This winter Br. Adam and Fr. Isaac have undertaken the renovation of the hermitage here at the abbey. It was left vacant 10 years ago at the death of Fr. Edward Steriti of very happy memory. Fr. Edward had been the resident hermit here at St. Joseph’s for many decades. Happily, Fr. Isaac received permission to take up where Fr. Eddie left off to be our next resident hermit.
The hermitage, built in the 1970s, had a good amount of wear and tear but the “bones” were good and the structure solid. So, we began the process of deconstruction both inside and out.
The hermitage now has a new roof, new windows and an electrical upgrade, but a good amount of work is still to be done - plumbing upgrade, insulation, siding, dry wall and flooring – plus a heap of lesser things.
Many people have stepped up to help with labor, materials or donations which have greatly speeded up our progress. More is still to be done.
