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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
2010 BSWR & NADI Registration
January 18, 2010 by abfc
Click here to get the 2010 BSWR registration information
Click here to get the 2010 NADI registration information
From The Chair (November 2009)
December 2, 2009 by abfc
The latest news and Fall update from the ABFC Chairperson, Sr. Mary Catherine Holicky.
Click on this link to read the Chair’s letter.
2011 ABFC Symposium News
November 24, 2009 by abfc
Planning is progressing for the 2011 Symposium.
Click here to read more about the 2011 Symposium.
‘You Alone Must Dare’ Information
November 24, 2009 by abfc
This booklet contains general information about Benedictine life and spirituality. It refers to all ABFC members and is available to any Vocation Director.
Click here to download the order form for ‘You Alone Must Dare’
2011 VISION Ad Registration Form
November 24, 2009 by abfc