Alumni Reunion and other news

The annual Conception alumni reunion was held this past Friday and Saturday. My understanding is that about 90 alumni attended. The college class of forty years ago in 1969 had a very good turnout for their reunion. I had been the prefect for most of them at some time while they were here. It was good to see them again. I always refer to those 1960's as turbulent years in the Church and also in our society. I always say that during those years everyone seemed to want something different, everyone wanted change, but not many of us knew exactly what we wanted. A number left the monastery in those years and the same thing happened in most religious communities and in the diocesan priesthood.

The Eucharist was celebrated at 4:30 PM on Friday with Bishop Anthony Milone, an alumnus and retired bishop of Great Falls-Billings in Montana as celebrant and homilist. He now lives in Omaha which is where he served as priest before being appointed bishop. At the conclusion of Mass Mr. Fred Meyer was given the alumni award for distinguished service. Fred went to school here from 1934-36. He lives in the state of Washington and was not able to be here because of his age and health. His younger brother, who lives in Iowa, accepted the award in his name.

Last weekend when I was filling in for the pastor at Brunswick, MO where I was born and raised, I got to see my great great nephew and nieces who were born on my birthday on July 7. There were originally quadruplets but one of the boys died the second day after they were born. The other three just recently were released from the hospital and are now at home. Each of them now weighs 5-6 pounds. I am putting a photo of them here on my blog with their great-great uncle. I have to admit I was a little nervous holding three babies at once but very proud of them.

Brody, the boy, is in the center with
his sisters Emery and Gracie on the
left and right.

Next weekend, October 2-4, we have an oblate retreat here. It is being given by Karen Ceckowski, pastoral associate for our Prayer and Ministry Center.

Especially if you are an oblate be sure to always check out our web site and oblate site located on our Conception Abbey web site. Click here

Progress on Renovation of Infirmary

Renovation on the 2nd floor of the infirmary.
On the left side is the nurses station.

2nd floor renovation

This very brief movie shows the renovation of
the sun porch. Primarily larger windows.

The infirmary renovation continues to go forward. We still hope to be able to move back there before Christmas. It will be a big change. The entire building will be central air-conditioned and heated. Each room with have available computer connection, antenna for T.V. and telephone availability. Maybe I will be able to move in when it is completed. I doubt that time has come yet.

This very brief movie shows the new main
entrance on the south side of the infirmary

We have continued to have very nice weather for this time of the year. Nights have been cool and daytime highs about 80 degrees. Farmers have not been harvesting yet as the crops were planted late and they are just not dry enough yet to havest.

We have this summer and fall almost completed putting all our electrical lines on campus under ground. An electrical company from St. Joseph has been doing that and I think they are planning on the switch over now in early October. It will be great to get all those overhead lines down and not have poles breaking on campus when there is a wind or ice storm.

Want to get this on line. God bless each of you and enjoy the nice fall weather.

Don't forget to check out the Conception Abbey web site -- click here and for the oblate blog, then click on "oblates' on the left side of your screen.

NEW MEMBERS IN COMMUNITY

Brother Paul signs his profession document on the Gospel book
after he made solemn vows on August 23, 2009

Brother Maximilan with Abbot Gregory and Brother Bernard
after taking simple vows on August 15, 2009

Abbot Gregory and Brother Bernard with the
four new novices who entered the novitiate
on August 14, 2009. Left to right: Novice
Craig Thomas, Novice Eric Huard, Br. Bernard,
Abbot Gregory, Novice John Bosco and Novice Samuel Backus/

The past couple of weeks have been a time of special blessings for the Conception Abbey community. Four new novices entered the novitiate and one made simple vows and one made solemn vows. Continue to pray for vocations and for the perseverance of those who have been sent to us by God. For more about vocations at Conception Abbey click here.

School has started and we have an enrollment of 116 diocesan students. This is up again from last year so that is encouraging. They too of course need your prayers so they will persevere.

Work on our renovation of the infirmary continues to make good progress. We hope to be back there by about Christmas time. A company is also working to put all our electric lines on campus underground. At least the ice storms won't be able to break the lines on campus when this work is completed.

Oblates reminder: The next oblate retreat is the weekend of October 2-4, 2009. It is on the spirituality of icons and will be given by Karen Ceckowski. Be sure to make your reservation.

Many blessings to each of you.