Monastic Rite Of Profession

Four novices of the community made simple vows this fall—three of whom professed on September 14, the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, and one on October 7, the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary.

On September 14, Nov. Logan Kroeze received the name Br. Augustine. Nov. Daniel Martin received the name of Br. Dominic. Nov. Trevor Fisher received the name Br. John. Three weeks later, Nov. Nathan Woolgar professed vows and received the name Br. Pio.

The newly professed join Br. Boniface Logan and Br. Francis Todd in the three-year period of simple vows.

During the profession ceremony, the Abbot bestows on the newly professed brother a new name. During these three years, the monks are given a more permanent work assignment and greater responsibility in the community as they continue through their monastic formation, toward solemn vows.

 

Left: Novicemaster Br. Anselm Broom presents Br. Pio for simple profession. Middle Left: Br. Augustine signs his profession document. Middle Right: Br. Dominic reads his handwritten profession document. Right: Abbot Benedict is the first of the brethren to offer Br. John the ceremonial kiss of peace.

 

Br. Augustine

Where did you grow up?

Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

What were you doing before you entered the monastery?

I was an Assistant Aquatics Coordinator for the City of Cedar Rapids. I managed the five outdoor pools and aquatic centers throughout the city.

Why the Benedictines?

I felt drawn to the Benedictine charism of prayer and community life.

Who has been a spiritual role model for you?

Bishop Robert Barron has been my spiritual role model for the way he unites reason and beauty to draw people to God.

What is a Scripture passage from which you have drawn inspiration?

My favorite Scripture passage is the Magnificat. This canticle that we sing every evening at Vespers shows how the Blessed Virgin Mary’s humility allows her to become a lens which reflects God’s love for us.

What is the biggest blessing of monastic life?

The biggest blessing for me so far has been the gift of community life, whether we are singing in choir together or going on a camping trip.

What is your current work assignment?

My current work assignment is making candles and wax melts for Altar + Home.

Favorite feast day food or treat?

Sunday ice cream is always my favorite treat.

 

Br. Dominic

Where did you grow up?

St. Louis, Missouri.

What were you doing before you entered the monastery?

I graduated with a B.S. in Computer Science at Missouri University of Science and Technology.

When did you first feel drawn to religious life?

I felt called during the second semester freshman year (of college).

Why the Benedictines?

I instantly fell in love with the balance between prayer (ora) and work (labora).

Who has been a spiritual role model for you?

Br. Augustine and Br. John.

What has surprised you most about monastic life so far?

Holiness isn’t achieved in a day.

What is the biggest blessing of monastic life?

Interceding for the Church and the world!

What’s one hobby or talent you brought with you into the monastery?

My software engineering skills. I did not think I would need them ever again until I was assigned to Altar + Home.

Which saint would you most like to share a meal with?

St. Dominic, of course!

Favorite feast day food or treat?

CALZONES! @SauceOnTheSide.

 

Br. John

Where did you grow up?

Grand Island, Nebraska.

What were you doing before you entered the monastery?

I was a student at Conception Seminary College, studying for the diocesan priesthood for the Diocese of Grand Island, Nebraska.

When did you first feel drawn to religious life?

I first felt drawn to monastic life my second year of seminary. I began to long for more prayer. I loved spending time resting with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel. I also loved spending more time in silence and solitude. I just felt that Jesus was drawing me more deeply into His heart.

What has surprised you most about monastic life so far?

One thing that has surprised me about monastic life is how hard it can be to love my brothers at times. I all too easily become impatient or judgmental towards them. The Lord continues to reveal to me how much I need his grace to love my brothers. Jesus is always so patient and gentle.

What is the biggest blessing of monastic life?

The biggest blessing of monastic life is growing in freedom and knowing myself to be so deeply loved and provided for by God.

Which saint would you most like to share a meal with?

St. Thérèse of Liseux.

Favorite feast day food or treat?

Anything with peanut butter!

 

Br. Pio

Where did you grow up?

Menasha, Wisconsin.

What were you doing before you entered the monastery?

I had just finished the propaedeutic year of seminary for the Diocese of Green Bay (in Wisconsin). Before that, I held various roles in business, mainly corporate tax.

When did you first feel drawn to religious life?

While on a silent retreat here at Conception Abbey over Holy Week in 2024.

Why the Benedictines?

It was to this community of Benedictines that God led and called me.

Who has been a spiritual role model for you?

St. Thérèse of Lisieux.

What is the biggest blessing of monastic life?

Learning that “Everything is grace” (St. Thérèse, Story of a Soul). “Truly, those who seek the LORD lack no blessing, for the LORD will hold him by the hand” (Ps 34:11, 37:24).

If St. Benedict visited you today, what do you think he’d say to you?

“Prefer nothing whatever to Christ” (RB 72.11).

Which saint would you most like to share a meal with?

Our Blessed Mother.

Favorite feast day food or treat?

A dense chocolate brownie with peanut butter.