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HISTORY of ABFC

The American Benedictine Formation Conference (ABFC) has its roots in the Federation of Saint Scholastica who formed a Federation Formation Conference in 1982. At the 1989 Federation meeting the decision was made to expand the conference to include all American Benedictine women. This proposal was approved by the 1989 Conference of American Benedictine Prioresses, giving birth to the American Benedictine Formation Conference.

In April 2009 ABFC went on line: abfconline.org. This website will have the following features: a members only side which includes the membership directory, general information about the American Benedictine Formation Conference, guidelines for Novice and Director Institute and Benedictine Spirituality Workshop and Retreat. Fall and winter mailings beginning Fall 2009 will be electronic; surveys will be returned via this website.

Archives for ABFC are currently held at St. Mary Monastery; 2200 88th Ave W; Rock Island IL 61201; 309-283-2300; rbussan@smmsisters.org

RESPONSIBILITIES of ABFC

The American Benedictine Formation Conference is composed of American Benedictine formation and vocation personnel belonging to communities that have submitted a membership application. The conference:

-Holds the biennial ABFC Symposium to provide a forum for
Networking
Peer support
Sharing ideas
Education on significant topics
Collaboration on common issues
Electing members of a Core Team which handles the business of the conference

-Sponsors the annual Novice and Director Institute (NADI), a two-week study/exchange experience for novices and their directors.

-Sponsors the annual Benedictine Spirituality Workshop and Retreat (BSWR), a two-week plus six-day silent directed retreat for Benedictine women preparing for perpetual monastic profession.

-Facilitates the collaborative ad for VISION for Benedictine Sisters.

-Establishes committees in response to needs surfaced by the membership.

-Assists member communities by providing funds for

Partial scholarships for participants in NADI and BSWR events
Core Team personnel responsibilities
Other ABFC sponsored programs
National and international vocation functions when appropriate
Supplemental assistance for ABFC membership and VISION fees

-Provides member communities a directory of ABFC formation personnel.

-Designates a site for its archives.

-Maintains the ABFC website