Clear Creek Abbey
Clear Creek Abbey is a Benedictine monastery located in the Ozark Mountains of Oklahoma, established in 1999 by monks from Fontgombault Abbey in France. It is known for its adherence to the traditional Benedictine life, including the use of the 1962 Roman Missal and Gregorian chant, and is actively recruiting new monks to reach its capacity. The abbey is undergoing phased construction of its church and facilities, with a growing community of lay families gathering around it.
Key Facts
- ›Founded in 1999 by monks from Fontgombault Abbey, France.
- ›Follows the traditional monastic life and uses the 1962 Roman Missal.
- ›The choir is renowned for its Gregorian chant.
- ›Gained abbatial status in February 2010.
- ›Actively recruiting to reach a capacity of 60-70 monks.
- ›A community of lay families has begun to gather around the abbey.
Gregorian Chant, 1962 Roman Missal
- Our Lady of the Annunciation of Clear Creek Abbey
Dom Philip Anderson
Gained Abbatial Status In February 2010.
About Clear Creek Abbey
Clear Creek Abbey, officially known as Our Lady of the Annunciation of Clear Creek Abbey, is a Benedictine monastery situated in the scenic Ozark Mountains near Hulbert, Cherokee County, Oklahoma. It is part of the Solesmes Congregation and traces its origins to the Abbey of Fontgombault in France.
Origins and Foundation
The monastery was established in 1999 by seven American monks who had previously joined the Abbey of Fontgombault in France, seeking to live the full Benedictine life. They were joined by six other monks from Canada and France, and the community was established near Hulbert at the invitation of Bishop Edward James Slattery. Clear Creek is the second monastery of the Solesmes Congregation founded in the United States, with the first being a house of nuns in Westfield, Vermont.
Abbey Community and Life
In February 2010, Clear Creek Abbey officially obtained abbatial status. The community adheres to traditional monastic practices, notably using the 1962 Roman Missal and being renowned for its choir's Gregorian chant. The first abbot, Dom Philip Anderson, has described the monastic life as encompassing prayer, worship, manual labor, and providing counsel, suggesting the abbey serves as a spiritual anchor amidst societal changes. The abbey is actively recruiting to expand its community, aiming for a capacity of 60-70 monks. As of recent years, the monastery houses 60 monks, and a community of lay families has begun to form around the abbey.
Construction and Development
The monastery is being built in phases. Until the main church was completed, Masses were held in the crypt. Significant fundraising efforts are underway, with millions raised towards a substantial target. Construction on the church has progressed, with the west façade, nave, and transept reaching half their planned height and being covered by a roof. Schematic architectural plans for the remaining buildings have been finalized, and construction contracts for the eastern portion of the church have been signed.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Clear Creek Abbey founded?
Clear Creek Abbey was established in 1999. It traces its roots back to the Abbey of Fontgombault in France, with a group of American Catholic men seeking to live the full Benedictine life.
What is the religious tradition of Clear Creek Abbey?
Clear Creek Abbey is a Benedictine monastery. It belongs to the Solesmes Congregation, a Benedictine order known for its preservation of traditional monastic practices.
What are some notable characteristics of Clear Creek Abbey?
The abbey is known for its commitment to the traditional Benedictine life, including the use of the 1962 Roman Missal and its choir's Gregorian chant. It is also actively engaged in phased construction of its facilities.
What is the current status of the monastic community at Clear Creek Abbey?
Clear Creek Abbey has an active monastic community and is actively recruiting monks to reach its full capacity of 60-70. In recent years, a community of lay families has also begun to gather around the abbey.
Where is Clear Creek Abbey located?
Clear Creek Abbey is situated in the Ozark Mountains near Hulbert in Cherokee County, Oklahoma, within the Diocese of Tulsa.
Is Clear Creek Abbey open to the public?
While the article does not explicitly state public access, it mentions Masses were said in the crypt until the church was finished and that a community of lay families has gathered, suggesting some level of engagement with the outside world. Further details on public visiting policies would need to be sought from the abbey directly.
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