Saturday through Sunday, May 19-20, 2012
Arrive in time Saturday afternoon to begin with 5:15 pm Evening Prayer with the monastic community, followed by dinner and an evening of fishing, a hay ride and a bonfire. A special fishing contest with prizes. Abbey fishing guru Karen Ceckowski will team up with members of the monastic community to lead a fun-filled family get-away at Conception Abbey. Sunday morning you will join the monks for Morning Prayer followed by breakfast, Mass and a very nice lunch. Bring a cooler, you can clean and take home your catch. No fishing licenses needed. Fishing lessons for the first time anglers. (Suggested donation for lodging, meals, conferences and materials: $35 per person, children 8 and under free)
Friday through Sunday, May 25-27, 2012
St. Benedict dealt with a variety of characters in his monastery, a fact that is reflected in The Rule of St. Benedict. Join Br. Jacob Kubajak and Fr. Patrick Caveglia in exploring Benedict’s wise ways of dealing with people in daily life. Applications to business will reflect the education and experience of the presenters. Time for prayer, reading and walking. You’ll be able to join the monks for the Liturgy of the Hours and for the Eucharist. (Suggested donation for lodging, meals, conferences and reception: $135 single room, $110 each with double accommodations)
Friday evening through Sunday noon, July 20-22, 2012
Rural Conception Abbey offers a unique location for a retreat combining spiritual rest with artistic challenges and dialogue. Join seasoned photographers Karen Ceckowski, Br. Paul Sheller and Br. Etienne Huard in exploring God’s creation world through the lens of a camera. Share techniques and tips with the team and other photographers, learn how to use your digital camera and programs to crop and enhance your photos. Time will be provided for quiet time, reading and conversation. You’ll be able to join the monks in praying the Liturgy of the Hours and celebrating the Eucharist. (Suggested donation for lodging, meals, conferences and reception: $160 for single accommodations, $130 per person for double accommodations.)
Friday evening through Sunday noon, August 24-26, 2012
Join Fr. Patrick Caveglia and Karen Ceckowski in discussing An Altar in the World: A Geography of Faith by Barbara Brown Taylor (HarperCollins 2009. ISNB 978-0-06-137047-2). Taylor writes of living faith in living life, from “the practice of waking up to God” to “the practice of pronouncing blessings.” We think you’ll find this book illuminating to read before the retreat and challenging to discuss with others over the weekend. There will be ample time for personal prayer, reflection and journaling. You’ll be able to join the monks in praying the Liturgy of the Hours and celebrating the Eucharist. (Suggested donation for lodging, meals, conferences and reception: $160 for single accommodations, $130 per person for double accommodations.)
Saturday morning through Sunday noon, September 8-9, 2012
Join the Conception Abbey retreat team of monks, seminarians and Karen Ceckowski for an unforgettable weekend. Beginning on Saturday morning, retreat presentations bring together the essential elements of the Catholic faith to help candidates understand, explain and live out their faith. Students will leave with a better understanding of sacramental theology, the importance of prayer and how to enter into Sunday Mass with a renewed enthusiasm. The weekend includes times when the youth people join the monks for the Liturgy of the Hours. A candle-light Reconciliation Service Saturday night allows youth to approach Confession and fulfills diocesan requirements for pre-confirmation prep. Before Sunday Mass, a question and answer session with a monk and seminarians allows sharing and reflection about individual vocations in the Church. (Call 660-944-2809 or 660-944-2909 for details on reservations for your church Confirmation group)
Friday evening through Sunday noon, September 14-16, 2012
October 11, 2012, is the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council and the beginning of the Year of Faith. Honor of legacy of fifty years and begin the Year of Faith by reflecting on the people of God and our common vocation to holiness. The retreat will be shaped by two towering documents of Vatican II: Lumen Gentium and Gaudium et Spes. You will enjoy engaging conferences by Fr. Patrick Caveglia and have the opportunity for private reflection and prayer, discussion and relaxation. You will be invited to join the monks in praying the Liturgy of the Hours and the whole Conception community for celebrations of the Eucharist. (Suggested donation for lodging, meals, conferences and reception: $160 for single accommodations, $130 per person for double accommodations.)
