Altar + Home
A Year of Firsts
The priests of the monastery are on a rotation to celebrate the Eucharist for the community each day. In some monastic communities, it is the same priest assigned for the entire week who celebrates Mass. Our custom is that a different priest celebrates Mass each day. Today, Dec. 5, I was the principal celebrant for…
What is a monk?
It is a question that comes up when a non-Catholic family member hears that you entered a monastery. But, then again, the question arises when you visit your home parish and tell the regular Church-goers that you joined a monastic community and are a Benedictine monk. In either instance, the question is posed, What is…
The Printery House Launches A New Program: CalebCare
The story of The Printery House’s new program, CalebCare, was picked up by our local television station in St. Joseph, Kq2. View the video above or visit their website at, http://www.stjoechannel.com/story/greeting-card-makers-hope-to-inspire-the-sick-with/d/story/b-6ITztkW0q480pLZENulQ. The CalebCare program is a new take on the traditional “Get Well Soon” card; it is for the terminally or progressively ill. It is in…
Nameday
At Conception Abbey, it is our house custom that we do not do much to celebrate birthdays. However, what we celebrate is a monk’s nameday. A “nameday” is the feast day of a saint after whom a person is named. In monastic life, the Abbot gives a new name to the monk at profession. It…
Sunshine
This is the best time of year to snap photos of the sunlight illuminating the buildings and streaming in through the windows. It turned out to be another beautiful day; not a bad way to start December. The seminarians in our college return this evening from Thanksgiving break. Tomorrow is business as usual, but we…
Prepare Yourself
Beginning with Evening Prayer on Friday, the monks were on a Day of Recollection in anticipation of the season of Advent. A Day of Recollection is a day of silence and reflection where no speaking or common recreation is permitted. Rather, the monks are encouraged to read, spend more time in prayer, and practice lectio…
Thanksgiving
“I give thanks to my God at every remembrance of you, praying always with joy in my every prayer for all of you” (Phil 1:3-4). Happy Thanksgiving! The monks of Conception Abbey have many reasons to give thanks. It is important for us first to recognize the little blessings of each day, like a beautiful…
Faithful Witnesses
We honor our jubilarians this evening with a special “Gaudeamus” (Let us rejoice) celebration in the monastic refectory. It is a house tradition that the younger members of the monastic community put on some form of entertainment to honor and recognize the jubilarians. In the last few years, there has been everything ranging from humorous to…
Sacred Reading
I have always enjoyed making movies. I am in the process of creating a series of informative videos about monastic life, which should attract the interest of anyone who wants to learn more about the Benedictine tradition, or may be considering a monastic vocation. This video focuses on the monastic practice of lectio divina, which is…
Another Reason to Smile
The seminarians have cause for rejoicing, as they depart today after their last morning class for Thanksgiving break. I am sure they have been looking forward to some relaxing time with their families, and a little time away from studies, as the end of the semester concludes on December 20. As they are leaving for…