theology
Monastic Experience Weekend
This past weekend (August 15-17), we welcomed three men to the monastery for our “Monastic Experience.” The weekend allows men who are considering a vocation to monastic life an opportunity to learn more about our way of life, join us for prayer, meals, work, and recreation. Abbot Gregory and Br. Bernard (Novicemaster) both gave conferences…
Solemnity of the Assumption
The Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is a very festive day for the monks of Conception Abbey. In recent years and occasionally in the past, this is the day when novices make profession. If Novice Eric and Joseph persevere, they will profess vows on this day in 2015. Here is a list…
Temporary Dining Room
On Saturday evening, the monks began taking their meals in a new location. We had been eating in the seminarian dining room, but since many of the seminarians return in one week, we had to vacate their space and find our own new location. Obviously none of this would be an issue if the monastery…
Family Baptism
I was able to go home for the weekend to baptize my niece. It was a pretty awesome experience and nice celebration. Let us welcome our newest Christian! It is good to have some time away to enjoy the company of my family. I also celebrated Mass and preached at my home parish and was able…
Auction Time!
The memories of moving out of the monastery this past May are still fresh on our minds. When the monks moved out of the monastery, they could put stickers on their belongings and mark it in one of three ways: Temporary Storage Long-term Storage (not accessible during renovation) Auction All the extra furniture, religious art, and…
Stanberry Parish Carnival
Yesterday evening after prayer, Br. Maximilian and I headed over to St. Peter’s Parish Carnival in Stanberry, Missouri. It is only a 9 mile drive. One of our monks, Fr. Karl Barmann, is pastor of St. Peter’s and the annual carnival is a pretty big event. The town has just over one thousand people, and…
Life in Christ
I finally finished a little “music” video of the monks the other day and I posted it on our Facebook page and on our YouTube channel. I was pleased with how it turned out. So, if you did not see it there, I am posting it on the blog as well.
Cooler Temps, Work, and Construction
I was surprised to find that it cooled off a lot over the evening. At 7:45am this morning, it was 55 degrees. Today is turning out to be a gorgeous day, but it is rather strange weather for late-July. The farmers say they can use some more rain in the days ahead. However, the crops…