Dear Friends,

If you have visited Mount Angel Abbey, you have experienced the beauty of this prayerful setting God has provided us in the Willamette Valley. For 120 years our community has prayed and worked in this place for the glory of God and the salvation of our brothers and sisters.

Over the past few years, especially in preparation for the new millennium, we reflected on our role of service to the Church of the western United States and beyond. We asked, "what is God calling us to be and do today?" Our reflection resulted in a twofold vision that I would like to share with you.

First, our tradition as Benedictine monks calls us to be authentic in our own search for God and to provide a center of prayer and hospitality for others who are also seeking God. Every year thousands of visitors join us for retreats, days of recollection, and for daily prayer. In a world where many have lost their way, we are called to help illuminate the path with the Light of Christ. This is the heart and soul of Mount Angel Abbey.

Second, out of this spiritual vision we are called to build and enhance Mount Angel Seminary as a work of and for the Church. Today we are striving to provide the best possible priestly formation program for the 155 seminarians enrolled here from 24 dioceses and 6 religious communities. Alumni of Mount Angel Seminary serve 5,000,000 Catholics in over 1,800 parishes throughout the western part of the United Sates, Canada and Samoa. Our response to the challenges we face today is one of faith: we are committed to form holy and well-educated priests for service in the Church today.

This twofold vision has resulted in a master plan for our hilltop that includes major renovations and expansions of Mount Angel Seminary, the remodel of our Abbey Church, program endowments, and the construction of an assisted living center for senior monks. This year we will complete the renovation of Aquinas Hall, one of two seminarian residence buildings. During the next two years, we are planning to build a new Academic Center in response to the nearly doubled enrollment over the past 10 years.

Between operating costs and building costs, we are at a point where we need our friends to increase their support of our mission and vision. I invite you to consider three requests. First, please keep the work of the Abbey and Seminary in your prayers. If you remember us just once a day, even for a moment of prayer, your contribution to this work of the Church will be infinite. Second, come and visit us; experience the beauty of the hilltop, join us for prayer, enjoy a concert or study in the library. Third, consider a financial gift to help sustain and improve Mount Angel Abbey and Seminary. Your ongoing help in these three areas will make a real difference!

Now more than ever, Mount Angel Abbey and Seminary must be a light in our world. Help us bring the light of Christ to others with your prayers and your generosity. May God bless and keep you.

                                          Abbot Nathan