Friday through Sunday, October 5-7, 2012
"You are the clay” pottery retreat for beginners to experts. The retreat will provide hands-on experience working with clay, both wheel throwing and hand building techniques. No experience needed, just the desire to learn. Veterans welcomed as well. Hobbyist potter Karen Ceckowski will pass on some of the techniques she has learned from various sources. Karen and seminarians from the Abbey will provide a spiritual spin on the many biblical references to the master potter who forms and shapes us daily. Bring Bibles, old work clothes and an open spirit. (Suggested donation for lodging, meals, conferences, clay supplies, and reception: $180 for single accommodations, $150 per person for double accommodations)
Friday evening through Sunday noon, October 19-21, 2012
Fifty years ago, Vatican II called Catholics to recognize their common vocation to holiness, lived out in a diversity of ways. Join Fr. Albert Bruecken, Karen Ceckowski, and Oblate couple Kevin and Ronda Hein in exploring the practical consequences of this teaching. Couples will share rooms with private bathrooms and showers in the St. Gabriel Guest House. There will be time for sharing and discussion, as well as for private reflection and prayer. You’ll be able to join the monks in praying the Liturgy of the Hours and the monks and seminarians in praying the Eucharist. (Suggested donation for lodging, meals, conferences and reception: $260 per couple.)
Friday evening through Sunday noon, November 9-11, 2012
Learn about hand-loom weaving or share new ideas with others on this weekend with Karen Ceckowski and Fr. Patrick Caveglia. The weekend will provide you with time to slow down and practice a new skill. You’ll learn to make a scarf and a hat to take home with you! Time will also be provided for quiet reflection, prayer and relaxation. You’ll be invited to share in the Liturgy of the Hours with the monks and to celebrate the Eucharist with the whole Conception community. (Suggested donation for lodging, meals, conferences, personal hand looms, and reception: $180 for single accommodations, $150 per person for double accommodations. After you make your reservation, we’ll contact you about the quantity and weight of yarn to bring in colors of your choice.)
Saturday morning through Sunday noon, November 17-18, 2012
Join the Conception Abbey retreat team of monks, seminarians and Karen Ceckowski for an unforgettable weekend. Beginning on Saturday morning, retreat presentations bring together the essential elements of the Catholic faith to help candidates understand, explain and live out their faith. Students will leave with a better understanding of sacramental theology, the importance of prayer and how to enter into Sunday Mass with a renewed enthusiasm. The weekend includes times when the youth people join the monks for the Liturgy of the Hours. A candle-light Reconciliation Service Saturday night allows youth to approach Confession and fulfills diocesan requirements for pre-confirmation prep. Before Sunday Mass, a question and answer session with a monk and seminarians allows sharing and reflection about individual vocations in the Church. (Call 660-944-2809 or 660-944-2909 for details on reservations for your church Confirmation group)
Friday evening through Sunday noon, November 16-18, 2012
St. Benedict was a master of the practical. Join Fr. Kenneth Reichert, Fr. Patrick Caveglia and Oblates Sandi and Paul Tarro in exploring some of the practical disciplines and wisdom on Chapter 4 of The Rule of St. Benedict, “the tools for good works.” You’ll enjoy conferences and discussions about Benedict’s suggestions for living a good life, as well as time for quiet reflection, prayer and sharing. You can join the monks of the Abbey in praying the Liturgy of the Hours, and celebrate the Eucharist with the whole Conception community. (Suggested donation for lodging, meals, conferences and reception: $160 for single accommodations, $130 per person for double accommodations.)
