Sisters in the White Mountains

After working to prepare the camp facility for the upcoming winter months, some of the Sisters took the opportunity to enjoy a hike in the nearby White Mountains.

Their destination was Arethusa Falls, the tallest single-drop waterfall in New Hampshire, in Crawford Notch State Park. The Sisters reached the breathtaking 160′ falls in time to eat lunch at the base before continuing the loop trail, enjoying spectacular overlooks. Not only was the day a hiking adventure, but it was also an opportunity to meet many people! It’s not too often you’ll see Sisters on the hiking trails!

They couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful day and are thankful to God for the artistic wonders that He gives through His Creation. Enjoy the pictures below!

St Patrick’s Talent Night

The Sisters perform at our annual Saint Patrick’s Day Talent Night every year! It is always an enjoyable show of varied talent and good ol’ time Irish spirit! This year, the Sisters sang the songs “The Green Fields of France,” and “The Rambles of Spring.” Enjoy the performance in the videos below.

The Talent Night was held on the feast of Saint Joseph this year! Read more about the festive evening we had for both Saints on the Saint Benedict Center site here.

Annual Fall Bazaar

Our annual Fall Bazaar has been treating people to some good ol’ country fair fun (and bargains) for over 30 years! As the world moves faster and gets more complicated… its refreshing to know that people still love the simplicity of an event like our annual Yardsale & Bazaar!

With the New England foliage for a backdrop, and our Mr. D.J. setting the atmosphere with ol time favorites… the Bazaar is memorable from start to finish! Whether you are hunting for treasures, snatching up one of the Sisters’ apple pies, taking a chance for a raffle or enjoying a delicious corn dog… there is something for everyone!

What a joy it was to see such a great spirit among the IHM students and families during this event! Thanks to that enthusiasm, we raised $25,000 during this event! Thank you and God bless you!

Find out more about the Expansion Project on the IHM Site!

Ground Breaking

Finally, after a year of planning, construction for the addition to Immaculate Heart of Mary school has begun.

Below are some pictures of our ground breaking ceremony which took place October 7th.  We chose to begin on the feast of the Most Holy Rosary.  It was a long time in coming due to planning and engineering requirements for the many different aspects of construction but finally it all came together.

Rather than use the standard gold shovel, Brother Anthony used an excavator. The Brothers are doing all the site work with borrowed equipment from local companies.  Once the digging is finished, the concrete form men will take over to pour footings and basement walls. They will also have to underpin the existing foundation on the South side because the new basement will be a few feet lower.  If the good weather keeps up, we should make progress quickly.

Your contributions are greatly appreciated and we want to thank you for your support and generosity in getting us to this point. Donations can be made here online or you can mail your contribution to:

Saint Benedict Center
P.O. Box 1000
Harvard, MA  01451

You are in our thoughts and prayers.  May God bless you.

Find out more about our school and the expansion project at ImmaculateHeartSchool.org

May Procession ’19

Despite the dreary forecast and rainy reality, Our Lady had no fair weather friends here on May 12, 2019!

The Chapel was packed for the 10:00 a.m. Mass, and a large crowd processed along the procession route, singing and praying – even if it was from beneath umbrellas!

After crowning five statues, the climax of the event is always the outdoor Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament at an outdoor altar on the Convent lawn. The drizzle lightened just enough to make it possible, and it was inspiring to see everyone kneeling in the wet grass!

So, the 2019 May Procession may not have been the prettiest … but since it doubled up with a little bit of penance, it was probably the richest in blessings! See more photos on our monastery website here