About Glastonbury Abbey · Hingham, Massachusetts
Our Lady of Glastonbury Abbey is a Benedictine monastery in Hingham, Massachusetts, founded in 1954 by monks from Benet Lake Abbey (now St. Benedict's Abbey) in Wisconsin. The community belongs to the Swiss-American Benedictine Congregation and lives by the Rule of St. Benedict, praying the Liturgy of the Hours five times a day and offering daily Mass to the public. Set on quiet, wooded grounds about 25 minutes south of Boston, the Abbey welcomes all visitors for prayer, retreats, conferences, the Gift & Bookstore, and a community columbarium — continuing a 1,500-year Benedictine tradition of prayer, work, and hospitality.
- Established
- 1954
- Patron
- Our Lady (Blessed Virgin Mary); also honoring the medieval Glastonbury shrine to Mary in England
- Rector
- Abbot Thomas O'Connor, O.S.B. (third Abbot of Glastonbury Abbey, elected June 29, 2013, blessed by Cardinal Seán O'Malley on August 11, 2013)
- Diocese
- Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Boston
Why belong here
Glastonbury Abbey is a working Benedictine monastery whose doors are wide open to people of any faith. Visitors can pray the Liturgy of the Hours with the monks five times a day, attend daily noon Mass or Sunday 9:30 a.m. Mass, walk the wooded grounds and outdoor labyrinth, spend a guided or self-directed retreat in the Whiting House or Stonecrest Retreat House, and join parish-style ministries like the Schola choir, lay liturgical ministries, the Oblate program, the Anam Cara women's spirituality group, and outreach to the Weymouth Food Pantry, Wellspring, and Father Bill's Place. For Catholics on the South Shore of Boston, it functions as a place of regular worship, formation, and quiet hospitality; for seekers, it is a rare Benedictine sanctuary just half an hour from the city.
Mass times at Glastonbury Abbey
Weekly Mass schedule
History of Glastonbury Abbey
Founded in 1954 by monks from Benet Lake Abbey in Wisconsin, Glastonbury began as a simple community living in a converted 1903 summer home/horse barn. The community expanded over the decades — opening a Latin School for seminarians in its early years, starting a retreat ministry in 1975, and developing housing for the elderly and economically challenged at the Lincoln School apartments (1980–2010). The Abbey Center opened in 2001, the abbey church was renovated and enlarged in 2006, and the Morcone Conference Center followed. Father Edward Campbell became the first Abbot in 1973; Father Nicholas Morcone succeeded him in 1986. The current leader, Father Thomas O'Connor, was elected the third Abbot on June 29, 2013, with Cardinal Seán O'Malley presiding at the Blessing of an Abbot on August 11, 2013. The Abbey's name honors the medieval Glastonbury Abbey in Somersetshire, England, the legendary earliest site of Christianity in Britain.
- Founded 1954 by monks from Benet Lake Abbey, Wisconsin
- Swiss-American Benedictine Congregation, part of the worldwide Benedictine Confederation
- Named after medieval Glastonbury Abbey in Somersetshire, England (shrine to Mary, St. Dunstan, Blessed Richard Whiting)
- First Abbot: Father Edward Campbell, O.S.B. (1973–1986)
- Second Abbot: Father Nicholas Morcone, O.S.B. (1986–2008)
- Prior-Administrator: Father Mark Serna, O.S.B. (Jan 2009 – Sept 2010)
- Third Abbot: Father Thomas O'Connor, O.S.B. (elected June 29, 2013)
- Cardinal Seán O'Malley presided at the Blessing of the Abbot, August 11, 2013
Mass and the Liturgy of the Hours
The Eucharist is the heart of the community's common prayer. Mass is celebrated at 12:00 noon Monday through Saturday and at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, and is livestreamed on YouTube and Facebook for those unable to attend in person. The monks also gather throughout the day for the Liturgy of the Hours — Vigils, Lauds, Vespers, and Compline — all open to the public. Books are provided in the Abbey Church so that visitors can follow along with the sung prayers.