Friday evening through Sunday noon, November 23-25, 2012
Need some quiet time after Thanksgiving? Need to energize for the Advent season and Christmas season obligations? Why not spend a quiet weekend at Conception Abbey’s Guest Center? You have time to read and reflect, time for personal prayer and a chance to join the monks in praying the Liturgy of the Hours and the Eucharist. Fr. Joel Derks, Fr. Timothy Schoen, and Fr. Patrick Caveglia will be available for a personal spiritual direction session. (Suggested donation for lodging, meals, conferences and direction: $180 for single accommodations, $150 per person for double accommodations.)
Saturday morning through Sunday noon, December 1-2, 2012
Join the Conception Abbey retreat team of monks, seminarians and Karen Ceckowski for an unforgettable weekend. Beginning on Saturday morning, retreat presentations bring together the essential elements of the Catholic faith to help candidates understand, explain and live out their faith. Students will leave with a better understanding of sacramental theology, the importance of prayer and how to enter into Sunday Mass with a renewed enthusiasm. The weekend includes times when the youth people join the monks for the Liturgy of the Hours. A candle-light Reconciliation Service Saturday night allows youth to approach Confession and fulfills diocesan requirements for pre-confirmation prep. Before Sunday Mass, a question and answer session with a monk and seminarians allows sharing and reflection about individual vocations in the Church. (Call 660-944-2809 or 660-944-2909 for details on reservations for your church Confirmation group)
Friday evening through Sunday noon, December 7-9, 2012
Join Fr. Pachomius Meade, Fr. Patrick Caveglia, and Karen Ceckowski in reflecting on the role of Mary as Mother of the Church. You’ll enjoy conferences and discussions on the images of Mary down through history, as well as her place as “mother of the Church” according to Vatican II. You’ll join the monks and seminarians in celebrating the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, our patronal feast, and find time for personal prayer and reflection. (Suggested donation for lodging, meals, conferences and reception: $160 for single accommodations, $130 per person for double accommodations.)
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
From December 17 to 24, the Church celebrates privileged liturgical days of special preparation for Christmas. These are the days marked by the “O Antiphons,” which present biblical titles and images of Jesus the Messiah for our reflection. Fr. Timothy Schoen and Fr. Patrick Caveglia will present ways of making the O Antiphons an important part of your Advent prayer in preparation for the Christmas feast. We’ll begin with coffee and rolls at 9:00. After the first conference at 9:30, you’ll have time for quiet reflection and prayer. Mass and lunch follow, with more quiet time and a concluding conference at 3:00 pm. (Suggested donation for conferences, lunch and material: $20 per person.)
Sunday evening through Tuesday noon, December 30, 2012 – January 1, 2013
Want a special way to begin 2013, one which speaks of the hope that should be ours as we enter a new year of grace? Join Fr. Patrick Caveglia and Oblates Barb and George Appleby as we reflect on the wonderful ways God’s grace has worked in the lives of ordinary people just like us. In conferences, we’ll ponder how God has shaped people in holiness and service and continues to work in each of us. You’ll find ample time for quiet reflection and prayer, have the opportunity to celebrate Reconciliation, and enjoy a festive New Year’s reception. (Suggested donation for lodging, meals, conferences and reception: $160 for single accommodations, $130 per person for double accommodations.)
Saturday, January 12, 2013
Catholic Scouts can use this opportunity to work on requirements concerning Holy Orders and Reconciliation for the Ad Altare Dei medal. The day includes meetings on requirements, Mass with the monks, lunch, recreation time, dinner and a closing communal Reconciliation service on Saturday evening. Overnight accommodations are available for groups wishing to come Friday night or stay for Lauds and Eucharist on Sunday. Karen Ceckowski leads the AGC team, and has been working with Scout troops for over 15 years. She will serve as the Ad Altare Dei counselor. (Suggested donation for conferences, meals and materials: $30 per person. For an overnight stay, add $25 per person for lodging and extra meals.)
