Dear Friends of St. Andrew’s Abbey Youth Retreat Center,

“There, but for the grace of God, go I.”  This is an appropriate phrase for us at the Abbey, especially in the context of the past two years when the deadly coronavirus and Bobcat Fire threatened the Abbey.  Many people said we were lucky to have survived both with little harm done to us, but we know that it is only by the grace of God that we survived both events nearly unscathed.  Thanks be to God!

And so, it is in this spirit of gratitude to God that we are now ready to reopen our Youth Center.  It is in His perfect timing, that we are now ready to once again provide a safe place for young people to be themselves, to seek God, to allow themselves to be found by God, and especially to be loved by God.

I am deeply grateful to you for your faithful support over the many years.  Without your support, it would be impossible for us to provide this important and needed ministry to the thousands of young people who come through our doors each year.  But mostly, thank you for your prayers, your words of encouragement, and your patience these past two years.  You are a source of strength and inspiration for us.  Thank you, we are looking forward to seeing you!

There, but for the grace of God—through you—go I.

With sincere gratitude,

Abbot Damien and the monks of Saint Andrew’s Abbey