Support the Retreat House on Giving Tuesday!

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Update- We so appreciate our generous donors! Over $32,000 has been raised for the Abbot Mark Braun Retreat House! 
 
Today, Tuesday December 3rd is the National Day of Giving! We are asking for your support to finish the final details of furnishing the Abbot Mark Braun Retreat House so that we can open soon. Since announcing the upcoming opening of the retreat house, the response has been overwhelming from groups from both the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City and the Diocese of Tulsa.

Frank Cleary, SGC and SGU alum, has been named the Coordinator of Abbey Outreach and the Director of the Abbot Mark Braun Retreat House. We invite you to listen to his message, and prayerfully ask for your consideration. Click Here to Watch
 
In addition to credit cards, we also accept Vimeo and Pay Pal- send your donation to @monksok and write "Giving Tuesday" on the memo line! 
 
Checks can be mailed or dropped off to St. Gregory's Abbey, 1900 W. MacArthur Street, Shawnee, OK 74804. Please write "Giving Tuesday" on the memo line.
 

 

PayPal and Venmo Now Accepted for Donations

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Donating to St. Gregory's Abbey has been made even easier! Donors may choose to donate thru their PayPal or Venmo accounts directly to the Abbey.  In addition, we will have both available for Giving Tuesday (December 3) and for ticket, auction and donation payments at Abbot's Table 2025.   Our ID for both Venmo and Pay Pal is @monksok.  Please write in the memo line which appeal you are donating toward (i.e. Annual Appeal, Giving Tuesday, etc.). 

2024 Annual Appeal Underway

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Update- we have reached 70% of our goal! Help us over the top!

We prayerfully ask for your consideration of our 2024 Annual Appeal.  It is our largest single appeal each year. Throughout the year, your donations and our external funding makes up 47% of our annual revenues. This year's Annual Appeal goal is $200,000! If you didn't receive a packet in the mail this past week, or wish to pay on-line, you can click below to donate. Thank you for supporting St. Gregory's Abbey!

Click here to donate!

Spring 2025 Days of Reflections Announced

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The first three Days of Reflection for Spring 2025 have been announced and registration is now open! Fr. Peter Shults will start the series on January 11th with  "Beauty So Ancient and So New: Falling in Love with the Mass Again" on January 11th.  The second presentation will be "A Day of Silence with Repentance with the Psalms" on February 8th. In March, Fr. Tom Boyer, retired priest of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City will present "A 2025 Journey from Nazareth to Jerusalem" a program based on the Gospel of St. Luke.  Additional descriptions are on our website: https://monksok.org/news/days-of-reflection.

Each day will begin with Mass at 8:30 a.m. and end after adoration around 3:00 p.m. Cost is $30 per presentation (if paid in advance) or $35 if paid at the door. Preregistration is required. Lunch is included. Register by clicking the links at https://monksok.org/news/days-of-reflection, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 405.878.5656.

 

 

Progress at Abbot Mark Braun Retreat House

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Earliest this summer, the announcement was made regarding the historic land swap with Oklahoma Baptist University allowing the return of the St. Gregory's University campus back to the Abbey. The first big project has been preparing Mark Braun Hall to become our Abbey Retreat House. Over the past several months the maintenance staff, lead by SGU Alumnus Rick Gowin (Abbey Chief Operations Director) has been busy reopening the building- plumbing upgrades, replacing natural gas lines, new lighting, repairing HVAC and massive amounts of cleaning. This week painting has started as well as moving out old furnishings. SGU Alumnus Frank Cleary has been hired to lead the retreat house and conference center.  Watch for another clean-up day!

News9 airs feature story about Abbey

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After being introduced to St. Gregory's Abbey through our food truck at the State Fair. Channel 9 came to the abbey a few weeks ago and spent five hours shooting footage and interviewing members of our community. The final story aired today, October 24th.  Click the link below to watch the story!

