Congregation of Saint John

Dear Friends,

Those who are subscribed to the Regina Caeli Hermitage's Newsletter know about the ongoing project to build the outdoor Stations of the Cross on the property: the crosses are ready, we just need the Stations themselves, and then to plant the crosses!
The Providence already sent our way a generous anonymous donor who donated $1,000 for this project. The RCH budget for it consists of $500, as there are a lot of other projects going on. We still need another $1,000... if we had 14 donations only of just $75 for each Station, that would be done!
The Stations' blessing is scheduled for September 13th, the eve of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross feast. For more information about the event, please check the RCH News page at https://www.rchermitage.org/news.html, where you can also subscribe to the Newsletter.
If you are willing and able to contribute making the RCH even more suitable for meditation and contemplation of Our Lord's Love and Mercy, please consider donating even a small amount of money - the seas are made of small drops, you know!
Thank you very much for your generosity, and may the Good Lord repay you hundredfold!

Fr. Francis of the Child Jesus, C.S.J.
RCH Steward

The Regina Caeli Hermitage  is a retreat facility of the Congregation of Saint John.

Dear Friends,

Those of you who have recently visited the RCH have seen that our access road is in very precarious state. There are about three miles of dirt road between the street entrance and the RCH property. It has not been graded since at least 2014. As the road is on the mountain’s slope, after each rain or snowmelt it erodes.  Recently it was so bad that only trucks, jeeps or SUV’s could drive all the way up. Several groups in the past few years have said that they liked the place, but won’t return because of the road.

Because we were having a big celebration for the 10 years of the Dome House’s blessing at the end of August, one of our neighbors graded the road for us before the event. He did it for free, and we are so thankful to him for his help. Unfortunately, after each rain the road erodes again and becomes progressively worse.

 What Needs to Be Done Now

a)     It was suggested that we cover the road with rocks and gravel in order to avoid any further erosion in the future, as well as the formation of slick mud during rains and/or snowmelt.

b)    This type of improvement could cost up to $100,000. However, someone is offering us gravel for 10 times less than the regular price, which brings it to a mere $10,000 (the price includes dump truck rental + gas; the labor will be provided by some of our volunteers). This is a great deal, but there is no guarantee we could have it in the spring.

c)     Thus we’d like to be able to fix the road before the snow starts, hopefully before the end of November.
 
We are so thankful for your help and support.  Please be assured of our fervent prayers for all of your intentions.
 
Brothers of Saint John in Denver, CO.