Frequently Asked Questions

Aren’t you Saint Mary’s Abbey?

In 1857, after Abbot Boniface Wimmer had agreed to supply monks to serve the German immigrants of Saint Mary’s Parish, the monastic community was established as Saint Mary’s Priory. In 1884, Saint Mary’s Priory was raised to abbatial status, becoming Saint Mary’s Abbey. In the 1920s, the Delbarton estate in Morristown was purchased as the site of a priory. In 1956, the corporate title, "Saint Mary’s Abbey", was transferred to Morristown, and the house in Newark became again Saint Mary’s Priory. In 1968, the Newark community became independent, and took the name "Newark Abbey", still under the patronage of the Immaculate Conception.

What is the difference between a monk, a priest, and a brother?

All of the members of the community are monks. Some of the monks are ordained, and thus are priests. A brother is a monk who is not ordained.

Do you have a guest house?

Unfortunately, we do not currently have a guest house.

Are there Benedictine communities for women?

Yes, there are many monasteries of women around the world. We have a special relationship with Saint Walburga Monastery in nearby Elizabeth, NJ. Others across the country and world can be found by going to the Order of Saint Benedict website at http://www.osb.org.

Do you have a gift shop?

We do not currently have a gift shop, although Fr. Augustine stocks a number of books and Benedictine medals that are sold at lectures and concerts. If you have something you are particularly interested in, contact him at acurley@sbp.org and he will be happy to help you.