Intentional Communities - A Project of the FIC
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Formed: 1951 Established: 1951
Abbey of the Genesee
Piffard, New York,
United States
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 A Roman Catholic community of monks wholly ordered to contemplation belonging to the Cistercian Order of the Strict Observance, more commonly known as Trappists. The monks are dedicated to the worship of God in a hidden life within the monastery following the Rule of St. Benedict. They lead a life of solitude and silence, prayer and penance in a joyful spirit of faith. The monastic community supports itself by the common work of baking Monks'Bread. In addition, the brothers help out on the farm and with cooking, laundry, cleaning, hospitality, formation of new members, and care of the sick and elderly of the community. The community is cloistered and has no outside ministry. Guests are received for quiet, private retreats at the retreat house. The monastic day begins with vigils at 2:25 a.m. and ends with compline at 6:40 p.m. Throughout the day there is a good balance between prayer, reading, and work, all lived in fraternal love and support. Silence is practiced seriously. The brothers speak only when necessary and then as briefly as possible. Some of the brothers are priests; most are not. At the end of their formation program candidates take the monastic vows and remain with the community for the rest of their lives.
 
Contact:
Br. Anthony Weber
Abbey of the Genesee
3258 River Rd
Piffard, New York 14533-0900 United States
Phone: 585-243-0660, 585-243-0661
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Former/Other Names: Our Lady of the Genesee
Last Updated:10/1/2008
 
Visitors Accepted
Visitor Process: The reception room is open from 2:10 AM until 7:00 PM. Visitors are welcome anytime. They may visit the Abbey Church, our bookstore and our Monks' Bread outlet. Arrangements for group visits for a presentation on monastic life can be made by calling the Abbey at (585)243-0660.
Population
Adult Members:
33
Open to new adults:
Yes
Open to new children:
No
Gender Balance:
100% M 0% F
Age Focus:
Young Adults
Age Restrictions:
Yes
Which Ages Restricted:
Seniors
Government
Decision Making:
By the community leader
Identified Leader:
Yes
Leadership Core Group:
Yes
(The monastic council assists the abbot.)
Labor and Money
Financial Style:
100% income sharing
Open to Members with Pre-existing Debt:
Yes
Labor Contribution:
Expected
(Our community work is baking Monks' Bread and all able bodied members work in the bakery.)
Join Fee:
No
Regular Fees:
No
Land and Buildings
Rural
Area:
2400 acres (971.2 hectares)
Land Owned By:
The community
Number of Residences:
3
(Three guest houses in addition to the Abbey)
Food, etc.
Percentage of Food Grown:
1-5%
Share Community Meals:
Nearly all meals
Dietary Choice or Restrictions:
We all share a common diet
Dietary Practice:
Vegetarian only
Alcohol Use:
Used occasionally
Tobacco Use:
Prohibited
Social Factors
Restrictions on Romantic Relationships (between consenting adults):
Yes
Shared Spiritual Path:
Yes
Which Spiritual Path(s):
Roman Catholic
 
 
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Comment from OPraem on 7/22/2007 (Reader Rating: 4)
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I was at Genesse only once for about two hrs. I had a conversation with the Abbot and a friend who was at that time a novice. The surrounding, the peace and the prayer speak to a community that is open, caring and concerned. Centered on the One who has called them there.

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