The brothers and sisters of Saint Brigid of Kildare Monastery welcome you to our community connections page. Here you will find our community blog, where once a month, a member of our community reflects on the question of what it means for them to live their Benedictine call in the world. You will also find links to the webpages, blogs, and ministries of many of our members. We hope you enjoy this glimpse into our community.
February 2025 Community Blog
I can’t pinpoint a time when I began searching. It seems I’ve always had questions, about God, where and why we’re here, where we are going, how it will all end up. I’ve always been attracted to the life and order I enjoyed while singing in the cathedral of St. Paul in Detroit as a youngster. I was appreciative of the episcopal order of service and followed it every week.
As I grew, moved, began a family, I recognized a need for that that discipline and order. I found a church home in our local United Methodist church and thankfully ended up married to Merri Lynn.
About 10 years ago, as Merri Lynn became a member of St. Brigid’s of Kildare Monastery, my home became a part of that monastery, with me in the background listening, praying along quietly and recognizing the rhythm of the prayers lived in me as well. I began to quietly discern. As Merri Lynn’s commitment grew so did my inquisitiveness. I had no idea what this meant and was happy to go with the flow.
As I accompanied her to a couple of retreats, I really felt drawn to reading the rule and wondering what that might mean in my life. And everyone was so inclusive, especially about ice cream night!
Two years ago at Conception Abbey, after a couple days finding my rhythm, the Holy Spirit gave me a nudge and I was compelled to talk with St. Brigid’s Porter, Sue. She was, of course, gracious, welcoming, questioning, and surprised. She asked if I had sought spiritual direction and I said no. She suggested maybe someone at Conception could help.
I asked around and was directed to their porter, Father Martin. He and I spoke for several hours. He directed me to Father Patrick in the library to help with monastic resources. Father Patrick found me an out-of-print document, “A Declaration on Benedictine Life”. This document attempts to “translate the lasting heritage of the Rule for monks, preserving its unchanging principals wile applying them to modern life”. I wasn’t allowed to take it out but could leave it on the desk with a marker stating it was being used for research. I came back time after time rereading this short document that resonated with me. Father Patrick would come by occasionally and ask if it was helping with my discernment. I had barely heard the word but recognized immediately that was what I was doing. One day after midday prayers he was sitting in the hall just outside the sanctuary and as I approached, he handed me his personal copy and said I could keep it, he hoped it would help.
I asked Sue for another meeting and after laying out the turning point, I asked formally to be considered.
The time as a novice and now junior has been a great period of growth for me. I am grateful to work with the monastery’s formation guides, who keep me on track and help me learn.
I can’t pinpoint a time when I began searching. It seems I’ve always had questions, about God, where and why we’re here, where we are going, how it will all end up. I’ve always been attracted to the life and order I enjoyed while singing in the cathedral of St. Paul in Detroit as a youngster. I was appreciative of the episcopal order of service and followed it every week.
As I grew, moved, began a family, I recognized a need for that that discipline and order. I found a church home in our local United Methodist church and thankfully ended up married to Merri Lynn.
About 10 years ago, as Merri Lynn became a member of St. Brigid’s of Kildare Monastery, my home became a part of that monastery, with me in the background listening, praying along quietly and recognizing the rhythm of the prayers lived in me as well. I began to quietly discern. As Merri Lynn’s commitment grew so did my inquisitiveness. I had no idea what this meant and was happy to go with the flow.
As I accompanied her to a couple of retreats, I really felt drawn to reading the rule and wondering what that might mean in my life. And everyone was so inclusive, especially about ice cream night!
Two years ago at Conception Abbey, after a couple days finding my rhythm, the Holy Spirit gave me a nudge and I was compelled to talk with St. Brigid’s Porter, Sue. She was, of course, gracious, welcoming, questioning, and surprised. She asked if I had sought spiritual direction and I said no. She suggested maybe someone at Conception could help.
I asked around and was directed to their porter, Father Martin. He and I spoke for several hours. He directed me to Father Patrick in the library to help with monastic resources. Father Patrick found me an out-of-print document, “A Declaration on Benedictine Life”. This document attempts to “translate the lasting heritage of the Rule for monks, preserving its unchanging principals wile applying them to modern life”. I wasn’t allowed to take it out but could leave it on the desk with a marker stating it was being used for research. I came back time after time rereading this short document that resonated with me. Father Patrick would come by occasionally and ask if it was helping with my discernment. I had barely heard the word but recognized immediately that was what I was doing. One day after midday prayers he was sitting in the hall just outside the sanctuary and as I approached, he handed me his personal copy and said I could keep it, he hoped it would help.
I asked Sue for another meeting and after laying out the turning point, I asked formally to be considered.
The time as a novice and now junior has been a great period of growth for me. I am grateful to work with the monastery’s formation guides, who keep me on track and help me learn.
About the Author:
I grew up in Detroit and spent a good deal of time in my youth as a chorister at Saint Paul's Cathedral. I was deeply moved by that high church experience. My family moved to Leland, Michigan in the late 60's. I retired after 35 years with the Leelanau County Sheriff's Department working mostly EMS and Emergency dispatch. I now enjoy living on our farm with our two Australian shepherds, chickens, vegetable gardens, and apple trees. I enjoy being available to spend time with my grandkids and follow them in their pursuits.
I grew up in Detroit and spent a good deal of time in my youth as a chorister at Saint Paul's Cathedral. I was deeply moved by that high church experience. My family moved to Leland, Michigan in the late 60's. I retired after 35 years with the Leelanau County Sheriff's Department working mostly EMS and Emergency dispatch. I now enjoy living on our farm with our two Australian shepherds, chickens, vegetable gardens, and apple trees. I enjoy being available to spend time with my grandkids and follow them in their pursuits.
A Few of Our Community Members' Websites and Ministries