Click here

Fall Oblate Sundays Scheduled

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The Fall Oblate Sundays for Shawnee has been scheduled. Shawnee is scheduled for November 10th. The California Oblate Day in Montebello has been postponed.

 

Mission Monks Food Truck to Debut at Oklahoma State Fair

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Attention State Fair of Oklahoma attendees! Look for the Mission Monks Food Truck- "Oklahoma Steak Bistro" - serving up delicacies using Mission Monks Beef! The food truck will be located near the giant ferris wheel. St. Gregory's Abbey will also have a booth inside the NW corner of the Bennett Center, and we will have Mission Monks honey for sale.

Br. John Michael Nguyen Professes Solemn Vows

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On Tuesday, September 3rd, the Solemnity of St. Gregory the Great, Br. John Michael Nguyen, OSB professed his solemn vows at St. Gregory's Abbey. He was joined by the monastic community, his family, friends and Oblates in the Abbey church and later at the reception in the Conference Center. 

Br. John Michael to Profess Solemn Vows

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The Monks of St. Gregory's Abbey invite you for the Solemn Profession of Br. John Michael Nguyen, OSB on Tuesday, September 3rd on the Solemnity of St. Gregory the Great, in the Abbey Church.  The Mass and Solemn Profession will also be livestreamed for those unable to attend at https://stgreg-shaw.solutiosoftware.com/pray-with-us/liturgies

Cattle Herd Restoration

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Over the past couple of months, the Abbey has lost several cattle due to vandals. The police are investigating these incidents. Meanwhile, the Abbey has lost approximately $25,000-$30,000 worth of beef.  Generous folks have asked to donate to help the monastery recoup some of these losses. If you wish to help click the link below! Your generosity is very much appreciated and will help our monastic community to continue its mission!

Donate Now

Silver Jubilee

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Br. George Hubl, OSB celebrated his Silver Jubilee as a Monk at Mass and a reception on Saturday, August 3rd at St. Gregory's Abbey. 

Br. George made his simple profession of vows on August 6, 1999, his solemn profession on August 6, 2002 and his Silver Jubilee on August 6, 2024. 
 
During Mass, Br. George renewed his vows and also gave a special reflection. In attendance were his parents David and Elizabeth Hubl of Norman, his brothers Aaron, Anton and Albert, Fr. Joseph Irwin of his home parish of St. Joseph-Norman, the monastic community of St. Gregory's Abbey, Oblates of St. Gregory's Abbey and many other friends and family members. 

Around the World With the Blessed Mother

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Fr. Peter Shults, OSB will present - Around the World with the Blessed Mother- on Saturday, September 28th at St. Gregory's Abbey.
 
Many of us are familiar and even devoted to one of several apparitions of the Blessed Mother. We know her as Our Lady of Guadalupe, Our Lady of Lourdes, Our Lady of Fatima, and even Our Lady of Knock; but did you know that these are not the only Marian apparitions around the world? Come and be our guest at the Abbey for the September Day of Reflection, as we explore lesser known, approved Marian devotions from across the globe. Learn how the Blessed Mother always points and shows the entire world how to be more devoted and a better disciple of her Son regardless of location, race, ethnicity, or language.
 
Cost is $30 (if prepaid) or $35 if paid at the door. Lunch is included. Preregistration is required. The day begins with Mass at 8:30 a.m. in the Abbey Church and ends after adoration around 3:00 p.m.
 
To register click on the link below or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
 

Alumni Campus Spruce-Up Day Scheduled!

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Attention Alumni! We are having a special campus spruce-up day just for you! Join us on August 31st starting at 8 a.m. for both INDOOR and outdoor work! 

Please contact Theresa at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 405.878.5296 to sign-up. We need a good headcount for lunch and refreshments.
 
