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: www.abfconline.org In addition to a public side, this website has a members only side which is password accessible and includes the membership directory, guidelines for Novice and Director Institute (NADI) and Benedictine Spirituality Workshop and Retreat (BSWR) and a resources page. All communications with the members takes place electronically.
Archival materials for ABFC are held at Mount St. Scholastica Monastery; 801 South 8th Street; Atchison, KS 66002-2724; 913-360-6200. Contact: Director of Archives.
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
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. (The redesign of NADI which is currently in process will become effective in 2013.)
-Sponsors the annual Benedictine Spirituality Workshop and Retreat (BSWR), a two-week plus six-day silent directed retreat for Benedictine women anticipating perpetual monastic profession in the next five to sixteen (5-16) months.
-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
Supplemental assistance for ABFC membership and VISION fees
-Provides member communities a directory of ABFC formation and vocation personnel.
-Preserves pertinent items in the archives at Mount St. Scholastica Monastery, Atchison.
-Maintains the ABFC website abfconline.org
ABFC News Items for 2012-2013 Important!
March 6, 2012 by ABFCWeb
From the ABFC CORE TEAM PRESIDENT:
Please note for your budgeting purposes the projected fees for the ABFC Biennial Symposium to be held at St. Scholastica Monastery, & Retreat Center, in Fort Smith, Arkansas, April 19-22, 2013.
Fees: $450.oo to $475.00
Letter from Chair
February 3, 2012 by ABFCWeb
Click the link below to read the letter from the Chair.
The letter from the Chair can be found in the Members section of the ABFC website too!
ABFC October to December 2011 Financial Report
February 1, 2012 by ABFCWeb
Click here to review most recent financial report.
NADI Proposal
February 1, 2012 by ABFCWeb
View the new NADI Proposal here.
Important!! Registration Deadline for BSWR
February 1, 2012 by ABFCWeb
CLICK HERE FOR BSWR REGISTRATION FORM
The registration for BSWR has been moved to MARCH 21, 2012
Please submit registrations to this new date.
Thank you.