God is moving in Cañon City, Colorado and you are invited to join! "Breaking the Cycle of Incarceration" is only truly made possible when Jesus is brought into broken situations and lives are changed.

The 195-acre (+/-) campus known as The Holy Cross Abbey was founded by Benedictine monks in the 1920's. The monastery served as home to 90 Benedictine monks, who were involved in three different programs: the Boy’s School, College and Seminary, and a camp for boys ages 8-14. However, the original visionaries behind this project have passed on and the ones who came after them lost the vision. Today, the property is mostly empty, waiting for someone with renewed vision and faith to bring life and purpose back to this beautiful campus.

interaction with kids

This is where God, you and New Horizons Ministries comes into the picture.

In 2021, Keith Nauman, former Abbey grounds caretaker, pastor and man of God spoke prophetically that this property was dedicated to God. At the time, the property was under contract to sell to a developer. Over the years, as we checked in on the property, it remained under contract and “was about to be developed”. But God had different plans. In late August 2024, the contract fell through. Citing high interest rates and city mandated development expenses, the buyer backed out of the contract. September 4th, God laid it upon Arlynn’s heart to check in on the property once more and this time it was available! Not only was it available, but the asking price was reduced.

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How We Could Use the Campus

Summer Camps

During the summer, we bring in children from around Colorado who have parents in prison. There is a separate camp for boys and girls, ages 8-12. Most of these children are from urban environments and this would allow them to experience camp in a rural, agrarian environment.

Kids Club

Twice a month, we host children affected by incarceration at our Kid's Club. The soccer and softball field, along with a gym, create a great place for them to interact with staff and volunteers.

Re-Entry Housing

The individualized dorm room facilities would allow for re-entry participants to have their own space, while being exposed to life outside.

Training Facility

Personal growth and development is valued at NHM. The different conference rooms would be used for new staff orientation, chaplain training, Ascend Discipleship classes, along with Bible Study and Life Skills classes for re-entry participants.

Ascend Youth Program Dorms

This would allow us to significantly expand the number of youth participants in the Ascend Discipleship program.

Working Farm

The 160 acres of well irrigated cropland would allow us to have a working farm to raise grassfed beef, produce, and chickens. This would create jobs for re-integration participants and help them get back on their feet.

To learn more about New Horizons Ministries and the people we serve, you can visit our main website by clicking the button below.

Campus Details

195 acres (+/-)
10+ buildings

  • Meeting hall
  • Training rooms
  • Chapel

66,868 Total Square Feet

  • Dorm housing
  • Workgroup volunteer housing

20,440 Total Square Feet

  • Gymnasium
  • Kid's Club
  • Leased to a private Christian school

19,450 Total Square Feet

  • Offices
  • Training rooms
  • Staff development facility

15,688 Total Square Feet

  • Host banquets, farewells, and activities
  • Has a full commercial cafeteria

12,688 Total Square Feet

  • Several other dorm facilities 
  • Some farm-related structures

60,000 Total Square Feet