 

Oklahoma Baptist University and St. Gregory’s Abbey Announce Land Exchange Deal

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On behalf of the monks, I happily share some historic and exciting news from the Abbey on this Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the 147th anniversary of the beginning of the liturgical life of our community. The entirety of the former campus of St. Gregory's High School, College and University once again is dedicated to the life and ministries of the monks of St. Gregory's Abbey!

Over the last two years, we have been in quiet conversations with the leadership of Oklahoma Baptist University as to how we might work together for the betterment of our complementary missions. Through these conversations, we discerned a path by which the Abbey could exchange part of our undeveloped pastureland for the grounds and facilities that for some 120 years had served the legacy and ministries of our monastic community. We prayerfully considered both the opportunities and the risks that such an exchange could present, and now are thrilled that the exchange has taken place.
 
Our work now begins in earnest as we seek to restore these historic grounds and facilities to their former splendor and even improve them to welcome many others to share in our life and service to the Kingdom of God! We invite our many oblates, alumni and friends to be part of making history through this exciting transformation and look forward to announcing ways in which you can help!
If you would like to start today with a financial contribution, you can do so here. Gifts will be used to cover the expenses of the first months of this transition - including equipment, building repairs, insurance and utility services.
 
 
To read entire press release: Click here
 

Pentecost Picnic Alumni Gathering - May 19th

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Alumni and Friends! Back by popular demand- The Pentecost Picnic on May 19th! This year- bigger and better with food, yard games and inflatables! Call your classmates and plan to meet at the Abbey on Pentecost Sunday. Register by clicking on the link below! Lunch is $7 per person or $21 for a family. We are serving bar-b-que sandwiches, hotdogs, chips and drinks. We need a good headcount so that we have enough seating, food and parking.
 
 
Just as important- we must have volunteers! Click on the Sign-Up genius link to volunteer!
 
 
 
We can't wait to see everyone!

Pentecost Picnic Alumni Gathering

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Alumni and Friends! Back by popular demand- The Pentecost Picnic! This year- bigger and better with food, yard games and inflatables! Call your classmates and plan to meet at the Abbey on Pentecost Sunday. Register by clicking on the link below! Lunch is $7 per person or $21 for a family. We are serving bar-b-que sandwiches, hotdogs, chips and drinks. We need a good headcount so that we have enough seating, food and parking.
 
 
Just as important- we must have volunteers! Click on the Sign-Up genius link to volunteer!
 
 
 
We can't wait to see everyone!

Divine Mercy Day of Reflection Scheduled for June

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The Abbey invites you to a Day of Reflection on June 22, 2024 presented by Jad Ziolkowska. As Catholic Christians, we all feel a special comfort to the Divine Mercy Image. However, when
we see the words "Jesus, I trust in You," we may feel our faith challenged. What does it mean to trust in our Lord? How do we grow into this grace of always trusting his Divine Will? What are
some practical steps that we can begin to take to trust Him? Our guest speaker, Jad Ziolkowska, Consecrated Virgin for the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City, will lead us in a reflection on these
important questions to help us better comprehend the beauty of trusting in Christ. Join us and allow the Divine Mercy Image to come alive before your spiritual eyes like never before as we
listen to our guest speaker for the month of June.

To register for "Jesus I Trust in You: the Practicality of Everyday Trust" click on the link below, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or call 405.878.5296.  The cost is $30 per person (lunch included) if pre-paid or $35 at the door. Pre-registration is required. The day begins with Mass at 8:30 a.m. and ends after Adoration around 3:00 p.m.

 

 

Fr. Phil Seeton to Present May Day of Reflection

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St. Gregory's Abbey invites you to register now for "No One has Ever Seen God: Ikons and the Revelation of God" - the May Day of Reflection on May 11, 2024. Fr. Phil Seeton, the Pastor of Holy Family Parish in Lawton will be the presenter.
 
