Meet Abbot Paul Sheller, OSB

Abbot Paul enjoys biking, hiking, triathlons, and other sports (top). Abbot Paul with his family in 2025, as his parents celebrated 50 years of marriage (middle). Abbot Paul with his seminary classmates who became lifelong friends (bottom).

A newly elected abbot experiences many emotions but also many graces. Abbot Paul Sheller, OSB, is no different. His cup has overflowed with gratitude in recent weeks.

“As the election transpired, and the votes were read aloud, I felt deeply loved and affirmed, excited where this new journey would lead me, and aware of the gravity of the responsibility,” Abbot Paul recounts. “I experienced an overwhelming response of kindness in the emails, text messages, and phone calls from bishops, abbots, and many friends and family members.”

After spending his formative years in Stillwater, Oklahoma, Abbot Paul professed vows as a Benedictine monk on August 15, 2006, and was ordained a priest on May 16, 2013. He received a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from Conception Seminary College in 2005 and a Master of Divinity and a Master of Arts in Systematic Theology from St. Vincent Seminary in 2013. He later earned a Master of Arts in Christian Spirituality from Creighton University in 2020.

Since joining the monastery, Abbot Paul has served in various roles, including Abbey Subprior; Admissions director, coordinator of Spiritual Formation, chaplain, and instructor for Conception Seminary College; Planned Giving director; Tower Topics editor; and most recently Abbey Guest Center director, Vocation director, and Master of Ceremonies.

“I have worked in various departments, which gives me familiarity with our mission and the people who have been so generous in carrying out that mission,” he said.

Abbot Paul lists many wonderful mentors, including former Abbots Gregory and Benedict, and countless other monks. The upbringing and formation he received from his parents and brothers, growing up in a loving family was foundational in his formation. The priests of Tulsa and his brother seminarians have continued to support him in his vocational journey.

While his credentials and experience speak to his servant leadership, his motivation to strengthen his brothers is something he sees as a gift from God.

“I have a special charism for gathering people together to enjoy one another’s company,” Abbot Paul says. “I find creative ways of engaging people and drawing out their best qualities. In practical terms, that has often been through sports, games, and other challenges that push us to excel and persevere through obstacles while providing a sense of adventure.”

May God bless Abbot Paul and the monks of Conception Abbey on this next leg of the adventure.

– Kaity Holtman, Tower Topics Editor

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