Building Updates
And so the dream begins…after several years of prayerful discernment, we have begun preparing for our new monastery. The first step is preparing the annex for demolition. All items have been removed, sisters have been relocated to other bedrooms and they have begun all necessary work to be able to begin the first phase. This is an exciting time for us and we humbly ask for your prayers during this time. We look forward to sharing our journey with you.
(Preparing the grounds and building for the demolition of the annex - click on pictures for larger view.)
January, 2025
The month of January was one that did not make for conditions conducive for working outside. However, those involved in our building project worked through frigid temperatures and snow to keep the project on course. We are grateful to these individuals who are working so diligently to build our new monastery. The annex has been prepared for demolition which is the first step to being able to begin construction. We are excited about a bright future and looking forward to it with much anticipation.
Each Monday during Evening Prayer, we remember those who are making this a reality for our community. We are so appreciative of their time, talents and generosity.
(Click on pictures for a larger view.)
February, 2025
Changes began at the Monastery during the month of February. Our dream is certainly becoming a reality. A partial portion of the annex came down so the construction of the new Monastery can begin. The workers from Wilhelm Construction never cease to amaze us as they continue to work tirelessly in cold and inclement weather. Their dedication is keeping our dream on right on track. The next step is to prepare the ground and then the construction will begin. It is an exciting time for us and we are so very grateful to all who are making this dream come true. We humbly ask for you prayers for the safety of those working so hard on this wonderful project. We are truly blessed.
(Click on pictures for a larger view.)
March, 2025
The Dream certainly did continue during the month of March. If you come by the Monastery you will see many changes on our grounds. The former Chaplain’s house was raised and part of our service building was removed because the new Monastery will be connected to the existing building. The foundation is being prepared and we are moving ahead with faith and confidence. It is an exciting time for us as we witness the creation before our eyes. We are so very pleased with the progress and are grateful to all of the workers who perform their daily tasks with expertise and dedication. We greatly appreciate their efforts and all they are doing for us.
(Click on pictures for a larger view.)
April, 2025
The month of April has been busy here on the grounds of Our Lady of Grace. The foundation is taking shape and walls are beginning to go up. We are beginning to see shape taking form and we feel so blessed right now and are so very grateful to Wilhelm Construction Company and all of their hard working employees who are making our dream come true. Things are underway and the future is looking fabulous. The support we have received from so many people who want to help us achieve our dream has been humbling. Our prayers go out to each of you who are supporting us, praying for us and building for us - God is good and so are you!
(Click on pictures for a larger view.)
May, 2025
May certainly was another busy month for our new monastery. We saw much progress and the building is beginning to take shape. It is exciting to see the progress knowing our dream is becoming a reality day by day. We can now point at certain areas and know exactly what is being constructed. Things are certainly shaping up and we feel very blessed. The dream continues and we are so grateful to all who are helping to make our dream come true. Many blessings on each of you!
June, 2025
There were a lot of things "busting out all over" during the month of June at Our Lady of Grace and we want to share the progress with you. The new monastery is certainly becoming a reality day after day. The workers are relentless in making our dream come true - and they are doing it in scorching heat - they are remarkable! It is unbelievable to see the progress they make in just a few days. We cannot express enough our gratitude for these workers and to each of you for helping us achieve our dream. Our prayers and grateful hearts go out to each of you.
Spire Removal
Our dream unfolds before our eyes each and every day. On July 14th the spire from the monastery was removed so it may be placed on the new monastery. Many sisters were outside watching the workers carefully and reverently took the spire down. It will be a lovely addition to the construction as we look forward to our future and remember our past.
Beam Signing
Yet another milestone in our dream took place on July 18th. The community gathered to sign a beam that will be paced in the new monastery. The excitement was evident as each sister present signed their names and wrote notes on the beam. It was a moment we will long remember and years from now those who come after us will see the imprint we made today.
July, 2025
The month of July was a warm one not only for Indiana but the entire country - but great things were really heating up on the grounds of Our Lady of Grace Monastery. Our dream is taking shape and you can see tremendous progress happening all around us. The new monastery is taking shape and they are beginning to build up as the second floor is visible. The construction is going strong no matter the temperature - the workers are tireless and are so dedicated to making sure our dream comes true. We say this all of the time - but we repeat ourselves because it is so very true - WE ARE BLESSED. We are so grateful to so many people who are assisting us and supporting us in our dream. We are truly humbled by all of the goodness we receive each and every day.
August, 2025
The month of August has ended ~ but our Dream continues. It has been a busy and wonderful summer as our new monastery takes shape day after day. Those working on the construction are so dedicated and their commitment to our project is humbling and amazing. We are so fortunate to Wilhelm Construction and their tireless co-workers who are making our Dream become a reality. In August, the past was incorporated into the future as the spire which sat high upon on home, now has been set in a place of honor on the new monastery. It is reassuring to know that God is looking over us. We are blessed and are so very grateful to all who are helping us make this possible.
September, 2025
The month of September made our dream even more visible as tremendous progress was made. Roofing is nearly complete, windows are being installed and brick is being added. The inside is becoming more and more evident as rooms are beginning to take shape. It is so exciting and we are eager to see all that unfolds before winter. The weather is cooperating, although the heat is hard on the workers, but they are not stifled by the heat and they work tirelessly each and every day. Thank you, to each and every one of you, for your prayers and support. As we have said many times, we are truly blessed.
October, 2025
The month of October certainly didn't scare us at all. There were no tricks ~ only treats for the Sisters at Our Lady of Grace. Our future home continues to develop right before our eyes. So many wonderful things have happened in the last month that our hope increases and our dream is getting stronger and stronger. Windows are in ~ roofing is almost complete ~ bricks are beginning to cover the building. There is so much is going on all around us it is sometimes difficult to keep up with the progress. Joy fills the Monastery each and every day as we discuss the progress of the building and look forward to our future. Please join us in praying for those who are working on the construction as they are a gift to us.
November, 2025
Gratitude filled our hearts during the month of November. The dream continues and the construction of our new Monastery is simply amazing. Each and every day we give thanks and pray for all of those who are working so diligently to make our dream a reality ~ the construction workers ~ our generous donors ~ our friends who offer us support ~ and for all who are praying for us...it is simply overwhelming and our appreciation for each and every one of you will forever be held in our hearts. So much has been happening and our new home is getting closer and closer to reality. As you will see from the pictures, the inside is beginning to take shape and we no longer look at a shell of a building, we can see the beginning of a beautiful space that will enable us to continue our Benedictine charisms of Prayer ~ Work ~ and Hospitality. We have removed the organ in our chapel so it can be refurbished and will be placed in the new chapel down the road. The cornerstone was removed, and it too, will find a home at the new Monastery. Thank you for sharing in our dream and our joy, we appreciate your support and offer our prayers for each and every one of you!
