Conception Abbey

Fr. Reginald Sander, OSB, enters eternal rest

On Saturday, 9 September 2023, in the hours after midnight that await in night’s darkness the coming of day, our beloved confrere, Father Reginald Sander, OSB, set aside his earthly burdens and answered the call of his Heavenly Father to enter the joys of eternal light. Fr. Reginald was a Jubilarian of both priesthood and…

Fr. Richard Cleary, OSB, enters eternal rest

At 10:34 a.m. on Friday, 21 July 2023, our beloved confrere, Father Richard Cleary, OSB, laid aside the cares of earthly life to enter that sanctuary not made by hands, in full hope of hearing those words of welcome addressed by the Lord to his faithful servants: “Come, blessed of my Father; enter the joy…

Listen Carefully, My Son

A man becomes a monk in order to form a relationship to God. The opening words of St. Benedict’s Rule call the reader to hear God’s invitation to this relationship: “Listen carefully, my son, to the master’s instructions, and attend to them with the ear of your heart. This is advice from a father who…

Drawn to Monastic Life

Abbot Benedict Neenan   |   Br. Bernard   |   Fr. Paul   |  Br. Mark   |    Br. Placid    |    Fr. Pachomius    |    Br. Anselm    |    Fr. Victor   Abbot Benedict Neenan, OSB I had considered monastic life for several years before entering Conception and even tried a smaller, less active monastery first, but it…

Rains clear in time for Abbey Trails 2023

The annual Abbey Trails 5K Run / 2-Mile walk brought guests from near and far to Conception Abbey on Saturday, May 6 to celebrate health and wellness. Morning rain cleared just as more than 250 people arrived to participate in the walk, run, health fair, and brunch. The 5K course began at the Abbey’s circle drive…

Fr. Donald Grabner, OSB, enters eternal rest

At 3:51 p.m. on Monday, 17 April 2023, our beloved confrere, Father Donald Grabner, OSB put aside all matters of worldly concern in his final obedience to the upward calling of God and passed into the eternal. Fr. Donald was in his 95th year of life, and a Jubilarian in both monastic profession and priesthood.…

Conception Abbey to host Camp Savio

Information shared from the Diocese of Kansas City – St. Joseph.  Camp Savio announces move to Conception Abbey for Summer 2023 March 20, 2023 The Diocesan Office of Youth Ministry is thrilled to announce that Camp Savio will be held at a new location this year. “The monks of Conception Abbey are pleased to welcome Camp…

Suscipe Me, Domine, Br. Simeon professes solemn vows

Br. Simeon Johnson desired to begin monastic life through the inspiration of St. Benedict and to imitate Sacred Scripture. Simplicity, the desire for obedience, and a quiet confidence in God characterize the monastic life. So, it was fitting for Br. Simeon to receive the quiet prophet of Luke 2:25-32 as his monastic patron. Br. Simeon…

Monastic Anniversaries

FR. NORBERT   |   FR. DANIEL   |   FR. ROGER   |  ABBOT EDMUND   |    FR. PATRICK    Fr. Norbert Schappler, OSB | 70 years ordained   We give thanks to God for Fr. Norbert’s many years as a priest of our Lord Jesus Christ. As the oldest and most senior in the community, he deserves our…

Donor Spotlights

Loyal friends make impact Though the landscape and the faces of Conception have changed over time, we are grateful for that which has remained the same: our mission of prayer, our dedication to seminary formation, and the loyal support of friends who have made such growth possible.  Jim and Marnie Weidmaier of St. Joseph, Missouri,…