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I joined the Catholic Church over four decades ago searching for confirming faith. I joined Conception Abbey as an oblate earlier this summer searching for deeper spirituality.

When men join the Benedictine Order at Conception they make vows of holy obedience to the Abbott and his successors, stability towards Conception Abbey, and continuous conversion in life (that is always striving for deepening faith). As an oblate, I promised to be faithful to the spiritual traditions of the Order of Saint Benedict as far as my state in life allows.

Just as joining the Church through RCIA or as a teenager, there is a “novice” period for Benedictine Oblates. My preparation period lasted about fifteen months. I was given topics to reflect and write about. And then the Oblate Director would respond with comments and words of encouragement.

The spiritual traditions of St Benedict include many things and I will highlight a few. There is a saying that is used quite often: “prefer nothing to the work of God.” The “work” is the worship and prayers of Christians. Praying the Divine Office or Liturgy of the Hours is a significant part of the monks’ daily life. The monks of Conception gather together seven times a day for public prayer. At home, I prayer the morning prayer (lauds) and sometimes the evening prayer (vespers). When I’m visiting the abbey, I try to join with them in all their prayers and my favorite is night prayer (compline). It is a special way to end the day with my monk friends. Though vastly different, compline reminds me of the good night ritual my dad and I had when I was a kid.

Along with public prayers the monks are expected to have their own personal devotions. Many pray the rosary. My private prayer happens when I walk. I walk quite a bit and use part of the time talking and listening to God. Oftentimes I just enjoy the pounding of my feet and breath as I walk and thank God for this gift. 

The emphasis with the monk’s private prayer is Lection Divina or Holy Reading. Lectio consists of reading a passage of Scripture, slowly reading it again (and again!), reflecting and meditating on it, and then talking to God about it and listening to His response (or silence). My efforts at lectio are minimal. Typically, I use the psalm from the reading of the day and think about that.

Another phrase used in the Benedictine tradition is “ora et labora” which means “prayer and work.” The work of the monks is important. Some of it is practical and some lend towards a ministry of service. Father Albert of Conception works as a pastor at a nearby parish. Brother Etienne (pronounced like ATM, but with an N) is a scripture teacher at the seminary. Brother Maximilian works in the Abbeys’ Development Office. And Brother Cyprian works as the abbott’s secretary. I have balanced my own professional work as a teacher/coach, computer programmer, and data analyst with numerous volunteer positions throughout my life. I’ve helped out at a soup kitchen, visited elderly at nursing homes, led a teenage confirmation group, did hospital visitations, did prison ministry, and gave talks at marriage preparation retreats. My favorite was visiting with the incarcerated and showing them the care of Christ and listening to part of their life stories.

Being both a Catholic parishioner of St Joseph’s and an oblate of Conception Abbey provide me with a connection with other like-minded Christians. It is a blessing to have such an extensive Church family of witnesses who encourage my faith and spirituality.

Conception Abbey’s main functions are prayer, a college seminary, and a greeting card/Christian gift store (Alter and Home).