The Gospel of John 1:18 states that “No one has ever seen God.” (NAB, Jn 1:18) Yet, ikons have been used in the spiritual life of many Christians for centuries, particularly Eastern Catholics. Many, however, are unaware that these spiritual depictions must be read in order to fully understand their significance and contribution to the devotional life of the Church. Fr. Seeton is a bi-ritual priest with faculties in both Latin and Ruthenian Rites. Thus, he offers a unique insight into the spirituality of ikons and the assistance they provide the faithful to reflect more deeply into the Revelation of the God. Join us for this unique opportunity to learn to appreciate ikons in a new way.
 
The day begins with Mass at 8:30 a.m. in the Abbey Church and ends after adoration around 3:00 p.m. The cost is $30 per person (if pre-paid, $35 if paid at the door). Pre-registration is required. Lunch is included. To register, click on the link below, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 405.878.5296.

Triduum and Easter Schedule

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Silence and Communion - Day of Reflection

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In today's world, we are inundated by noise making times of silence almost endangered. The noise deprives our spirits of this critical facet of the spiritual life and one that is integral to prayer. In fact, many people often comment that they find silence foreign and frightening. Yet, it is in exterior and interior silence that we are able to commune with our Lord in a deeper and more profound way. Come be our guest at the Abbey for a day of silence and recollection with Fr. Peter Shults where we will explore and discover why silence is crucial to the monastic charism. Note that this Day of Reflection will have limited conferences in order to better facilitate the retreatants' experience of monastic silence.

Silence and Communion - April 20, 2024- Moderated by Fr. Peter Shults, OSB

Cost is $30 per person (if pre-paid), or $35 if paid at the door. Pre-Registration is required. Lunch is included. To register, click the link below or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.or call 405.878.5296. The day begins with Mass at 8:30 a.m. and ends after adoration around 3:00 p.m.

 

 

Living the Liturgy: Learning from Maronite Spirituality

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IT'S FULL- to be placed on the wait list, e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 405.878.5296.
 
Registration is open for our March Day of Reflection, "Living the Liturgy: Learning from Maronite Spirituality" presented by Fr. Nabil Mousannes of Our Lady of Lebanon Catholic Church on March 16, 2024 at St. Gregory's Abbey.
 
Pope St. John Paul II said that the Catholic Church “must breathe with Her two lungs,” meaning that both Roman and Eastern Catholics form the one, holy, catholic, and apostolic church. Yet, many are not aware of our Maronite brothers and sisters, many of whom hail from Lebanon and provide an indispensable example of faith to all the faithful with a rich spirituality rooted in a love of the liturgy and a conviction that the Church’s liturgy deepens our relationship with Christ and each other throughout the work week. Come and learn about the beauty of the Maronite liturgy and how it defines and nourishes the spirituality of Maronite Catholics.
 
Cost is $30 per person ($35 if paid at the door) and lunch is included. Preregistration is required. The day begins with Mass at 8:30 a.m. and ends after adoration around 3 p.m.

Powerful Prayer in the Medal of St. Benedict

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This Day of Reflection is now full but we are taking names for the waitlist. Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 405.878.5296 to be placed on the list.
 
Abbot Lawrence Stasyszen, OSB will present "Powerful Prayer in the Medal of St. Benedict" on February 24th at St. Gregory's Abbey.
 
The Jubilee Medal of St. Benedict seems to be more popular than ever. Many wear on their necks, and it is seen incorporated into crucifixes, rosaries, wall plaques, garden decorations and
even bumper stickers. But what is the history of this unique medal, and what do all those letters on the medal mean? This day of reflection will provide answers to these and other questions and more importantly provide guidance on how the Jubilee Medal of St. Benedict and the spirituality it represents can guide and protect one through the perils of the modern world.
 
Cost is $30 if prepaid ($35 at the door), preregistration is required. Lunch is included. The day begins with Mass at 8:30 a.m. and ends after Adoration around 3:00 p.m.
 

The January Day of Reflection

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IS FULL!
 
Register today for the January 27th Day of Reflection "Discerning the Body: Holy Eucharistic and Sacred Assembly." Presenter will be Fr. Simeon Spitz, OSB.
 
