Sr. Jacqui and Fr. Casimir enjoying the conversation at Christmas dinner
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