The Benedictine Monks from St. Andrews Abbey in Valyermo, CA have been blessed with two very unique problems, that many dioceses and religious communities would love, in one sense, to face.      The housing accommodations they have for new monks is exhausted.    They are to the point of having to consider doubling-up, pitching tents, or turning away vocations.     If you have ever seen the size of each monk's cell, you would wonder how even one man can live in a cell.     Each cell is barely large enough for a single bed, a desk and chair, and a bookshelf.     As it is, the monks use a communal bathing facility.       In addition, the funds on hand for new monk formation as religious, and also for their college and seminary education, are very limited.   

Father Luke Dysinger, O.S.B., is here this weekend to give the homily at all the Masses, and also to seek your help --- both your prayers and your financial help.    Father Luke has brought along some of the junior monks --- those in training, so that you may meet and talk to the monks you will be helping during their formation.

On July 12^th, a young man from Thousand Oaks, Brother Andrew Hayes, O.S.B., was ordained a deacon.   God willing, Brother Andrew will be ordained a Priest of Jesus Christ next year.         

If you cannot help financially this weekend, please at least try and help with your prayers.     And, maybe, you could possibly help financially some other time.     But do pray for these dedicated men of God.

Remember too the famous St. Andrews Abbey Fall Festival, the last weekend of September.     It draws artist from all over, and is well known.     Plan now to drive out and spend Saturday or Sunday, September 29th or 30th, at the Festival.