Join Us in Rebuilding
a House of Prayer
The nuns of Our Lady of Confidence Carmelite Monastery offer thousands of prayers every day on behalf of the priests and people of the Diocese of Savannah. Now they need our help. Join us as we raise this monastery to the glory of God as a “house of prayer for all people.”
In 1957 Bishop Thomas J. McDonough invited Carmelite nuns to come to Savannah to pray for “priests and in particular for a deepening of faith in the few and scattered faithful.”
They have occupied the same facilities since they arrived in 1958, but in recent years living conditions have become challenging. Their building was never designed to be a monastery and lacks features necessary to support contemplative living. Despite this, the community continues to draw young women who want to answer the Carmelite calling.
The new monastery will provide the deserving nuns of Our Lady of Confidence with the safety and privacy they need to successfully fulfill their vocation for a life of prayer. We need your help to make this new monastery a reality. We need your help to secure a safe and well-ordered future for the Carmelites.
The Toll of Time
Currently, eight nuns share the old house with outbuildings that are not connected. Over time, the shortcomings of the facility have become obvious.
Safety & Privacy
The nuns must go outside to other buildings for Chapel, meals, laundry, the mail room, and sleeping cells. This lack of privacy is counterproductive to a life of silence and prayer.
Room for Growth
Six aspirants have expressed interest in the community. But with all sleeping quarters occupied, there is no space to experience an extended visit, and they could lose interest after encountering the current facilities.
Energy Efficiency
There are significant issues to address, including unsuitable sleeping quarters constructed of cinderblocks; improper insulation; windows in need of replacement; and outdated, unreliable HVAC and plumbing systems.
Living Quarters
Proper sleeping and dining areas as well as upgraded bathrooms are sorely needed.
Office & Meeting Space
A converted garage serves as a visitor space, volunteer area, mail room and donation drop-off. The office is a shared desk, and cramped conditions cause more interaction than desired for a contemplative life.
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The current structure creates disorder and prevents the nuns from living more productive, more prayerful lives. The nuns need a structure that allows silence, space, and discipline in order to properly carry out their mission.
A rendering of the future monastery.
Stories of Our Campaign
The dedication of these nuns has truly helped our mission diocese stand “like a strong city,” building up the Kingdom of God. I am deeply grateful for their gift of self to the Church and especially to the Diocese of Savannah.
I am grateful, too, for your desire to help the Sisters build a “strong city,” a house of prayer and love for all God’s people. Thank you for being a part of the future of the Carmelites in Savannah. May we meet each day in our prayers and Rejoice in the Lord always!
– Most Reverend Stephen D. Parkes, Bishop of Savannah
WE'RE CLOSER TO REACHING OUR GOAL, THANKS TO YOU
$2.5 Million Raised
$5 Million
Every Carmelite gives her life for others. We’re not here for ourselves. Whatever we experience, whatever life brings is never for ourselves. It’s always for others.
— Sister Carmela, Carmelite Nun
For decades the Carmelites have supported the growth and vitality of the Church in our diocese. Now, please join us in rebuilding a House of Prayer.