The Gospels tell us Jesus was driven by the Holy Spirit into the desert in preparation for his mission.
We welcome you as Christ!
“Why should I come to rural Northwest Missouri and spend a few days at a monastery?
Here’s why:
- A deep hunger for meaning and purpose at a pivotal point in your life.
- A retreat from the hectic and distracting world to a place of peace and stability.
- A need for discipline and moderation to calm a restless spirit.
- A time to examine your life and to ask Christ where He will lead you in the future.
What the Benedictine monks of Conception Abbey have is a treasure that rust will not corrupt nor moth devour. These men lead a balanced life under an abbot and according to the Rule of St. Benedict, a practical application of the Gospel. They are called to seek out God in a radical way and in turn to be the light of Christ to the world.
Monks’ days are divided between prayer and work, study and holy leisure.
What this means for you when you come to a Monastic Experience:
- Joining the monks for Mass and five daily prayers of Psalms.
- Teaching sessions to explore monastic customs, values and history.
- Doing various forms of manual labor: gardening and groundskeeping, working at the Abbey Guest Center, preparing for youth camps and more.
- Community time for question and answer sessions with monks, movies, barbeque, and general free time with access to a weight room and gym.
Who should come?
Catholic men age 17 to 35 interested in the monastic life.
How much will this cost?
There is no cost beyond your transportation expenses.
When?
New Dates Coming Soon.
What do I need to bring?
- Work clothes and shoes
- Nicer clothes for prayer and Mass with monks (i.e., dress slacks and a collared shirt)
- Toiletries
- Recreation clothes
- Alarm clock
- Bible
- Favorite book or magazine
- Notebook for journaling
- Insurance card
(Towels, sheets, and blankets are provided in the rooms.)
Coming to a Monastic Experience does not mean you are going to become a monk, but you should be serious and open to what the Spirit has to tell you. If nothing else, we hope you can integrate some of our values and customs into your personal life.
How do I register?
Print out this form (this is a .pdf file) and mail to:
Fr. Frowin Reed, OSB
Vocation Director
Conception Abbey
PO Box 501
Conception, MO 64433-0501
Vocation Office: 660-944-2857
Email:
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NOTE: Women interested in a Monastic Experience should contact the Benedictine Sisters of Perpetual Adoration (Clyde, Mo.) at 660-944-2221 or by e-mail, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .