Wednesday, January 25, 2012

We’ll offer age-appropriate activities for the kids while moms and dads enjoy time to spiritually recharge. Join us at 8:30 am for juice, coffee and rolls. The kids (5 years and older) will begin their activities at 9:00 with Karen Ceckowski and the AGC staff, while the adults attend a conference with Fr. Patrick Caveglia. Eucharist with the monks and seminarians follows, and then lunch. More activities for the kids in the afternoon, while the adults enjoy some quiet time and a final conference. We’ll close with punch and cookies at 3:00 pm. (Suggested donation, including conferences, materials, lunch and snacks: $20 per adult, $10 per child)

Friday through Sunday, February 3-4, 2012

Icons are becoming more visible in our churches today. Spend a weekend coming to understand the rich symbolic language written within the brush strokes of these ageless images. Retreat leader Karen Ceckowski and iconographer Br. Pachomius Meade will share with you their knowledge of icon history, methods and prayer. You will leave the retreat with several icon reproductions for your own study and prayer at home. Time will be provided for quiet prayer and reading, too. You’ll be able to join the monks in praying the Liturgy of the Hours and the whole community for Eucharist. (Suggested donation for lodging, meals, conferences and reception: $135 single room, $110 each with double accommodations)

Saturday through Sunday, February 11-12, 2012

Join the Conception Abbey retreat team of monks, seminarians and Karen Ceckowski for an unforgettable weekend. Beginning on Saturday morning, retreat presentations bring together the essential elements of the Catholic faith to help candidates understand, explain and live out their faith. Students will leave with a better understanding of sacramental theology, the importance of prayer and how to enter into Sunday Mass with a renewed enthusiasm. The weekend includes times when the youth people join the monks for the Liturgy of the Hours. A candle-light Reconciliation Service Saturday night allows youth to approach Confession and fulfills diocesan requirements for pre-confirmation prep. Before Sunday Mass, a question and answer session with a monk and seminarians allows sharing and reflection about individual vocations in the Church. (Call 660-944-2809 or 660-944-2909 for details on reservations for your church Confirmation group)

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

We pray the Our Father or Lord’s Prayer frequently, but do we appreciate what it can teach us about Christian prayer? Join Fr. Patrick Caveglia and Oblate Louise Cummins as we take a quiet day to explore the richness of this familiar prayer. We’ll begin with coffee and rolls at 9:00 am, with the morning conference at 9:30. Some quiet time for personal "homework," the celebration of the Eucharist with the monks and seminarians, and lunch in the guest dining room follow. After additional personal reflection time, we’ll close with a 3:00 conference. (Suggested donation for the day including lunch: $20 per person)

Saturday through Sunday, February 25-26, 2012

Join the Conception Abbey retreat team of monks, seminarians and Karen Ceckowski for an unforgettable weekend. Beginning on Saturday morning, retreat presentations bring together the essential elements of the Catholic faith to help candidates understand, explain and live out their faith. Students will leave with a better understanding of sacramental theology, the importance of prayer and how to enter into Sunday Mass with a renewed enthusiasm. The weekend includes times when the youth people join the monks for the Liturgy of the Hours. A candle-light Reconciliation Service Saturday night allows youth to approach Confession and fulfills diocesan requirements for pre-confirmation prep. Before Sunday Mass, a question and answer session with a monk and seminarians allows sharing and reflection about individual vocations in the Church. (Call 660-944-2809 or 660-944-2909 for details on reservations for your church Confirmation group)

Friday through Sunday, March 2-4, 2012

The Cross stands as the great sign of God’s redeeming love for humankind, and making sense of Christ’s self-sacrifice is one of the tasks of our Lenten observance. Join Fr. Patrick Caveglia, Br. Etienne Huard and Karen Ceckowski in reflecting on the power of the Cross and its place in Christian theology and daily life. Time will be provided for reading and prayer, and for the celebration of Reconciliation. You’ll join the monks in praying the Liturgy of the Hours and celebrate the Eucharist with the monks and seminarians. (Suggested donation for lodging, meals, conferences and reception: $135 single room, $110 each with double accommodations)

Saturday through Sunday, March 10-11, 2012

Join the Conception Abbey retreat team of monks, seminarians and Karen Ceckowski for an unforgettable weekend. Beginning on Saturday morning, retreat presentations bring together the essential elements of the Catholic faith to help candidates understand, explain and live out their faith. Students will leave with a better understanding of sacramental theology, the importance of prayer and how to enter into Sunday Mass with a renewed enthusiasm. The weekend includes times when the youth people join the monks for the Liturgy of the Hours. A candle-light Reconciliation Service Saturday night allows youth to approach Confession and fulfills diocesan requirements for pre-confirmation prep. Before Sunday Mass, a question and answer session with a monk and seminarians allows sharing and reflection about individual vocations in the Church. (Call 660-944-2809 or 660-944-2909 for details on reservations for your church Confirmation group)

