Abbot’s Appeal 2026 Landing page

Fall 2026

Dear Friends of Saint Andrew’s Abbey,

Last week, an interdenominational group came to the Abbey for the first time. They could not stop thanking us for “this beautiful peaceful place.” As they left, they said, “See you next year!”

One of the great blessings of living here at Saint Andrew’s Abbey is seeing how many people come through our gates each year looking for something that is increasingly difficult to find: a quiet place to pray, to rest, and to be with God.

We know that we are only stewards of this place God has entrusted to us—and that we cannot care for it by ourselves. Year after year, your generosity helps us welcome those who come here seeking God. Last year, through your generosity, we were able to purchase a much-needed generator for our youth retreat center. This year, we turn to you again with two very practical needs.

Parts of our water system require significant upgrades to ensure safe and reliable water throughout the Abbey. It is something most people never see, but upon which almost everything else depends.

We also face the ongoing care of our grounds, particularly the many trees that help give the Abbey its beauty and peaceful character. A significant number of trees are infested with mistletoe, which is a parasite. Removing the mistletoe, pruning damaged limbs, and caring for the trees is an ongoing and increasingly expensive responsibility.

Water systems and tree maintenance may not sound particularly spiritual, but both are part of caring for this place which exists for a spiritual purpose. When you help us repair pipes, care for a tree, or meet the many other needs that sustain the daily life and ministry of the Abbey, you are helping preserve a place where someone can make a retreat, walk the grounds, or simply find enough silence to hear God again.

It is ultimately God’s grace that will sustain the Abbey. Yet God often accomplishes His work through people—through those who pray, those who serve, and those who generously share what they have received. We ask you to help us care for this peaceful and prayerful place so that others may continue to come here and seek God.

If you are able to make a gift toward these and other needs of the Abbey, we would be deeply grateful. Please click on the button below.

Thank you for helping us keep the Abbey a safe and peaceful place where people can come to seek God. Please be assured of our daily prayers for you.

With gratitude and prayers,

Abbot Damien Toilolo, O.S.B.