The Community of the Mother of Jesus

Ministries: Br. Stephen works with the homeless and as a caregiver for elderly persons confined to their own homes. Br. Stephen also provides spiritual direction, serves as the parish archivist for the Episcopal Church of the Atonement, and is the assistant master of ceremonies for the 11 a.m. choral mass most Sundays.

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Parish: The Episcopal Church of the Atonement, Chicago, Illinois

Patron Saint: St. Aelred of Rievaulx

Marian Title: Our Mother of Perpetual Help

(he/him/his)

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As a gay man and a former Roman Catholic priest, starting a new religious order was the furthest thing from my mind when I was received into the Episcopal Church. I was totally caught off guard while sitting in church one Sunday when I felt a flaming fire in my heart leading me to start this religious community. It took five years of much prayer, discernment, dialogue and work for the Community of the Mother of Jesus to be inaugurated on 1 April 2011. Being part of a community in honor of the Mother of Jesus, and having as our mission to serve the neighbors who are in need helps me to be more faithful to my baptismal promises. I love our unique vows of Justice, Tenderness, Humility, and Contemplation. They call me to be a loving servant of others.