- Mon–Sat Mass: 12:00 noon
- Sunday Mass: 9:30 a.m.
- Vigils: 6:30 a.m. Mon–Sat; 7:45 p.m. Saturday (Sunday Vigils)
- Lauds: 7:45 a.m. Mon–Sat; 7:30 a.m. Sunday
- Midday Prayer: 12:45 p.m. Sunday
- Vespers: 5:15 p.m. daily
- Compline: 7:45 p.m. Mon–Fri
- Mass livestreamed on YouTube and Facebook
Meet the Monks
Glastonbury's small monastic community is led by Abbot Thomas O'Connor, O.S.B., a member of the community since 1968 who offers spiritual direction, leads retreats, serves as Vocations Director, and liaises with Praesidium for the Abbey's Safe Place certification. Brother Daniel, O.S.B. (member since 1973) serves as Prior and Administrative Assistant to the Abbot, directs the retreat programs and guesthouses, assists with vocations, and represents the Abbey in the Hingham Area Religious Leaders Association. Father Albrecht, O.S.B. (member since 2009, ordained a priest in 2018) manages the Morcone Conference Center, serves as Oblate Director and Vocation Director, runs the live-streaming ministry and IT, and serves as Assistant Sacristan. Brother David oversees the Schola music ministry.
- Abbot Thomas O'Connor, O.S.B. (Abbot since 2013)
- Brother Daniel, O.S.B. (Prior, member since 1973)
- Father Albrecht, O.S.B. (Priest since 2018, member since 2009)
- Brother David, O.S.B. (Schola / music ministry)
The Oblate Program of St. Benedict
Oblates of St. Benedict are women and men — married or single, lay or clergy — who formally associate themselves with the monks of Glastonbury Abbey and seek to live the Rule of St. Benedict in their daily lives. Formation is gradual: a year as an Observer in the Oblate Formation Class, then ten months as an Oblate Novice, before petitioning the Abbot and Council to make Oblation. Oblates commit to praying the Liturgy of the Hours, practicing Lectio Divina, participating in retreats, and renewing their Oblation annually. They gather monthly, September through June, beginning with Compline at 7:15 p.m. in the Abbey Church followed by a meeting at 7:45 p.m. in the Morcone Center.
- Three stages: Inquire, Observer (10 months), Oblate Novice (10 months), Oblation
- Monthly meetings: Compline in Abbey Church at 7:15 p.m., then meeting in Morcone Center at 7:45 p.m.
- Oblate Director: Father Albrecht, O.S.B. ([email protected])
- Annual renewal of Oblation each September
Retreats and the Retreat Houses
Glastonbury's Retreat and Spirituality Center offers time apart for prayer, reflection, and deeper connection, rooted in the Benedictine tradition of welcoming every guest as Christ. Retreats follow the rhythm of the liturgical year — some silent, some with conferences or guided reflection, all designed to create space to slow down and listen. Guests may join the monks for the Liturgy of the Hours or keep a personal rhythm. The Sisters of St. Joseph host a summer program of guided and directed retreats. The Whiting House accommodates up to 8 guests (suggested offering $110/night), and Stonecrest Retreat House accommodates up to 23 guests with a mix of private and shared rooms.
- Whiting House — up to 8 guests, suggested offering $110/night
- Stonecrest Retreat House — up to 23 guests, private and shared rooms, Parlor and common areas
- Sisters of St. Joseph summer retreat program (info: 781-227-4730, [email protected])
- Monastic Experience Weekends for men discerning a vocation
- Advent Day of Reflection (Dec 6) and Lenten Day of Reflection (Feb 21)
- Contact: [email protected], 781-749-2155 x300
Morcone Conference Center and Host an Event
Rooted in the Benedictine tradition of hospitality, the Morcone Conference Center extends the Abbey's welcome to faith communities, nonprofits, and groups of all backgrounds. Set on peaceful grounds and easily accessible from Boston and the South Shore, the Center offers a focused and respectful environment for day retreats, conferences, workshops, board meetings, lectures, celebrations, and community gatherings. Facilities include flexible meeting and conference rooms, comfortable common and breakout areas, accessible facilities, and ample parking. It is also the venue for the Thursday evening Faith and Film series and the Glastonbury Abbey Institute lecture series.
