Liturgically, the new year for Catholics begins with the coming of Advent—a time of joyful expectation and spiritual preparation. At the monastery, the Advent and Christmas seasons are marked by a wonderful blend of activity, anticipation, prayer, and work. The elementary grades bring a special delight to these days, as Christmas truly shines as a season for children. Their visit with Saint Nicholas, festive class parties, and the much-anticipated school pageant fill the halls with laughter and excitement. The annual decorating of the Chapels for Christmas is also a treasured tradition, made possible by the generosity of those who donate the greenery that transforms these holy places in preparation for the coming of Christ. Christmas brings its own cherished days and customs, followed by the New Year—a time for fresh beginnings and renewed hope. Enjoy this selection of photos capturing the joyful close of 2025 and the promising start of 2026.

The autumn colors have come and gone here in New England! What a blessing it is to live in a place with four beautiful seasons; it provides a daily source of meditation throughout the year.

At the monastery, we celebrate Thanksgiving Day with a traditional meal, generously donated each year by our Third Order members. It always turns into a fabulous feast, lovingly prepared by a team of Sisters in the kitchen! On that day, we took the time to pray for all our family, friends, benefactors, students, and campers. We hope you all had a wonderful autumn and Thanksgiving! Enjoy some fall photos below!

“In all created things, discern the providence and wisdom of God, and in all things, give Him thanks.”
– St. Teresa of Avila.

We have officially moved into the new addition at IHM School, which includes a brand-new refectory and kitchen! Although we are still adjusting to the layout of the new space, it has been fantastic to have more room to work with. Just take a look at this spectacular view of the valley from our dining room! For more pictures from the day we moved into the addition, check out the full gallery on the monastery website here! Thank you for your support!

Take a look into the behind-the-scenes preparation for Palm Sunday here at the monastery. Sr. Magdalene Marie also shares how to make a simple palm cross, and explains that blessed palms are a sacramental. Learn how to make one and share it with others!

This winter, our Sisters have enjoyed some ice skating during afternoon recreation! No sooner was school out than Sisters were grabbing their skates and heading not to a rink, but the flooded (and frozen) fields in the valley and the abutting conservation land. It made for some lovely skating, as you will see below! Enjoy the video!