About Holy Orders

Our Lady of the Redwoods Monastery is home to a small group of loving and enlightened women who live peacefully among the majestic redwoods. Their daily life follows "The Rule" of St. Benedict, a sort of plan for living that emphasizes balance by dividing each day into regular periods of prayer, sacred study, rest and physical labor; they believe that work is a form of prayer, especially if it is done thoughtfully and joyfully. St. Benedict, regarded as the father of monastic life, required that monks and nuns support themselves by the work of their "own hands". For the sisters of the Redwoods Monastery that means making the most delicious honey by stirring it until it's soft and creamy.

After my visit to the Redwoods, I began to search for other monasteries where I could be restored and monastery stores where I could search out new and unique gifts to give to friends and family. Before long everyone was asking how they could get more of that yummy honey or that divine hand cream made by monks in the mountains of Italy or those sinfully good caramels "made with love" at an Abbey in Iowa.

Finally it occurred to me that the growing interest in my "monastery gifts"might provide more than the thank-yous from recipients; it could add joy and deeper meaning to my life and work by helping my new friends, the monks and nuns, continue on with their extraordinary lives of work and prayer. Hopefully, I could also provide a unique opportunity to make gift-giving more meaningful to others, not only those who give, but the friends and family who receive.

HOLY ORDERS is the answer to many prayers. Taking my lead from the monks and nuns, I am growing the business slowly and carefully to ensure quality. However, while most of the products offered by Holy Orders are made by monks and nuns, I also offer a special selection of distinctive products that are made by people with spirit and are gifts for the spirit.

I like to think that the little nun on her red tractor pulls me along, forcing me to make this leap of faith and arriving at the gates of the "Holy Orders Monastery" where I greet you. Welcome, and please enjoy your visit. All I ask is that you be an angel and spread the good news about HOLY ORDERS!

Before you leave, please take a moment to visit the Labyrinth page where you are welcome to join “sister” in her daily meditation.

All blest,
Jeanne Cole
Proprietress and Prioress

			must confess, I spent years climbing “the ladder”. Climbing can be exhausting, so it was important to stop and rest along the way. In a beautiful remote area of Northern California known as the “Lost Coast”, I found the perfect rest stop and the original inspiration for HOLY ORDERS —a little jar of heavenly honey.

		Our Lady of the Redwoods Monastery is home to a small group of loving and enlightened women who live peacefully among the majestic redwoods. Their daily life follows "The Rule" of St. Benedict, a sort of plan for living that emphasizes balance by dividing each day into regular periods of prayer, sacred study, rest and physical labor; they believe that work is a form of prayer, especially if it is done thoughtfully and joyfully. St. Benedict, regarded as the father of monastic life, required that monks and nuns support themselves by the work of their "own hands". For the sisters of the Redwoods Monastery that means making the most delicious honey by stirring it until it's soft and creamy. After my visit to the Redwoods, I began to search for other monasteries where I could be restored and monastery stores where I could search out new and unique gifts to give to friends and family. Before long everyone was asking how they could get more of that yummy honey or that divine hand cream made by monks in the mountains of Italy or those sinfully good caramels "made with love" at an Abbey in Iowa. Finally it occurred to me that the growing interest in my "monastery gifts"might provide more than the thank-yous from recipients; it could add joy and deeper meaning to my life and work by helping my new friends, the monks and nuns, continue on with their extraordinary lives of work and prayer. Hopefully, I could also provide a unique opportunity to make gift-giving more meaningful to others, not only those who give, but the friends and family who receive. HOLY ORDERS is the answer to many prayers. Taking my lead from the monks and nuns, I am growing the business slowly and carefully to ensure quality. However, while most of the products offered by Holy Orders are made by monks and nuns, I also offer a special selection of distinctive products that are made by people with spirit and are gifts for the spirit. I like to think that the little nun on her red tractor pulls me along, forcing me to make this leap of faith and arriving at the gates of the "Holy Orders Monastery" where I greet you. Welcome, and please enjoy your visit. All I ask is that you be an angel and spread the good news about HOLY ORDERS! Before you leave, please take a moment to visit the Labyrinth page where you are welcome to join “sister” in her daily meditation. All blest, Jeanne Cole Proprietress and Prioress