Beginning the Journey

The monastic community at Conception Abbey has received a true blessing from God that all such communities dream of: an increase in young men discerning monastic life. Ten men are currently in various stages of formation, following one monk who professed solemn vows to the community this summer.

For a religious community, receiving new members is a sign of joy and vitality and a vivid reminder of God’s grace and mercy working among them. We give thanks to God the Father for his many blessings and pray that he sends his Holy Spirit to inspire other young people by the examples of these men who have given their lives to God.

Postulancy. Nathan Woolgar entered the postulancy in September and novitiate in October. The postulancy is a time of becoming accustomed to the monastic way of life primarily by living it. It is a period for discerning whether one should proceed to the novitiate.

Period of Inquiry: After establishing contact with the Vocation Director, candidates are often encouraged to come visit for a weekend or an extended stay to allow the individual to come to know our community and to allow the monastic community to come to know the candidate. The next Monastic Experience Weekend will be held December 13-15, 2024.

Novitiate. Postulants Logan Kroeze, Daniel Martin, Trevor Fisher, and Nicholas Bowlan became novices in September. The novitiate lasts one year and is an intensified period of discernment of one’s vocation. During this year, the novice studies the Rule of St. Benedict, Sacred Scripture, Monastic History, is introduced to the practice of lectio divina, and is engaged in various work around the monastery. The young monks join Novice Eric Lindsey in the novitiate stage.

Simple Vows. Novices Andrew Todd and Trent Logan professed simple vows on August 15, the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. They took on the names of Br. Francis (de Sales) and Br. Boniface. The two join Br. Gabriel Chinn and Br. Joachim Conti in the three-year period of simple vows. During the profession ceremony, the Abbot bestows on the newly professed brother a new name. During these three years, the monks are given a more permanent work assignment and greater responsibility in the community as they continue through their monastic formation, toward solemn vows. Read more about Br. Francis and Br. Boniface reflections on professing simple vow here.

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