The long awaited construction of a new living quarters for the Monks of Mount Michael is getting closer every day.

Preceding a ground breaking is a ground clearing, and that is what has just recently occurred. Twenty-one trees were cut down southeast of the current abbey building to make room for the new wing. Currently the plans are complete and being checked over carefully.

Ground breaking will occur near the end of this month with completion expected sometime next summer. Besides praying for good weather for the Fall Festival the monks are also praying for a long mild fall followed by an equally mild winter to keep construction on track.