- Managed by Father Albrecht, O.S.B.
- Flexible meeting and conference rooms
- Accessible facilities and ample parking
- Hosts Faith and Film series, Glastonbury Abbey Institute lectures
- Contact: 781-749-2155 x300, [email protected]
Glastonbury Abbey Institute and the Lecture Series
The Glastonbury Abbey Institute is a center for educational, cultural, social, and spiritual outreach for residents of Hingham, the entire South Shore, and beyond. It offers courses, classes, and lectures that promote spiritual enrichment and personal renewal, drawing on the Benedictine monastic teaching tradition. The popular lecture series, now in its 15th year, is titled 'Listening to Other Voices' and meets at 7:15 p.m. at the Morcone Center. All lectures are offered free of charge; only online participation requires registration.
- Glastonbury Abbey Institute — courses, classes, lectures for lifelong learning
- 'Listening to Other Voices' lecture series at 7:15 p.m. in the Morcone Center
- All lectures free; in-person attendance requires no registration
Liturgical Ministries and the Schola
Members of the extended community are invited to serve two-year terms as lay liturgical ministers. The Schola — the Abbey's music ministry — supports Sunday liturgy and enriches the community's prayer through music and song, directed by Brother David. Other liturgical roles include Ministers of Hospitality, Ministers at the Altar, Ministers of the Word, Ministers of the Eucharist, and Ministers of Media. A Sunday Liturgy Committee reflects on the life of the community and the celebration of the liturgy.
- Ministers of Hospitality
- Ministers at the Altar
- Ministers of the Word
- Ministers of the Eucharist
- Ministers of Music (the Schola)
- Ministers of Media
- Schola contact: Brother David, [email protected]
Abbey Outreach and Service
Rooted in the Benedictine call to prayer and hospitality, the Abbey's outreach ministries extend from the altar into the wider community — practical, faithful commitments to meet real needs with compassion. The community prepares a monthly meal serving more than 100 people at the Weymouth Food Pantry, provides lunches twice monthly at Father Bill's Place and the Claremont House in Quincy, and gathers nonperishable food on the first Sunday of each month to support Wellspring in Hull. In season, fresh vegetables from the Abbey garden are shared with Wellspring, and a community garden welcomes Hingham and neighboring-town residents.
- Monthly meal for the Weymouth Food Pantry (100+ people served)
- Twice-monthly lunches at Father Bill's Place & Claremont House (Quincy) — contact Brother Dan at 781-749-2155 x223
- First-Sunday food collection for Wellspring in Hull
- Abbey garden produce shared with Wellspring
- Community garden for Hingham-area residents
Anam Cara — Women's Spirituality Group
Anam Cara is the women's spirituality group at Glastonbury Abbey, gathering women who wish to explore the spiritual life together through reflection, conversation, and prayer. The group meets at the Morcone Conference Center on the first Friday of each month at 4:00 p.m., from September through June, and is open to all.
- First Friday of the month, 4:00 p.m., September through June
- Location: Morcone Conference Center
- Contact: Ellie Devine, [email protected]
Labyrinth and Contemplative Prayer
An outdoor labyrinth, located on the hill across from the Tower, is open year-round for quiet prayer and reflection. Visitors are welcome to walk the labyrinth as a contemplative practice of meditation and spiritual attentiveness; a meditation guide is available onsite. The Abbey grounds also include peaceful wooded walking paths, an herb garden, and the Stations of the Cross — all part of the welcome extended to visitors of every background.
