The Fall Women’s Retreat that was originally scheduled for Nov. 11 has been moved to Oct. 28. All other information and details will remain the same, including the time and location, 8:30am–3:30pm at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Williston, and keynote speaker Sr. Paul Mary Dreger, FSE. To register: Fall Women’s Retreat. If you have already registered, you should have received an email explaining the change. We are asking that all those who registered contact Nicole Hamilton as soon as possible with whether you can still attend on Oct 28. Her contact information is in your confirmation email. The date change is due to the Mass of Blessing that has been scheduled to take place on Nov. 11 for the installation of the new abbess at the Benedictine Abbey in Westfield. Josh Perry, the director of worship for the Diocese of Burlington, has provided the following statement:

On Nov. 11, the faithful of the Diocese of Burlington will join the Benedictine nuns of Immaculate Heart of Mary Abbey in Westfield as they celebrate the elevation of their monastery to an abbey and the election and blessing of their first Abbess, Sister Benedict McLaughlin, OSB. 

This recognition makes this a momentous day for not only the Benedictine Community but for the entire Diocese of Burlington. The abbey is a part of the congregation of monks and nuns originally founded in Solesmes, France, and present in 11 countries of Europe, Africa, North America and Central America. The abbey in Westfield was founded as a monastery in 1981, connected with the Abbaye Sainte-Marie de Deux-Montagnes, near Montreal. This year, due to the community’s stability and growth, the monastery was elevated to the rank of an abbey. On Sept. 21, 2023, Sister Benedict was elected as the first abbess of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Abbey. There will be a special Mass that includes the Rite of Blessing of an Abbess taking place on Nov, 11, presided over by the Abbot of Solesmes. Joining him will be the abbots and abbesses from the various Benedictine religious communities that make up the Congregation of Solesmes throughout the world, as well as other priests and members of consecrated life. This is a unique, once-in-a-lifetime blessing for both the new abbey and our Diocese, and we are grateful to invite as many as possible to experience this event.