Building a Carmelite Monastery

10/04/2026

Recently we had some pictures of the site taken with a drone and it is really nice to contrast them to similar pictures taken 6 years ago.

When you are working on a large project using traditional materials it is very easy to become discouraged by the slow progress.

Seeing these photos beside each other is a much needed morale booster. This is a reminder that we are making great progress and no matter how long the process takes we know the results will last much longer.

Special thanks to everyone who has helped over these last few years.

09/21/2026

The crew is working on the stone cornice for the Choir walls and we think they are doing a great job.

Bravo guys!

09/06/2026

Catholic News Agency did a nice article about the Sisters and our project. Check it out.

A community of Discalced Carmelite sisters is using centuries-old methods to build a monastery in hopes that it will serve as “a beacon of light” for generations to come in Fairfield, Pennsylvania.

When the sisters of the Carmel of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph realized they had outgrown their 1940s monastery in the Diocese of Harrisburg, they knew they wanted to build their next home “in a way that is designed to last,” that would speak to St. Teresa of Ávila’s vision for their charism, Catherine Bauer, the director of marketing and development for the sisters, told EWTN News. “And by that, they mean last a thousand years.”

Bucking modern architecture and building conventions, the Fairfield sisters have opted to build their monastery using old-world methods including traditional stonemasonry and timber framing. While the scale of the monastery “will be on the smaller side,” according to Bauer, “it’s more about the stonework, the authenticity of building from the ground up using no nails, no glue, [and] no electricity running through it.”

“They will also have old-world methods of plumbing and water systems,” she added.

The budget for the project, which began in 2013 and is about 20% complete, is $100 million. The sisters have raised about $22 million so far.

More: https://www.ewtnnews.com/world/us/carmelite-sisters-building-a-monastery-to-last-a-thousand-years-in-pennsylvania

08/23/2026

This past week Piney Ridge Tmber Frames set the first timbers in the Choir. This is the structure for the organ loft.

Great job guys!
Another exciting milestone.

08/09/2026

Stonework on the Choir is coming along nicely.

07/18/2026

Happy feast day. Our Lady of Mount Carmel!

Last night some fireworks had been set off for the Sisters to celebrate the Feast. Thanks to those who made this possible.

01/27/2026

Hopefully all our friends are staying warm this week.

12/07/2025

We recently set a couple lanterns up in the crypt/basement area of thr Choir as a test.

Of course, the Choir is still under construction and we hope to have it under roof next year. Therefore we are still having moisture come in and these lanterns were only up for just a few minutes.