The Eucharist is the central mystery of our faith, and when we partake of Christ’s body and His blood, we profess that he is truly present in Holy Communion. St. Paul expressed much concern for “any one who eats and drinks without discerning the body” (1 COR 11:29). This day of reflection will explore the real presence of Jesus Christ in the body and blood of the Eucharist and in His body, head and members, the Church. Both the Eucharist and the Church are a Holy Communion that manifests the real presence of Jesus Christ on Earth.
 
 
 

Passing of Fr. Nicholas Ast, OSB

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Rev. Nicholas (Kevin) Ast, O.S.B., monk of St. Gregory’s Abbey, died in the Abbey infirmary on Friday, November 17, 2023. He was sixty years old. He had completed thirty-three years of monastic profession and served for twenty-two years as a priest.

Fr. Nicholas was born on November 13, 1963, and raised in Colwich, KS, where he was a member of Sacred Heart Parish. After completing high school at Andale High School, he attended St. Gregory’s College earning an Associate of Arts degree and named as co-valedictorian of his class. He then completed a Bachelor of Science degree at Newman University in Wichita, KS, majoring in both English and History.

He entered the novitiate at St. Gregory’s Abbey on July 10, 1989, and professed vows as a monk on July 11, 1990.  He continued his academic formation at Wichita State University, earning a Master of Science in American History. He pursued seminary formation at St. Vincent Seminary in Latrobe, PA, completing a Master of Divinity degree. He was ordained to the priesthood on June 22, 2001. 

Within the monastery, Fr. Nicholas served on various occasions as a member of the Senior Council, assisted with the formation of novices, and for several years as Director of Oblates. His primary work assignment was service on the faculty and staff of St. Gregory’s College and University. He taught courses in American and European history, Western Civilization and Sacred Scripture. He was a beloved instructor, bringing to his classes both thorough preparation and an engaging sense of humor. He assisted with several student organizations, including as sponsor of the Student Alumni Council and as chaplain for the Knights of Columbus Council at St. Gregory’s. He eventually served as Chaplain and Director of Campus Ministries and as Vice President for Mission and Identity. Students named him “Faculty Member of the Year” for several consecutive years, and also “Most Inspirational Staff Member” on several occasions. Many alumni remained in touch with him, inviting him to celebrate with them significant moments in their lives. In addition to his campus assignments, Fr. Nicholas frequently provided weekend supply ministry at parishes throughout Oklahoma. He was an excellent homilist.

Strengthened by the sacraments of the Church, Fr. Nicholas died in the Abbey infirmary from complications following an acute infection leading to open heart surgery. Fr. Nicholas deeply valued his vocation and his close relationship with his family. He is survived by the monks of St. Gregory’s Abbey, his mother Mary Ann Ast of Colwich, KS, and brothers Jim (Tina) Ast, Steve (Jeanne) Ast, and Joe (Sandy) Ast. He is predeceased by his father, Aemil Ast.

Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated in the Abbey Church on Wednesday, November 22, at 2:00 p.m. Interment followed in the Abbey Cemetery.  Click here to view the video from the funeral Mass.
 
Abbot Lawrence's homily can be found at: https://stgreg-shaw.solutiosoftware.com/pray-with-us/homilies
 
 
Memorial donations for Fr. Nicholas can be made at: http://weblink.donorperfect.com/FrNicholas
 or at St. Gregory's Abbey, 1900 W. MacArthur Street, Shawnee, OK 74804.

St. Gregory's Abbey Kicks off 2023 Annual Appeal

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"Stewards of God's Varied Grace" is the theme of our 2023 Annual Appeal. Watch your mailboxes for your packet! Donations can also be made online: Click Here to Give. 

