SSJE – A Monastic community in the Anglican Episcopal tradition.

Welcome to the Society
of Saint John the Evangelist

We are a community of men giving our whole selves over to living the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Rooted in the ancient monastic traditions of prayer and community life, and critically engaged with contemporary culture, we seek to know and share an authentic experience of God’s love and mercy. We live a common life shaped by worship, prayer, and our Rule of Life.

We invite you to explore these pages to learn more about how we live and pray, the tradition that grounds us, and the call that draws us onward day by day.

Click here to watch more Brothers reflect on why they came to SSJE.

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News from the Monastery & Emery House

Learning to Pray: A 6-Part Series

Spaces Available for “The Gift of Hope” Retreat

Schedule Change: August 18-23

Feast with the Monks, 2026-27

Community News–Pentecost 2026

Announcing Recipients of the The Abiding Hope Grant

New Chapter of Life and Ministry for Br. David Vryhof

Access to Monastery and Chapel during Memorial Drive Construction

Br. Jamie’s Initial Profession of Vows

2026 Community Report

Announcing The Abiding Hope Grant

Community News–Lent 2026

Brother, Give Us A Word

A daily meditation to start your day. Subscribe here >

Attention

Idols muffle awareness of God’s presence. We can make an idol out of anything. Work, hobbies, or avocation may become an idol. When a family member or colleague or neighbor says “I can’t get your attention” or “Did you hear me?” or “Listen!” that indicates a problem. If I don’t hear the people around me, how am I hearing God?

Br. Luke Ditewig, SSJE
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Recent Sermons from the Chapel

Falling Asleep Into Life – Br. Lain Wilson

August 15, 2026 |

Her rejoicing is an important model for us: of joy less as an emotion than a response.

Preaching on the feast of the Dormition of Saint Mary the Virgin, Br. Lain Wilson considers that Mary’s peaceful passage demonstrates the sacred continuity between our earthly pilgrimage and eternal life, where death is transformed into an awakening to unending joy.

The End of Mourning, Crying, and Pain – Br. Curtis Almquist

August 13, 2026 |

We take Jesus at his word, that he has come to heal us and to set us free: all of us, in every way, in this life and in the life to come..

Br. Curtis Almquist reflects on the meaning of a monthly Requiem as a practice of remembering the dead, praying for their healing and rest, and seeking healing in our own relationships with them.

Empty the Tank – Br. Lain Wilson

August 9, 2026 |

We may start sinking into the waves, but Jesus calls us to have faith that we will find a hand reaching out to draw us up and a firm foundation beneath our feet.

Br. Lain Wilson reflects on the disciples’ exhaustion in the storm and Peter’s attempt to walk on water, suggesting that our deepest weariness can become a place of surrender to God.

Conceived for Glory – Br. James Koester

August 6, 2026 |

None can come to Christ … and go away as they came. … Our coming to Christ changes everything.

Br. James Koester reflects on the Transfiguration by suggesting that every encounter with God changes us.

To be Seen, Known, and Loved – Br. Jack Crowley

August 4, 2026 |

The beauty of confession and reconciliation is that they are always inviting us back onto the dance floor. God’s grace knows no bounds.

Drawing on the legacy of St. John Vianney, Br.Jack Crowley explores the terrifying grace of being fully known, to stop hiding behind our thoughts, and instead vulnerably expose our hearts to the divine love that seeks intimacy with us.

Something Is More Than Nothing – Br. Keith Nelson

August 2, 2026 |

Five loaves and two fish are not, in fact, nothing. They are very little – but they are something.

Br. Keith Nelson reflects on the feeding of the five thousand as an invitation to offer God whatever we have, even when it seems inadequate, that small offerings can become more than enough.

Failing Well – Br. Lucas Hall

August 1, 2026 |

We all will fail. Listen for God, look to Christ crucified, and fail well.

Br. Lucas Hall reflects on Jeremiah, John the Baptist, and Christ crucified to argue that failure is unavoidable in human life and faithful action.

While I Have My Being – Br. Jack Crowley

July 30, 2026 |

As long as we are drawing breath in this world, we can sing praises to God. You don’t need to qualify it and you don’t need a good reason to do it; you can always sing praises.

Br. Jack Crowley suggests that prayer is less about a graded performance and more about seizing moments of spontaneous praise as long as we have breath.

Tending Our Gardens – Br. Lain Wilson

July 28, 2026 |

Our brightest gifts cast the darkest shadows. When we can recognize them and name them, we can be more perceptive as to their impact on us and the world.

Reflecting on Jesus’ parable of the wheat and the weeds, Br. Lain Wilson encourages us to move beyond simple patience and actively “tend our own gardens.” By examining our failings and the shadows cast by our own gifts, we can implement spiritual disciplines that nurture health and holiness.

Welcome to the Society of Saint John the Evangelist

Recent Sermons from the Chapel

Welcome to the Society
of Saint John the Evangelist