Mission Statement for Sacred Stones Committee
As a resource to the Abbey of New Clairvaux, the Sacred Stones Committee advises and assists the Abbot and his monastic community with collaborative implementation of the Abbey's fundraising plan. The Committee serves through the cultivation and development of financial resources in support of the Abbey and its apostolate. It coordinates and oversees fundraising programs and activities such as the identification of potential donors, institutional grants, planned giving, and gifts of endowment. The Sacred Stones Committee strives for continued enhancement of the Abbey's resources offered to the greater glory of God for the personal and spiritual benefit of all.
Jane Flynn
Pacific Farms and Orchards I consider my friendship with the Abbey an incredible gift. An opportunity to be involved with the Sacred Stones project, in any small way, is just icing on the cake. To know that these same stones, having made the very long journey home to Vina, will one day soon hear the same readings and prayers that they heard hundreds of years ago in a very far away place—that is a very overwhelming and powerful reality. |
Mary Griffin
Griffin & Associates Legislative & Governmental Advocacy History has always been my favorite subject; therefore, this project touched me deeply. The fact that the monastery was granted the rights to the original stones from the 12th Century monastery building to reconstruct this Chapter House in our own backyard is captivating for me. I believe that William Randolph Hearst was God’s emissary in rescuing the stones in the 1930s and that they were meant to be restored to their original purpose at Vina—a place where all people are welcome to enjoy the special beauty and peace of this ancient, almost lost architecture. |
Rick Lynch
CPA & Corporate Financial Consultant As important as it is to restore a 12th century Chapter House, I believe it is only a vehicle to take seekers out of the hustle and bustle of everyday life and restore their faith through the serenity and solitude of New Clairvaux. |
Jim Parenti
Aladino Financial Services, Inc. You may leave the monastery, but you carry it with you, refreshing your soul in each day’s encounters. I hope to share my passion for the Abbey in a special way through this campaign. |
Peter Schaeffer
LRS Investment Group, LLC I’ve always loved history, and as I get older I realize the world is so small, we’re all connected in some way. The Sacred Stones project is bringing the past here to California, a worldly connection to people of another time—but it’s more than that. It’s a connection that’s inspired by God. |
Fr. Paul Mark Schwan
Abbot, Abbey of New Clairvaux |
Fr. Mike Newman
Society of the Divine Savior The monastery is a personal, spiritual inspiration in the desert of desperation. The journey of the 12th century stones to this place is quite remarkable. Somehow, God must have had a hand in it. |
John Deterding
John Deterding Company For me, those really are Sacred Stones. Through their history, 800 years and a previous life in Spain, there is so much power and prayer. I feel very much connected to them. I relate to the sacred part of the Sacred Stones because I believe that’s exactly what they are. |
