Phase II beginning!
So, what’s happening at Carmel? As we approach our 100th anniversary of foundation in 2027 and of our Monastery in 2030, some major repairs have begun. Crumbling cloisters, deteriorating enclosure west wall and falling roof shingles have created safety hazards for the Nuns.
Now is the time to act: the repairs are critical and the need is real. We invite you to be part of this mission of mercy to help secure the future of Loretto Carmel and preserve our nearly 100 year old monastery so we may continue to welcome future generations of Nuns into our 800+ year old Carmelite way of life.
Critical Project List
Phase I: The Preau: 95% Complete!
With great joy and thanksgiving to God and all who contributed to Phase I of our Challenge, we announce that our Preau has been expertly rebuilt by Tri-County Masonry! See the updated photos of the open section of our courtyard.
The last remaining item to be completed in Phase I is the cleaning of the surface mold on the marble Corpus on the large Cross in the center of the Preau which we hope will take place later this Summer.
May God reward you all!
Phase II: Roof & Gutter System $500,000: beginning soon!
With each storm, more shingles peel away from the old roof, posing structural and safety hazards. Once the 22,700 square feet of asphalt roof and 3,900 square feet of flat, rubber roofs have been replaced, new gutters will divert water away from the brickwork below.
The chimney and bell tower will also receive needed repairs so that our bells can ring safely many times a day calling us to prayer.
Phase III: The West Wall $400,000
The 220 foot long west wall is near collapse, posing a dangerous threat to the Nuns’ safety and our life of enclosure.
Phase IV: Additional Building Upgrades $590,000
In addition, the monastery requires other maintenance and upgrades including electrical and plumbing replacements, radon mitigation and exterior painting. The long overdue electrical and plumbing projects will be extremely challenging due to the historical brick architecture.
TOTAL: $1.85 Million
The Impact of Your Support
The Centennial Challenge is not merely about repairing a physical space. It is about safeguarding a way of life centered on love of God and the salvation of souls. With your generous help, you will take part in preserving a spiritual sanctuary where prayer rises for the needs of the world and, most importantly, make a tangible difference in the lives of the Nuns for generations to come.
Ways to Give
If you are interested in the opportunity to make a leadership gift that inspires the generosity of additional donors, reach out to us at projects@lorettocarmel.org.
- To set up a monthly contribution or make a one-time online gift, do so securely at lorettocarmel.org/donations.
- To make a gift by mail, mail a check payable to Discalced Carmelite Nuns, PO Box 57, Loretto, PA 15940
- Charitable Distributions from an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) should be processed directly from your account custodian.
- To make a gift of stocks or mutual funds, email projects@lorettocarmel.org for instructions.
- To make a legacy gift through your will or estate, our legal title is The Monastery of St. Therese of Lisieux (EIN 25-111-8079).
Gifts are accepted in honor or memory of loved ones. All gifts are tax deductible.
With Gratitude
Thank you for prayerfully considering a sacrificial gift! May God reward you!
To download a copy of the full Centennial Challenge Brochure:
To download an Instruction sheet for IRA and other distributions: