Although wholly given to the life of prayer and growth in the spiritual life, all monasteries depend on the work of their hands, in addition to alms, to sustain themselves. Saints Francis and Clare considered work as a gift from God and called it a grace; with the help of the Lord we may return to Him an increase of the talents He has given us. While our apostolate of prayer never changes, the works we do to support ourselves can, and sometimes do, change. We try to discover the talents God has gifted us with, both individually and as a community, and use them in a spirit of praise and thanksgiving, giving glory to God through them. Naturally, this is an ongoing process as group dynamics change through the death of older members, new people entering, and as we experience growth on both the human and spiritual level.

It is our privilege to serve the Austin and Corpus Christi dioceses as a supplier of altar breads; in this way we participate in the Eucharist in a very personal way. We also have, for many years, made ceramic pieces - a very "creative" work which brings us in touch with The Creator.

Our love for nature has led us to live on acres of hills and woods, ponds and meadows, surrounded by wildlife and trees and wildflowers, raising horses and other animals. Our love of nature frows from our prayer life and union with the Creator of all, and back into it again, forming our unique way of life. As our Constitutions say: Let us learn from the example of Francis whom we see contemplating in creatures the wisdom of their Creator, His power and His goodness, and from the example of Clare who urged her sisters to praise God when they saw beautiful trees and flowers and always to praise Him for and in all things. We, too, must see that all these move us to the love of God, and in this mirror of joy delight in the works of His hands. In everything beautiful, let us see Him Who is Beauty itself.