Aquileo | 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

Schedule Change: August 18-23

Feast with the Monks: St. Mary the Virgin, August 15

Feast with the Monks, 2026-27

Join Us in Celebrating Br. Jonathan, August 8 at 11 a.m.

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 >

Return

If you’ve stumbled and fallen, if your initial fervor and zeal have faded away, if you haven’t been true to your promise to love and serve God with your whole heart, don’t be troubled. Don’t waste time wallowing in guilt and shame. Simply return, in repentance and faith, and offer yourself once again. There can be no doubt that God will welcome you with open arms.

Br. David Vryhof, SSJE
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Recent Sermons from the Chapel

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.

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.

Bountiful – Br. Luke Ditewig

July 26, 2026 |

God may seem hidden or insignificant, but that does not mean God is not present or powerful.

Br. Luke Ditewig reflects on Jesus’ images of abundance to show God works through our flawed lives and families, drawing everyone to restoration, nourishment, and hope.

Facing Shortcomings – Br. Keith Nelson

July 25, 2026 |

We stand in need of fellow disciples who can show us what we can’t quite see about ourselves.

Br. Keith Nelson reflects on James and John’s misguided request for status beside Jesus and considers the worldly values that distort our understanding of authority.

Make Speed to Save Us – Br. Jamie Nelson

July 23, 2026 |

For every prayer begins from the same longing: to draw nearer to the God who is already near to us in loving relationship.

Br. Jamie Nelson introduces St. John Cassian and his influence on the daily monastic prayer practice.

Power and Hope – Br. Jack Crowley

July 19, 2026 |

We often have to be so wrong about something that it takes God to right us.

Sharing a vulnerable story of misjudgment, Br. Jack Crowley reflects on how our narrow perceptions often fail us when we’re in the weeds of daily life.

Even They Will Hope – Br. Lucas Hall

July 18, 2026 |

Somehow, somehow, even them. Lord, have mercy.

Br. Lucas Hall reflects on Matthew’s vision of Jesus as the one who brings hope to all people, including those whom others may exclude or dismiss. The sermon asks us to recognize our own contempt and to trust that God’s mercy can reach even those we struggle to love.

Welcome to the Society of Saint John the Evangelist

Recent Sermons from the Chapel

Welcome to the Society
of Saint John the Evangelist