Friday evening through Sunday noon, January 18-20, 2013
Although we are more familiar with the beatitudes from Matthew’s gospel, the Lucan beatitudes (and woes) offer rich biblical themes for reflection. Fr. Patrick Caveglia and Br. Etienne Huard will provide some background and input for discussion and personal reflection. Amply time will be provided for your personal prayer, for an opportunity to celebrate Reconciliation, and for social time together as a group. You will be able to pray the Liturgy of the Hours with the monastic community, and celebrate the Eucharist with the monks and seminarians. (Suggested donation for lodging, meals, conferences and reception: $160 for single accommodations, $130 per person for double accommodations.)
Saturday morning through Sunday noon, January 19-20, 2013
Join the Conception Abbey retreat team of monks, seminarians and Karen Ceckowski for an unforgettable weekend. Beginning on Saturday morning, retreat presentations bring together the essential elements of the Catholic faith to help candidates understand, explain and live out their faith. Students will leave with a better understanding of sacramental theology, the importance of prayer and how to enter into Sunday Mass with a renewed enthusiasm. The weekend includes times when the youth people join the monks for the Liturgy of the Hours. A candle-light Reconciliation Service Saturday night allows youth to approach Confession and fulfills diocesan requirements for pre-confirmation prep. Before Sunday Mass, a question and answer session with a monk and seminarians allows sharing and reflection about individual vocations in the Church. (Call 660-944-2809 or 660-944-2909 for details on reservations for your church Confirmation group)
Friday evening through Sunday noon, February 1-3, 2013
Here’s a perfect way to spend a fruitful winter weekend working with your hands in plaster! Karen Ceckowski and Br. Placid Dale will share their expertise in molding religious images from rubber molds used by monks of the abbey since the 1940s. You will learn techniques, take home whatever you make and also have time for personal prayer and reflection, discussion, and social interaction. (Suggested donation for lodging, meals, conferences, reception and materials: $170 for single accommodations, $140 per person for double accommodations.)
Friday evening through Sunday noon, February 8-10, 2013
The Book of Psalms is the Church’s prayer book, and its fitting to reflect on how the Psalter could become more fruitful for your personal prayer as Lent begins Wednesday, February 13. Fr. Joel Derks and Oblate Sherry Reid will provide you with ideas for your reflection and Lenten disciplines. Besides conferences and discussions, there will be ample time for personal prayer, reflection and journaling. You’ll also be invited to pray the Liturgy of the Hours with the monks and celebrate the Eucharist with the monks and seminarians. (Suggested donation for lodging, meals, conferences and reception: $160 for single accommodations, $130 per person for double accommodations.)
Saturday morning through Sunday noon, February 16-17, 2013
Join the Conception Abbey retreat team of monks, seminarians and Karen Ceckowski for an unforgettable weekend. Beginning on Saturday morning, retreat presentations bring together the essential elements of the Catholic faith to help candidates understand, explain and live out their faith. Students will leave with a better understanding of sacramental theology, the importance of prayer and how to enter into Sunday Mass with a renewed enthusiasm. The weekend includes times when the youth people join the monks for the Liturgy of the Hours. A candle-light Reconciliation Service Saturday night allows youth to approach Confession and fulfills diocesan requirements for pre-confirmation prep. Before Sunday Mass, a question and answer session with a monk and seminarians allows sharing and reflection about individual vocations in the Church. (Call 660-944-2809 or 660-944-2909 for details on reservations for your church Confirmation group)
Saturday morning through Sunday noon, February 23-24, 2013
Join the Conception Abbey retreat team of monks, seminarians and Karen Ceckowski for an unforgettable weekend. Beginning on Saturday morning, retreat presentations bring together the essential elements of the Catholic faith to help candidates understand, explain and live out their faith. Students will leave with a better understanding of sacramental theology, the importance of prayer and how to enter into Sunday Mass with a renewed enthusiasm. The weekend includes times when the youth people join the monks for the Liturgy of the Hours. A candle-light Reconciliation Service Saturday night allows youth to approach Confession and fulfills diocesan requirements for pre-confirmation prep. Before Sunday Mass, a question and answer session with a monk and seminarians allows sharing and reflection about individual vocations in the Church. (Call 660-944-2809 or 660-944-2909 for details on reservations for your church Confirmation group)
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
We need encouragement as we reach the middle weeks of Lent, and our day of reflection is designed to give you a boost. Join Fr. Patrick Caveglia as he reflects on the middle weeks in terms of our own lives, always “in the middle” in some way. We’ll begin with coffee and rolls at 9:00. After the first conference at 9:30, you’ll have time for quiet reflection and prayer. Mass and lunch follow, with more quiet time and a concluding conference at 3:00 pm. (Suggested donation for conferences, lunch and material: $20 per person.)