- Outdoor labyrinth on the hill across from the Tower
- Wooded walking paths throughout the property
- Herb garden and Stations of the Cross
- Meditation guide available onsite
Columbarium and Cemetery
The Columbarium at Glastonbury Abbey (CGA) is a sacred resting place on the grounds, set beside the monastic cemetery in peaceful alcoves of low stone walls. It offers dignified interment of cremated remains in individually engraved niches. A niche purchase agreement enables two non-related persons to sign; each niche costs $3,000 with an additional $500 fee each time the niche is opened and closed. The CGA office, staffed by volunteers, oversees the process from application through perpetual care.
- Niche cost: $3,000; opening/closing fee: $500
- Niche size: 24" deep × 14" × 13"
- CGA Office: 781-749-2155 ext. 371
- Access may be closed during winter months due to weather
Abbey Gift & Bookstore and Mass Guild
The Abbey Gift & Bookstore offers books, gifts, devotional items, Mass cards, and seasonal selections. Mass cards (Spiritual enrollments/bouquets) can be ordered online 24/7 or by phone. The bookstore is closed during the daily noon Mass so that staff may worship with the monks.
- Hours: Mon–Fri 9:30 a.m.–4 p.m. (closed 11:45 a.m.–12:45 p.m. for Mass)
- Saturday 9:30 a.m.–3 p.m. (closed 11:45 a.m.–12:45 p.m. for Mass)
- Sunday 10:45 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
- Mass Guild / Mass cards: 781-749-2155 ext. 342
- Email: [email protected]
Vocations — Come and See
For unmarried Roman Catholic men sensing a call to a deeper life, Glastonbury Abbey offers a Monastic Experience Weekend (Come & See) where participants pray the Divine Office with the monks, share meals and conversation, and spend time in silence, prayer, and reflection. The next scheduled weekend is July 24–26, 2026. Vocations inquiries may also begin with a personal visit at another time. There is no program schedule to complete and no pressure to decide anything — the rhythm of the day speaks for itself.
- Monastic Experience Weekend July 24–26, 2026
- For unmarried Roman Catholic men discerning a monastic call
- Vocations Director: Abbot Thomas, O.S.B. ([email protected])
- Personal visits can be arranged at other times
Visiting the Abbey
The Abbey is open to all — no appointment is needed, no reservation is required, and you do not need to be Catholic to visit. The Abbey Church is open during the day for personal prayer, quiet reflection, and moments of stillness. The grounds — including the outdoor labyrinth, herb garden, Stations of the Cross, and wooded walking paths — are open daily during daylight hours. In the Benedictine tradition, every guest is welcomed as Christ, and that welcome extends to everyone.
- 16 Hull Street, Hingham, MA 02043
- About 25 minutes south of Boston, accessible from Route 3 and Route 228
- Office hours: 8:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m., Mon–Fri
- 'Let all guests who arrive be received as Christ.' — Rule of St. Benedict, Chapter 53
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Father Edward Campbell, O.S.B.1973–1986
First Abbot of Glastonbury; grew up in Philadelphia; joined Benet Lake Abbey and was assigned to Glastonbury in 1955; resigned 1986.
- Father Nicholas Morcone, O.S.B.1986–2008
Second Abbot; from Milford, Massachusetts; elected September 1986; resigned September 14, 2008, on the 22nd anniversary of his election.
- Father Timothy Joyce, O.S.B.2008–2009
Prior; became temporary Administrator during the 2008–2009 transition.
- Father Mark Serna, O.S.B.January 4, 2009 – September 5, 2010
Prior-Administrator; former Abbot of Portsmouth Abbey, Rhode Island; installed on Epiphany Sunday 2009.
- Father Thomas O'Connor, O.S.B.September 5, 2010 – present
Prior-Administrator from September 5, 2010; elected third Abbot on June 29, 2013; Blessing of an Abbot presided over by Cardinal Seán O'Malley on August 11, 2013. Member of Glastonbury community since 1968.