New Construction at Clear Creek Abbey

Clear Creek Abbey - Current Completed Construction

A Happy Beginning

After merely twelve years of existence at Clear Creek, we are happy, by the grace of God, to have completed two large buildings, i.e. a residence hall and a gate house, plus a sizeable portion of our abbatial church. The latter phase of construction has only recently been completed (September of 2011). What a joy it is already to be able to sing once in a while (until we have permission to occupy the space in a more permanent fashion) in this truly monastic church, even if the walls have only risen, so far, to half their destined height! Already the Salve echoes in Our Lady's own temple.

A Long Road Still Ahead

Nevertheless, we must continue to look forward with realism to the future. At present four monks must live in temporary buildings, as there are no more cells in the residence hall. Soon several others will have to move out in order to leave space for the new arrivals. As monks living under the vow of poverty there is no injustice or extreme hardship in this precarious housing situation, but it is only prudent to foresee adding to our permanent quarters, as these solidly built quarters will be more economical and more conducive to the type of monastic life (in community) that is ours. Already, our architect, Professor Thomas Gordon Smith, is working on plans for the next permanent building, which will house a Chapter Room, an Infirmary, the Sacristy and many new cells for monks.