Friday evening through Sunday noon, March 1-3, 2013
The powerful liturgies of Lent provide a wonderful opportunity to reflect on God’s will for each of us. Join Fr. Daniel Petsche and Karen Ceckowski for a weekend retreat dedicated to this very task. Simple yet powerful tools that will aide you in discerning the little and the big events in your life. Engaging conferences, times of quiet reflection and personal prayer, and the opportunity to pray the Liturgy of the Hours with the monastic community and celebrate the Eucharist in the Basilica with the monks and seminarians. (Suggested donation for lodging, meals, conferences and reception: $160 for single accommodations, $130 per person for double accommodations.)
Friday evening through Sunday noon, March 15-17, 2013
Holy Week draws closer, the time when the Church traditionally reads and ponders the Passion accounts from the four Gospels. Fr. Patrick Caveglia, Karen Ceckwoski, and Oblate Ann Cole will help you delve more deeply into the significance of these sacred texts. You’ll enjoy time for personal reading and prayer, for the opportunity to celebrate Reconciliation, and for a chance to sees ways that the Passion accounts can illuminate your daily living. You can join the monks for the Liturgy of the Hours and the whole Conception community for the celebration of the Eucharist. (Suggested donation for lodging, meals, conferences and reception: $160 for single accommodations, $130 per person for double accommodations.)
Saturday morning through Sunday noon, March 23-24, 2013
Begin your Holy Week with the monks of Conception Abbey and the seminarians of Conception Seminary College. Retreat sessions with Karen Ceckowski and the AGC team will pull together the faith basics of a sacramentally-based life in the Catholic Church. A special conference on reconciliation will help prepare those about to celebrate the Sacrament for the first time. A candlelit Reconciliation service Saturday evening include the opportunity for celebrating Sacrament of Reconciliation individually. You will join the whole Abbey and Seminary community on Sunday morning for the Palm Sunday procession and reading of the Passion. (Suggested donation includes lodging, meals and conferences: $100 per person)
Wednesday evening through Easter Sunday morning, March 27-31, 2013
Join the monks and seminarians for the holiest days of the Church year, celebrating Christ’s Paschal Mystery in community. Moving liturgies, inspiring conferences, and time for silence and personal prayer mark these holy days at Conception Abbey and Seminary College. (Suggested donation for lodging, meals and conferences: $300 single room, $240 each for double accommodations)
Friday evening through Sunday noon, April 5-7, 2013
How might a deeper understanding of the Resurrection transform your married life? Join Fr. Albert Bruecken, Karen Ceckowski, and Oblate couple Barb and George Appleby in reflecting on and discussion this question. Couples will be accommodated in the new St. Gabriel Guest House with private bathrooms and showers. Besides conferences and discussions, there will be ample time for personal prayer, reflection and time together as a couple. You’ll also be invited to pray the Liturgy of the Hours with the monks and celebrate the Eucharist with the monks and seminarians. (Suggested donation for lodging, meals, conferences and reception: $260 per couple.)
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
The Resurrection of Jesus Christ promises us new life – not just in the world to come but in our present life as well. Join Fr. Patrick Caveglia as he reflects with you on this mysterious miracle of God. We’ll begin with coffee and rolls at 9:00. After the first conference at 9:30, you’ll have time for quiet reflection and prayer. Mass and lunch follow, with more quiet time and a concluding conference at 3:00 pm. (Suggested donation for conferences, lunch and material: $20 per person.)
