St. Joseph's Altar Bread
He who would not work, neither let him eat
– 2 Thesselonians 3:10
According to Our Holy Mother St. Teresa of Jesus, the way of life established in her Carmels is modeled after the simple and hidden life of the Blessed Virgin at Nazareth. Thus manual labor is an important part of our life, even as it was no doubt of hers. Our Holy Rule tells us that we should help ourselves by the work of our hands as St. Paul did. It is essential for us, as well, in order to continue our contemplative life here in the Diocese of Brooklyn and in the Church, to engage in a work which will help support our Monastery.
He who would not work, neither let him eat
– 2 Thesselonians 3:10
Our Work is a Prayer
Traditionally, the work of making altar breads belonged exclusively to women Religious. This work is especially conducive to prayer and silence because of its simplicity; our Holy Mother desired that her daughters not engage in elaborate works, so that the mind and heart are free for prayer even while the hands are occupied, and also to preserve the spirit of poverty. We feel that it is a beautiful and very fitting work for Nuns to lovingly prepare with their own hands the bread destined to become Jesus—Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity. We think as well of the millions of souls who are fed and strengthened each day in receiving this Bread of Life, and it brings us great joy to be closely associated with Our Lord’s gift of Himself to souls. Thus our work too is a prayer, offered for each soul who will partake of these altar breads.
About St. Joseph's Altar Breads
The altar breads we bake contain only the finest flour and water, with no additives or preservatives. Each step of the host baking process is carried out with the greatest care and cleanliness, using the latest and most efficient equipment, since we are aware that the work of our hands will become the Body of Christ. We bake both white and whole wheat hosts, and our large (priest) hosts are stamped with a variety of traditional religious symbols. St. Joseph’s altar breads do not contain excess particles, since they are cut with precision. We understand the need for your orders to be both prompt and fresh. The breads are carefully monitored so that incoming orders receive only the best available, and they are packaged in re-sealable bags to preserve their freshness (as proven by experience). We provide for standing orders, as well as all other orders to accommodate your individual needs, so that your altar breads will always be fresh and in good supply. Orders will be given immediate attention and delivery will be prompt.
TEMPORARY SUSPENSION OF ST. JOSEPH'S ALTAR BREADS
In order to facilitate our continuing move to PA, we have suspended our work of host baking until we relocate and are able to begin once again.
We hope that you will continue to support us with your prayers, both for a peaceful move and for the new Carmel building project. We will let you know when we are ready to begin baking again and will post it on this website.