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Holy Week is full of signs and symbols that can help us unlock the meaning of Christ’s Paschal Mystery. Join Fr. Patrick Caveglia and Oblate Mary Riley in exploring the rich Christian heritage that is ours during Holy Week and the Sacred Triduum. We’ll begin with coffee and rolls at 9:00 am, with the morning conference at 9:30. Some quiet time for personal "homework," the celebration of the Eucharist with the monks and seminarians, and lunch in the guest dining room follow. After additional personal reflection time, we’ll close with a 3:00 conference. (Suggested donation for the day including lunch: $20 per person)

Saturday through Sunday, March 31 – April 1, 2012

Begin your Holy Week with the monks of Conception Abbey and the seminarians of Conception Seminary College. Retreat sessions with Karen Ceckowski and the AGC team will pull together the faith basics of a sacramentally-based life in the Catholic Church. A special conference on reconciliation will help prepare those about to celebrate the Sacrament for the first time. A candlelit Reconciliation service Saturday evening include the opportunity for celebrating Sacrament of Reconciliation individually. You will join the whole Abbey and Seminary community on Sunday morning for the Palm Sunday procession and reading of the Passion. (Suggested donation includes lodging, meals and conferences: $75 per person)

Wednesday supper through Sunday lunch, April 4-8, 2012

Join the monks and seminarians for the holiest days of the Church year, celebrating Christ’s Paschal Mystery in community. Moving liturgies, inspiring conferences, and time for silence and personal prayer mark these holy days at Conception Abbey and Seminary College. (Suggested donation for lodging, meals and conferences: $225 single room, $200 each for double accommodations)

Friday through Sunday, April 20-22, 2012

"Your are the Clay" Pottery Retreat for beginners to experts. The retreat will provide hands-on experience working with clay, both wheel throwing and hand building techniques. No experience needed, just the desire to learn. Veterans welcomed as well. Hobbyist potter Karen Ceckowski will pass on some of the techniques she has learned from various sources. Karen and seminarians will provide a spiritual spin on the many biblical references to the master potter who forms and shapes us daily. Bring Bibles, old work clothes and an open spirit. (Suggested donation for lodging, meals, conferences and clay materials: $135 single room, $110 each double accomodations)

Saturday through Sunday, April 21-22, 2012

Join the Conception Abbey retreat team of monks, seminarians and Karen Ceckowski for an unforgettable weekend. Beginning on Saturday morning, retreat presentations bring together the essential elements of the Catholic faith to help candidates understand, explain and live out their faith. Students will leave with a better understanding of sacramental theology, the importance of prayer and how to enter into Sunday Mass with a renewed enthusiasm. The weekend includes times when the youth people join the monks for the Liturgy of the Hours. A candle-light Reconciliation Service Saturday night allows youth to approach Confession and fulfills diocesan requirements for pre-confirmation prep. Before Sunday Mass, a question and answer session with a monk and seminarians allows sharing and reflection about individual vocations in the Church. (Call 660-944-2809 or 660-944-2909 for details on reservations for your church Confirmation group)

Sunday, May 6, 2012

New Catholics and their families, sponsors and RCIA teams are invited to join the monks and seminarians for the 5th Sunday of Easter. Celebrate the joyful Eucharist with the community and then enjoy a delicious buffet luncheon. Tour the Abbey and Seminary. Then the children will enjoy supervised activities while the adults engage in a Question Box experience. The day concludes with a reception, fellowship and a special blessing at 4:00 pm. (Suggested donation including lunch: $15 for adults, children under 12 free)

Saturday through Sunday, May 19-20, 2012

Arrive in time Saturday afternoon to begin with 5:15 pm Evening Prayer with the monastic community, followed by dinner and an evening of fishing, a hay ride and a bonfire. A special fishing contest with prizes. Abbey fishing guru Karen Ceckowski will team up with members of the monastic community to lead a fun-filled family get-away at Conception Abbey. Sunday morning you will join the monks for Morning Prayer followed by breakfast, Mass and a very nice lunch. Bring a cooler, you can clean and take home your catch. No fishing licenses needed. Fishing lessons for the first time anglers. (Suggested donation for lodging, meals, conferences and materials: $35 per person, children 8 and under free)

Friday through Sunday, May 25-27, 2012

St. Benedict dealt with a variety of characters in his monastery, a fact that is reflected in The Rule of St. Benedict. Join Br. Jacob Kubajak and Fr. Patrick Caveglia in exploring Benedict’s wise ways of dealing with people in daily life. Applications to business will reflect the education and experience of the presenters. Time for prayer, reading and walking. You’ll be able to join the monks for the Liturgy of the Hours and for the Eucharist. (Suggested donation for lodging, meals, conferences and reception: $135 single room, $110 each with double accommodations)