Humans of Conception
Conception Seminary College hires new academic dean
CONCEPTION, Mo. — Conception Seminary College leadership announces the hire of a new academic dean, Dr. Martin Fashbaugh of Gillette, Wyoming. Fashbaugh will begin his new position on June 1, 2026, for the 2026-2027 academic year. “We are delighted to welcome Dr. Fashbaugh to Conception,” said Very Rev. Victor Schinstock, OSB, president-rector of Conception Seminary…
Bonds of Brotherhood
Fidel and David Ruvalcaba of Midland, Texas bring a new meaning to living in community with one’s brother. These two siblings are seeking Christ together, and for one another, at Conception. “How good and how pleasant it is when brothers live in unity.” (Psalm 133:1) This verse has taken on a deeper meaning for…
Benedictine Tradition & Priestly Formation
As Vocation Director and Director of Seminarians for the Diocese of Jefferson City, I believe it is safe to say I look at formation differently than I did as a student at Conception Seminary College. I don’t think I was ever outright insubordinate or rejecting of formation, but it has been a blessing to look…
Conception Seminary College releases Fall 2025 Dean’s List
CONCEPTION, Mo. – The Office of the Registrar at Conception Seminary College, in Conception, Missouri, announced the students named to the Dean’s List for the 2025 fall semester. To be included on the Dean’s List, a student must be enrolled as a full-time student and earn a 3.70 GPA or higher on at least…
Seminary Fall 2025 Events
Open House | Alumni Reunion | Thunder Cup | PFP Day of Giving Open House The fifth annual Seminary Open House was a source of joy and fellowship as the seminary monks and seminarians hosted donors and friends under a big white tent outside. More than 250 people came together for Sunday Mass and…
Operation: Thunder
Four years ago, the administration of Conception Seminary College began a bold initiative to increase enrollment, better communicate strengths, and enhance our relationships with sending dioceses. We dubbed this Operation: Thunder. The name was a play on the seminarians’ sports team, the Sons of Thunder, which refers to Sts. James and John. Linked to this…
An Exceptional School of Love: Pastoral Formation
“Pastoral charity is at the heart of the Church and the priesthood; so demonstrating a genuine concern for others, the poor, a spirit of generosity, and a developing habit of self-donation are necessary benchmarks to be achieved prior to the seminarian’s acceptance into the Discipleship stage.” Thus, we have implemented a series of poverty immersions…
Alumni Spotlight: Formator, Bishop, Friend
Long before his forthcoming appointment with the Diocese of Jefferson City was announced, Bishop Ralph O’Donnell was in formation at Conception Seminary College—both being formed and leading the formation. The 20-year-old O’Donnell enrolled at Conception Seminary College as a seminarian for the Archdiocese of Omaha in 1989. Right away, he was struck by…
Conception To Host Fall Production
Conception Seminary College will present Murder on the Monkey Express by Angie Settlemire with underscoring music by Jonathan Swain as its annual fall theater production this year. The production is scheduled for November 7-9, 2025. You’ll go bananas for Murder on the Monkey Express, a zany, delightful show that’s more comedy than mystery, filled with…
A New Chapter Commences
On Saturday, May 10, Conception Seminary College graduated eight seminarians with a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and one with a Bachelor of Philosophical and Theological Studies. Pictured Above: Front Row (left to right): Archbishop Jerome Hanus, OSB, Vice-Rector Fr. Pachomius Meade, OSB, President-Rector Fr. Victor Schinstock, OSB, Abbot-Chancellor Benedict Neenan, OSB, Coordinator of Spiritual…