A Version of Home

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.

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.

Worship With Us

Book a Retreat

Become a Brother

News from the Monastery & Emery House

Learning to Pray: A 6-Part Series

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

Religious Life Sunday

New Collaboration with Earth & Altar

Brother, Give Us A Word

A daily meditation to start your day.

Earth

The story that “earth is not our true home” and “we are bound for a better place” has left us alienated from the soil beneath our feet. How does this square with our wholehearted belief that God became flesh for our sake, and sends us to the world?

Br. Keith Nelson, SSJE
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Recent Sermons from the Chapel

Jesus & the Story of Everything – Br. Keith Nelson

September 1, 2026 |

Recovering a living relationship with this Creator Christ and its full implications for the creation we share is the great task of the Western Church in our time.

In this sermon, Br. Keith Nelson is inviting Christians to see the natural world and every single creature as places of Christ’s presence. The Feast of Creation in Christ calls the Church to deepen its faith, prayer, learning, and service in relationship with the whole creation.

Great Lengths – Br. Luke Ditewig

August 29, 2026 |

Speak the truth. Be witnessed. Bear witness. Go to great lengths to heal.

Br. Luke Ditewig invites us to recognize one another’s pain and vulnerability, trusting that God goes to the greatest lengths to heal, redeem, and restore.

A Man Without Guile – Br. James Koester

August 25, 2026 |

Those empowered by the Spirit and sent by God are to speak the words of God, tenderly, as a parent does to a child.

On the feast of St. Bartholomew, Br. James Koester reflects on Nathanael’s identity as a person “without guile” and on the calling of all Christians to be sent by Jesus.

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.

Welcome to the Society of Saint John the Evangelist

Recent Sermons from the Chapel

Welcome to the Society
of Saint John the Evangelist