Altar and Home
What is a Benedictine Monk?
Conception Abbey is happy to be your Benedictine monastery located here in northwest Missouri, where we dedicate everything to the glory of God following the instructions of St. Benedict in his Rule. We’ve been asked as to what exactly is a Benedictine monk, and how does one become one. We would like to give you…
A Christmas Message from Abbot Benedict
“The angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David s savior has been born for you who is Christ the Lord.’” Luke 2:10-101 Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, As…
5 Ways to Live Like A Monk in the World
Here are five tenets of Benedictine monasticism that you can cultivate in your life by Fr. Paul Sheller, OSB, Vocation Director, Conception Abbey 1. Cultivate Silence St. Benedict wrote, “Speaking and teaching are the master’s task; the disciple is to be silent and listen” (RB 6:8). Silence is the environment that allows you to listen…
#GivingTuesday A Huge Success
#GivingTuesday event at Conception Abbey continues to grow Conception, Mo. – Well over 100 people gathered to give back to those in need at the annual #GivingTuesday community event hosted at Conception Abbey on Tuesday, November 29. #GivingTuesday is a worldwide movement that celebrates and encourages giving. “Our community kicks off the holiday season unlike…
Tower Choir to perform Dec. 4 at Conception Abbey
Northwest Missouri State University’s Tower Choir will present a concert next month at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception at Conception Abbey to celebrate the 125th anniversary of its dedication and the memory of the late Father Timothy Schoen, O.S.B. The concert, which is free and open to the public, is at 3 p.m. Sunday,…
Fr. Benedict Elected Abbot
Fr. Benedict Neenan elected 10th abbot of Conception Abbey Fr. Benedict Neenan, O.S.B. was elected as the new abbot of the Benedictine monks of Conception Abbey, Conception, Mo. on Tuesday, November 22, 2016. He becomes the 10th abbot in Conception Abbey’s 143-year history, succeeding Abbot Gregory Polan, O.S.B., who was elected Abbot Primate of the…
Monk professes simple vows at Conception Abbey
Nov. Nicholas becomes Br. Matthew as he professes monastic vows On November 11, 2016, the Feast of St. Martin of Tours, Novice Nicholas Marie made monastic profession of vows and was given the name Brother Matthew. “This is a special day not only for Novice Nicholas, but for the entire monastic community, the extended community…
Prior’s Journal: The Upcoming Abbatial Election
Many people have been recently asking about how an abbot is elected – what is the process? do monks run? what happens during the election? I wanted to take a few minutes to clarify the process and how the community has been preparing for all of you – our friends. Abbot Gregory’s election to the…
5 Ways to Discern Religious Life
Here are five things you can do to help discern your vocation by Fr. Paul Sheller, OSB, Conception Abbey Vocation Director Take time daily for personal prayer Prayer is the foundation for discerning your vocation and deepening your relationship with Christ. You can listen best when you remove yourself from the things that distract us and…
Conception Seminary Board of Regents Meet for Fall Meeting
Board of Regents approves new mission statement for Conception Seminary College to guide priestly formation The Board of Regents of Conception Seminary College met for their annual fall meeting on October 14-15, 2016. Focus centered again on developing the strategic plan that will guide the seminary into the future. Regent Jan Lewis of Overland Park,…