vocation

The SEMY Awards

This year’s freshmen class took a different spin on the annual Freshmen Talent Night. As the name suggests, the freshmen class is to put on a talent show for all of the seminarians, chaplains, and those of the monastic community who wish to attend. In an early planning meeting the Freshmen decided to put on…

Bishop Johnston Visits

It is with great joy that we celebrate the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception each year. It reminds us of what good things God has worked in Mary’s life and in her role as Mother of God. Similarly, it is a particuarly special day for the monks of Conception Abbey, since it is our patronal…

Giving Back

Conception Abbey and Seminary College and the local Tri-C area (Conception, Conception Junction, and Clyde) have teamed up to participate in the Giving Tuesday initiative. The Tuesday after Thanksgiving is the designated day to give to families in need during this Holiday Season. Seminarians were encouraged to bring canned goods and purchase clothing for families…

What are you Grateful for?

It is Thanksgiving, the day where in a special way we give thanks to Almighty God for so many blessings!  What are the monks thankful for? Look no further. #Thanksgiving #MonksGiveThanks Happy Thanksgiving!

Monks Give Thanks

Advent is Coming

The seminarians left for Thanksgiving break and return Sunday evening. This Sunday is the first Sunday of Advent, so some preparations had to be made. Each year a large Advent wreath is placed around the St. Joseph statue on the steps leading to St. Joseph Hall. Fr. Xavier enlisted the help of several students to…

Day in the Life of a Seminarian

Ever wonder what a seminarian does each day?  Check out this video that goes chronologically through a seminarian’s day, from prayer to studies to recreation. One of the freshmen, Dave Sotelo (Diocese of Wichita), helped me film this video which we put together. This weekend we have more than 100 men visiting for the weekend…

CSC Fall Production

The moment has come. The initial vision, followed by months of planning and hours upon hours of hard work are about to become a reality. The audience—seminarians, their families, faculty members, and monks—enter St. Michael’s Gymnasium, traversing the wooden floor in search of choice seats for the performance. Actors, stagehands and tech crew are in…

Fading Daylight

The afternoon sun is setting a little too quickly for my preference these days. While everyone enjoyed that extra hour of sleep for Daylight Savings Time, it is strange going to Evening Prayer while the sun is already set. Nevertheless, these days of fall have a beauty of their own, even if the leaves are…

All Souls Day Procession

Early this afternoon, the monastic community gathered for their All Souls Day procession to pray for the faithful departed.  We chanted Psalms and invoked the intercession of the saints as we walked to the cemetery.  There more prayers were offered for the deceased.  Many of the monks remained at the cemetery for a while to…