saint joseph's abbey

Have lived in central Massachusetts for much of my life and I had never been to the Abbey. I finally made it a priority to visit and I am so glad I did. When I drove up the hill and saw the beautiful Abbey I couldn't believe this hidden gem is located in Spencer, MA. Such a wonderful place to walk, sit for a spell and reflect, or visit the gift shop. The views are beautiful. You can visit the chapel but can only stay in two small rooms (one on each side of the alter). The stained glass windows are beautiful, but unfortunately you cannot see much of the church - I wish there was more access. If you visit during certain times of the day you can hear the monks praying or chanting. There is a great little gift shop where you can buy jellies, jams and honey made by the monks, religious artifacts, books, mugs, etc. Again, there is not a whole lot to do at the Abbey but if you are looking for a quiet, serene location to walk, think, or reflect - it is just the place.

You wind up the road to the Abbey, 20 miles an hour, surrounded by dense forest and suddenly there are meadows and a huge stone chapel. It's silent, it's gorgeous, it's peaceful. Stay for a moment or more, then chat with wonderful Fr. Thomas Aquinas at the gift shop, serving the Trappists for over 60 years. He's delightful, good sales person, and such wonderful local gifts of preserves, honeys, pottery, and amazing chocolate. Worth driving just to see the place.

We visited this Catholic monastery hoping to look at the Spencer brewery, making the first and only Trappist ale outside Belgium. Sadly, no tours are allowed as the abbey brothers are cloistered. Hence, while everyone was quite friendly and the grounds were beautiful, there was not much open for viewing. A visitors chapel allows a limited look at the inside of the impressive abbey church. The gift shop is stocked with a multitude of religious items, including a great selection of their signature Trappist preserves, and a few ale-related mementos. Sadly, the ale cannot be purchased on site as they do not have a liquor permit. Drive into one of the nearby towns to pick it up at a carry-out.

Beautiful church beautiful views. Went to the gift shop to start then up to the abbey church. Purchased the whipped cinnamon honey. Wonderful. Stopped by the spirit stir and bought the trappist beer made at the abbey. It is amust purchase

Nice grounds, nice church. Quiet, peaceful Have a gift shop with lots of catholic literature. This is where the monks make their Trappist ale, you cannot go to the Brewery, but it is made here.

Made a brief visit on a gorgeous late-summer day. Gift shop yielded cards, caramels and honey. Beautiful grounds. Friends stopped in at chapel; I enjoyed the hill-top view. And now I know where my delicious raspberry jam is made!

Beautiful pastoral scenery with access to the monestary chapel for quiet contemplation. Clergy were friendly and helpful. I have always loved their jams and am looking forward to tasting their ale.

A sacred site with old world ambience, surrounded by lovely hills and woods. Also boasts a fine religious bookstore...and have you ever tried their beer?

A beautiful view on any day, but expecially in fall and winter, the Abbey offers quiet walks, a visitor's chapel where several services are held during the day, and a gift shop that offers everything one needs to maintain their spirituality. They also offer foodstuffs such as their world famous jams and jellies, fudge, and other treats from other Trappist Monasteries. I enjoy driving up the hill and surveying the beauty which is spread before me. Fantastic for the spirt.

There wasn't much to see at the top near the Abby Church. One can only view the interior from the visitor's pews on the side of the alter. The estate was very peaceful as it was far away from the highway. We purchased jam at the gift shop down at the entrance on the highway.

St. Joseph's Abbey is a wonderful place for a respite from a busy life. I love to come here and listen to the monks' chant, spend time in quiet prayer in the chapel, enjoy the beautiful views, and visit the gift shop where I never fail to find a book - or seven - to inspire my spiritual studies. The jams and jellies made by the monks are excellent gifts or for personal use. I hope someday to join one of the retreats held at the Abbey, but in the meantime will keep visiting every chance I have.

Relaxing, restful, spiritual place with gorgeous views. It is a beautiful place for a retreat by yourself or with others.

St. Joseph's Abbey is a campus of incredibly beautiful buildings and church with meticulously manicured grounds. I was disappointed that the only viewing of the church was through a blocked off visitor room at the front of the church. All other buildings were locked and unaccessible. I must remember that this is the home and vocation of dedicated men to the church and respect their privacy. The restrictions will make for a quick 10-15 minute stroll around the property, which is still worth the visit. The property would make for an incredible wedding location (however, I have no idea if this is allowed or could be arranged).

The chanting of the monks is not to be missed! Check the schedules as they do chant regularly on a set schedule. Beautiful and so peaceful. Grounds are beautiful and the gift shop is not to be believed as the Monks (Brothers?) are self supporting and make amazing jellies and jams, yummy candy, etc. A unique experience to take kids (probably over 7, they need to be quiet in the short chanting sessions) as this is something they will likely not experience anywhere else. Don't miss this wonderful and unique experience.

Keep in mind that this is not an all day adventure (unless we missed something). We got here, walked around the limited area that we can, and walked back into the church for the ceremony. I think we stayed here maybe 30-45 minutes tops (since we hung around to attend the ceremony).They jar their own preserves. i wish I had bought more of it. Get lots!