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Conception receives $1 million challenge grant in Brothers Living in Unity campaign

CONCEPTION, Mo. (February 3, 2020) — To aid Conception in its final push to raise funds for the construction of the new seminary residence hall component of the Brothers Living in Unity campaign, the J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation has awarded Conception Abbey and Seminary College with a $1 million challenge grant.
 
The challenge grant outlines that in order to receive the generous gift, Conception must raise the remaining $2.8 million within a year, by January 14, 2021. If this challenge is met, Conception will have raised sufficient funds to begin construction.
 
The J. E. and L. E. Mabee Foundation, Inc. was formed in 1948 by Mr. John E. Mabee and his wife, Lottie E. Mabee, with its office in Midland, Texas. The Foundation aids Christian religious organizations, charitable organizations, institutions of higher learning, hospitals and other organizations of a general charitable nature.
 
“We continue to be blessed by the sacrifices our benefactors make for us,” said Very Rev. Victor Schinstock, OSB, President-Rector of Conception Seminary College. “Through a unified commitment of prayer and participation in the campaign, we believe we will reach our goals to further the mission of Conception and of the Church.”
 
Conception’s Brothers Living in Unity capital campaign was launched in the spring of 2019 with one overarching goal – to help the entire community live in greater unity with one another and in faith.
 
Prior to applying for the Mabee Foundation’s challenge grant in early December, the campaign had raised $9.7 million toward the initial goal of $14.5 million. As part of a three-year effort, Conception is working to secure $10 million toward the new residence hall to house all seminarians under one roof, which will further strengthen Conception’s formation program. The remaining $4.5 million will build up the Monastic Retirement Endowment to ensure that Conception continues to meet the needs of our retired monks who have devoted their lives in service to the Lord.

More information is available on our campaign website found at campaign.conceptionabbey.org.