Saturday morning through Sunday noon, April 20-21, 2013
Join the Conception Abbey retreat team of monks, seminarians and Karen Ceckowski for an unforgettable weekend. Beginning on Saturday morning, retreat presentations bring together the essential elements of the Catholic faith to help candidates understand, explain and live out their faith. Students will leave with a better understanding of sacramental theology, the importance of prayer and how to enter into Sunday Mass with a renewed enthusiasm. The weekend includes times when the youth people join the monks for the Liturgy of the Hours. A candle-light Reconciliation Service Saturday night allows youth to approach Confession and fulfills diocesan requirements for pre-confirmation prep. Before Sunday Mass, a question and answer session with a monk and seminarians allows sharing and reflection about individual vocations in the Church. (Call 660-944-2809 or 660-944-2909 for details on reservations for your church Confirmation group)
Friday evening through Sunday noon, April 26-28, 2013
Combine participation the popular Abbey Trails Run/Walk event with some time to look at the holistic nature of wellness. Get a good night’s sleep at the Abbey Guest Center before Saturday morning’s Abbey Trails events – the run/walk, brunch and health fair. Saturday afternoon, Fr. Patrick Caveglia will lead a discussion of ways in which our spiritual lives intersect with other wellness disciplines. You’ll have an opportunity to pray the Liturgy of the Hours with the monks and celebrate the festive Sunday Eucharist with the whole Conception community, followed by Sunday dinner. (Suggested donation for lodging, meals, conference, reception and Abbey Trails registration: $170 for single accommodations, $140 per person for double accommodations.)
Friday evening through Sunday noon, May 17-19, 2013
Pentecost is celebrated on May 19 and commemorates the sending of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles and the early Church gathered in Jerusalem. The Holy Spirit continues to fill the hearts of the faithful and to animate their discipleship and service. Join Fr. Patrick Caveglia and Oblate Louise Cummins in reflecting on the role of the Spirit in your life and service. You’ll enjoy challenging conferences, time for personal reading and prayer, and the opportunity to pray the Liturgy of the Hours with the monks and celebrate the solemn Pentecost Eucharist on Sunday. (Suggested donation for lodging, meals, conferences, and reception: $160 for single accommodations, $130 per person for double accommodations.)
Friday evening through Sunday noon, May 24-26, 2013
Come to the Abbey and reflect with gardeners Karen Ceckowski, Oblate Marlene Evans, Br. Placid Dale and Br. Etienne Huard on the joys of growing things in God’s wonderful creation. Marlene will share some of her design ideas for a simple Marian garden. Br. Etienne has tips on a successful vegetable garden. Br. Placid who tends the trees and grounds of the abbey will offer first hand ideas for your own landscapes. Karen will share techniques for propagating and cultivating seeds to save money as you expand or begin your gardens. There will be time for questions and scriptural reflections. Hands-on practice will send you home with cuttings and gifts from the abbey gardens. Time to pray the Liturgy of the Hours and celebrate the Eucharist with the monastic community is also a part of the weekend. (Suggested donation for lodging, meals, conferences and reception: $160 for single accommodations, $130 per person for double accommodations.)
Friday evening through Sunday noon, May 24-26, 2013
A time to explore calligraphy – beautiful writing – as a pathway to better lectio divina – the prayerful pondering of Scripture so central to a vital Christian life. Br. Michael Marcotte, a talented and experienced calligrapher, will introduce you to a foundational hand and move from the basics of the lettering to the use of calligraphy in your prayerful reflection. No previous experience is required. Calligraphic markers, exemplars and paper will be provided. There will be time to celebrate the Eucharist and the Liturgy of the Hours with the monastic community, as well as time for reflection, practice and walks through the beautiful Abbey grounds in springtime. (Suggested donation for lodging, meals, conferences, and reception: $180 for single accommodations, $150 per person for double accommodations.)
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