vocation

5 Reasons to Visit a Catholic Seminary College

5 Reasons to Visit a Catholic Seminary Discerning a vocation to the priesthood can be difficult. Often you don’t know where to turn or who to ask for help. Visiting a Catholic seminary can actually help in this discernment process. This is why Conception Seminary College offers a unique retreat twice a year for young…

Lenten Retreats at Conception Abbey

With the holy season of Lent upon us, it is a great time to think of special things you can do to help make this time in the Church year fruitful. The Conception Abbey Guest Center has prepared a series of Lenten retreats and days of recollection during this time as we journey to our…

Father Aidan Enters Eternal Rest

Early in the morning of Monday, 20 February 2017, our beloved confrere Father Aidan McSorley, OSB, a monk of Conception Abbey, Conception, MO, entered his eternal reward at the age of 75. Father Aidan was a jubilarian of monastic profession. Having suffered from type 2 diabetes for much of his adult life, Father Aidan’s health…

Learning About Religious Vocational Discernment

It is very easy to be stressed during the process of religious vocational discernment. High school and college students find it especially tough. Some Catholics can take years figuring out what they feel God’s will is for them. Breaking down what religious vocational discernment is so that it can be seen in a new light…

Abbot Benedict announces new prior of Conception Abbey

Bro. Anselm becomes Conception Abbey’s new prior On February 2, 2017, Bro. Anselm Broom, OSB, became the new prior of Conception Abbey. The prior holds the secondary leadership role in the monastery and assists the abbot in fulfilling his duties. Bro. Anselm was born on Dec. 19, 1979, to Doug and Julie Broom, Originally hailing…

Monk professes first monastic vows

Monk professes first vows at Conception Abbey On February 2, 2017, the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, Fr. Stephen Keusenkothen professed temporary vows as a Benedictine monk of Conception Abbey. Fr. Stephen was presented to Abbot Benedict by, Bro. Jacob Kubajak, OSB and made his formal declaration to be received into vows. Abbot…

Best Retreat Centers For Catholic Christian Spiritual Retreats

“Let all guests be welcomed as Christ.” Rule of St. Benedict, Chapter 53 Are you looking for a retreat center for yourself, family, or group to grow spiritually? Do you desire a place to restore your or your group’s spirit? Do you long for space and silence to grow spiritually? Do you find God in…

Bishop blesses new abbot

Benedict Neenan blessed as the new abbot of Conception Abbey Abbot Benedict Neenan, OSB was blessed as the tenth abbot of Conception Abbey by the Most Rev. Bishop James V. Johnston of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph on Sunday, January 15, 2017. Surrounded by his brother monks, family, friends, employees, and guests Abbot Benedict…

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…