Trusting In God For Our Future

As each Brother follows the Lord, we imagine creating a “wake” behind us, like what a boat creates. This wake becomes broader as our evangelization touches more and more people.

Thanks to God’s grace, along with the support and prayers of caring people like you, we foresee creating a bigger wake – waves even – as the Lord changes many lives through our future outreach.

Our 9th Assembly in December was marked by a deep spirit of conviction and unity as God revealed more clearly where He is leading us over the next four years. Three encouraging areas in our future are vocational growth, strategic alliances and wider impact.

Vocational Growth

Our vocational growth was beautifully epitomized by Br. Logan’s and Br. Ray’s perpetual vows. All 17 of our Associates were in attendance. That’s the highest number of Associates (aspirants discerning our life) we’ve ever had in our history! The vows were deeply inspiring to them, our two novices and our five men in temporary vows.

“Young men see that the Brotherhood has a vision,” said Br. Ted Psemeneki, formation director. “As they discern our life, we help them to form a strong spiritual foundation rooted in the Lord, and to see if they can come to take on that vision for their own lives.”

Our formation process helps men build a deep prayer relationship with the Lord Jesus, develop a strong community life and deepen their character while pursuing vows of chastity, poverty and obedience.
 

STRATEGIC ALLIANCES

The second area guiding our future are strategic alliances. These are reflected through our close partnerships with key entities like The Sword of the Spirit, Saint Paul’s Outreach and Catholic Campus Ministry Association. Each offers many opportunities to expand and fulfill our mission.

The Sword of the Spirit (SOS) is a network of intentional communities throughout the world. The Brothers emerged from the SOS movement through The People of Hope based in New Jersey. The shared backgrounds and convictions of our organizations have led to a natural bond and strong partnership.

Saint Paul’s Outreach (SPO) is another alliance that has become fertile ground for preparing men who are attracted to the Brotherhoods’ life. A high percentage of Associates come from SPO and therefore already have fine missionary experience.

“The quality of their character and spirituality is desirable as a foundation for entering the Brotherhood,” said Br. Ted. “We’re glad to share the same DNA with SPO, and that we definitely have a common heart, mind and mission.”

Together, the Brotherhood and SPO are developing a Joint Mission Model based on the campus ministry expertise of both organizations. Once completed, the Joint Mission Model will enable SPO to more effectively lead campus ministries at colleges and universities beyond where the Brotherhood serves.

Brothers are also bringing our ministry vision and experience to other campuses through coaching we provide to Catholic Campus Ministry Association (CCMA) campus ministers.

Br. Sam Gunn’s new book, Builders, is part of our growing campus ministry toolkit and a key way for us to share our “How To” philosophy of campus ministry with new campus ministers through our partnership with CCMA.
 

WIDER IMPACT

The “fruits of our labor” are directly linked to our continued vocational growth and strategic alliances. Some prime examples of our wider impact are our work with Young Adults/Professionals, Men’s Ministry and Covenant Communities.

Our work with young professionals has been evolving over the years to meet the changing pastoral needs of men and women in their 20s and 30s who are seeking to develop a missional spirituality and deeper discipleship with Christ.

We’re also carefully discerning what our role should be in the areas of men’s ministry and covenant communities. The Brothers have a strong history of serving in these areas, such as running retreats, leading prayer and worship, and giving formational teachings.

“Serving in these venues has been a mutual blessing,” said Br. Rahl Bunsa, who helps lead the Fountain of Life covenant community in Tallahassee, Florida. “We’re also seeing new opportunities emerging for the future.” As we concluded our Assembly and celebrated the perpetual vows of Br. Logan and Br. Ray, we’re filled with encouragement and gratitude at the many opportunities the Lord is giving us to advance His kingdom. Thanks to your support and prayers, may God’s will be done!