Celebrating Our 2025 Jubilarians

Fr. Karl Barmann – 60 Years Ordained

It’s an old monastic saying: “Become a monk, and see the world.” The saying contrasts our vow of stability (to a community and a place) with the opportunity afforded monks to travel as they study or engage in pastoral activities. Many of us do have opportunities to see and live in different parts of the world, while always calling Conception Abbey home.
Born in nearby Maryville, Missouri, in 1938, Fr. Karl Barmann has had many opportunities to travel. This year marks the 60th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood in January 1965, and he celebrates not only many years of priestly service, but the blessings of pastoral work in many locales.
After ordination, Fr. Karl was assigned as farm manager and assistant business manager at the Abbey. In 1971, he entered the United States Air Force as a chaplain with the rank of captain. He retired as a colonel in 1999. His chaplaincy included tours of duty from Texas to Guam, from West Germany and the United Kingdom to the Air Force Academy, and finally to Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland, where he served as a command chaplain, which called him to visit many bases throughout the world. In all these assignments, Fr. Karl served U.S. Air Force personnel and their families regardless of faith tradition or denomination, honing his pastoral skills and providing assistance to people far from home.
Upon his retirement, he returned to Conception Abbey to accept pastoral assignments in Kansas City, Fulton, and Springfield in Missouri. He presently serves as pastor of St. Peter Parish in nearby Stanberry and St. Patrick Parish in Ford City. Here, he is helping shape resources for serving the pastoral needs of our neighbors and friends locally. May his service as a monk and priest continue to be a blessing to many and grace him with new insights and opportunities!

 —Fr. Patrick Caveglia, OSB

Br. Michael Marcotte – 50 years professed

Br. Michael exemplifies Benedictine monastic life, serving as a consistent witness through his dedication to prayer. His commitment echoes St. Benedict’s counsel: “the love of Christ must come before all else.”
Br. Michael began his monastic journey at Conception Abbey as a novice on August 5, 1974. Upon professing simple vows on August 6, 1975, he immediately started contributing to community life. Throughout his years at Conception, he has undertaken many roles, particularly in service to the liturgy. His substantial contributions include playing the organ, revising the Liturgy of the Hours, creating worship aids, and leading the committee for the 2023 sanctuary renovation project. His efforts demonstrate a sustained commitment to enriching the liturgical life of the monastery. He has poured his heart into making sure the liturgies at Conception lift everyone’s heart to God.
Additionally, Br. Michael is recognized for his talent in calligraphy, a skill he has chosen to share with others by leading calligraphy retreats.
After 50 years of monastic profession, Br. Michael said that his greatest grace of monastic life has been during these past few years: “All of that involvement in work and projects was a preparation for leading me into a deeper relationship with Christ.” His prayer life has taken off these past few years. Every day, he continues to fall more deeply in love with Christ and is often found in the Blessed Sacrament chapel, adoring the Lord.

—Br. John Fisher, OSB

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