As each other has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God's varied grace." (1 Peter 4:10)
 
We humbly acknowledge our need for the financial support that others provide to sustain our monastic consecration and the various ministries of our community. In this 2023 Annual Appeal we turn to you for this type of vital assistance. Be assured of the continued prayers of our community! ~ Abbot Lawrence Stasyszen, OSB.

 

Fall California Oblate Sunday

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 The California Oblate gathering will be on Sunday, November 19th in Montebello.  Those wishing to attend should RSVP to Irene Gomez, Oblate O.S.B. at 323-728-6509 (home) / 323-313-5324 (mobile) or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. See more information below.

If you wish to learn more about the Oblate program contact Fr. Peter Shults, OSB at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Sr. Barbara Joseph presents "The Eucharist and Works of Mercy"

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Join us for a Day of Reflection with Sr. Barbara Joseph Foley, CST, "The Eucharist and Works of Mercy" on November 11th at St. Gregory's Abbey.
 
As the Catholic Church continues to reflect on the transformative impact of the Blessed Sacrament in the lives of believers during this time of Eucharistic Revival, we know that a Eucharistic Spirituality cannot stop at the doors of the parish. Rather, it must radiate to the outside, touching the lives of those who are hungry, homeless, or hurting. As members of the Body of Christ, the joy of receiving the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity overflows our hearts and gives us the strength we need to imitate our Lord in Spiritual and Corporal Works of Mercy.
 
Come and hear Sr. Barbara Joseph as she shares how Works of Mercy are a necessary part of a Eucharistic Spirituality. Sr. Barbara Joseph Foley, CST is the Superior for the Carmelite Sisters of Saint Therese of the Infant Jesus in Oklahoma City and Founder of Sr. BJ's Pantry.
 
Registration is $30 (if pre-paid or $35 at the door) and lunch is included. Preregistration is required. The day begins with Mass at 8:30 a.m. and ends after Adoration around 3:00 p.m. Register by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., call 405.878.5296 or click below to register and pay on-line: November Day of Reflection registration

Listening to the "Call to Action" in the Gospel of St. Mark

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As expected, it's full! We are accepting names for the wait list- email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 405.878.5296.

Fr. Thomas Boyer returns to St. Gregory's Abbey on October 14th to present "Listening to the 'Call to Action' in the Gospel of St. Mark."

Although the Gospel of St. Mark is the shortest of the four Gospels, each chapter challenges Catholic Christians to listen to Christ’s call to action. The Evangelist reminds us that our faith is not to be kept insulated, but is a light which must be lifted up on a lampstand for the world. (Mk 4:21) When we listen carefully to each of the Gospel’s three parts, we begin to hear them recount the words and actions of our Lord with a new understanding of the importance of discipleship and action in our world today.

Come reflect with our guest presenter, Fr. Tom Boyer, on the Holy Gospel according to Mark and the call to action that it places on the life of every believer. Fr. Boyer is a retired priest from the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City. He currently resides in Naples, Florida.

Cost is $30 (if pre-paid, or $35 at the door). Pre-registration is required. Lunch is included. The day begins with Mass at 8:30 a.m. in the Abbey Church and ends after adoration around 3:00 p.m. 

 

"The Little Way" of Evangelizing Our World

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Come explore with Fr. Peter Shults, OSB how the “Little Way” of St. Therese of Lisieux, a cloistered nun and co-patron saint of missions, can help us to spread the joy of Christ to a hurting world in desperate need of love in whatever situation God has placed us.
 
Our Lord sends us out into the world with the commission to “go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature.” (Mk 16:15) In contemporary times, we may wonder how we can best fulfill this Gospel imperative at home with our family and friends, in our professions at the office or place of work, and in our everyday lives.
 
Register for the September Day of Reflection now! Cost is $30 (if pre-paid, or $35 at the door). Pre-registration is required. Lunch is included. The day begins with Mass at 8:30 a.m. in the Abbey Church and ends after adoration around 3:00 p.m. Click below to register and pay on-line, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 405.878.5296.