Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q.)
What is your return policy?Do monks really bake the bread?
Where does the money from Monks Bread.com goes to?
What other products are made by Monks or available from the Abbey of the Genesee?
How can I buy Monks Bread?
What are the ingredients of MonksBread?
Where do the Monks live?
How can I experience the solitude life of a Monk?
What books can I read to learn more about Monks?
Who can I contact if I want more information about Monks life?
What is your return policy?
If you are not completely satisfied please contact us and we will make things right.
Do monks really bake the bread?
Monks' Bread is a unique product made by Trappist monks. Our bakery operation helps to support ourselves and to assist many charities. To respond to the demand for our bread, now known as Monks' Bread, a large modern bakery was set in operation. Today that bakery, continually upgraded and improved, is producing five varieties of Monks' Bread: White, Whole Wheat, Raisin with cinnamon, Sunflower with rolled Oats, and Maple-Cinnamon.
Where does the money from Monks Bread.com goes to?
Monks' Bread is part of a non-profit religious corporation called the Abbey of the Genesee. It provides for immediate support and for the financial future of the monastery. The sales of Monks' Bread directly supports the housing, land, equipment and medical expenses of more than 30 Monks that live here at the Abbey. Every week, hundreds of loaves of Monks' Bread are donated to various charitable agencies in the greater Rochester area and in our local Livingston County. We also sponsor monasteries in Nigeria and Brazil.
What other products are made by Monks or available from the Abbey of the Genesee?
Our Abbey store is open from 8:00AM to 6:30PM. Along with our freshly baked Monks' Bread and fruit cakes and other cakes and bake goods,we offer a wide variety of other food products made by Trappist (monks) and Trappistine (nuns) communities: Trappist Preserves made by the monks of St. Joseph Abbey in Spencer, Massachusetts. Monastery Creamed Honey (in a various flavors) produced by the sisters at Redwoods Monastery in Whitethorn California, and the monks of Holy Cross Abbey in Berryville, VA. Premium chocolates and other candy products made by the sisters at Mt. St. Mary's Abbey in Wrentham, MA.
How can I buy Monks Bread?
Monks' Bread is sold to a local distributor for distribution to supermarkets mainly in western New York but other area of the state and in some parts bordering Pennsylvania. If it is not available in your store you might ask the store manager to carry it. Monks' Bread is also available at our Abbey Store which is open from 8:00 AM to 7:00PM.. We are open to ship Monks' Bread to any where in the world. The on-line store is presently set-up to ship only in the U.S.A. However, we have shipped to other countries. Please email or call us for any special shipping requests.
What are the ingredients of MonksBread?
Monks' Bread is a specialty loaf in which only the finest ingredients are used and baked according to the old-fashioned fermentation process. The monks rise early every day at 2:10 AM. On bake-days some of the monks go right to the bakery after our first prayers in church. Eventually more monks make their way to the bakery as the baekry process demands. Hopefully by 11:00AM the last freshly baked loaf is in its bag and ready to be trucked to our distributor that same day.
Where do the Monks live?
The monks at the Abbey of the Genesee located in the beautiful Genesee Valley in western New York. The Abbey is near, the town of Geneseo, along the winding banks of the Genesee River. Our life is a mix of prayer, work and spiritual reading. We operate a bakery and farm to support ourselves and to assist various charities. We also offer retreats to those looking to spend some quiet time with us and to join us in prayer.
How can I experience the solitude life of a Monk?
You can make a reservation to stay at one of our guest houses. Or just stop by the abbey to make a visit. We have an Abbey store which has religious books, tapes and dvds, plus our freshly baked Monks' Bread with other food items produced here at the abbey and at other monasteries of our Order. The Abbey store is open from 8:00AM to 7:00PM. If you have any questions you can call us at 1 585 243-0660.
http://www.geneseeabbey.org/retreats-new.html
What books can I read to learn more about Monks?
For more information about the Cistercians read "The Cistercians: An Introductory History" by M. Basil Pennington, O.C.S.O.
Who can I contact if I want more information about Monks life?
Please contact our vocation director, Br. Anthony at Vocations@Geneseeabbey.org or call 1-(585)243-0660 ext. 19