Thursday, October 15, 2026 //
This November, St. Stephen’s Church welcomes Brothers from the Society of St. John the Evangelist (SSJE) for a
special weekend of prayer, learning, worship, and fellowship.
SSJE is a monastic community for men in the Episcopal Church in Cambridge, Massachusetts whose Brothers live an ordered life of prayer, worship, and service. Founded in Oxford, England, in 1866, the Society’s ministries today include preaching, teaching, spiritual direction, and leading retreats.
SATURDAY RETREAT: Finding God in Everyday Life
Saturday, November 7 // 9:00 AM–12:00 PM
Prayer is the heartbeat of our relationship with God in Christ. Yet building a regular rhythm of prayer can be deeply challenging amid the demands and distractions of contemporary life. During this half-day retreat, Brothers Keith and Jack of the SSJE will share practical wisdom for weaving the practice of prayer into the whole of life.
SUNDAY WITH THE BROTHERS
Sunday, November 8
Our time with SSJE continues on Sunday as the Brothers join us throughout the morning:
8:00 & 10:15 AM Worship
The Brothers have been invite to preach at both Sunday services.
9:00 AM Adult Forum | Episcopal Monasticism
November’s Adult Formation theme is Episcopal Monasticism. At our regular Sunday forum, the Brothers will introduce us to the Episcopal monastic tradition and offer a glimpse into the rhythms, commitments, and spiritual practices of life in a religious community.Far from a cloistered life, the Brothers’ monastic vocation also takes them into the wider world through active ministries of preaching, teaching, spiritual direction, and retreat leadership. Come learn how a life rooted in prayer and community shapes their ministry—and what the wisdom of the monastic tradition might offer each of us in our own lives of faith.
Fellowship following 10:15 AM Worship
Stay after worship for fellowship and an opportunity to visit informally with the Brothers.
ABOUT SSJE
The Society of St. John the Evangelist is a monastic community for men in the Episcopal Church. SSJE Brothers make vows of poverty, celibacy, and obedience and share an ordered life of prayer, worship, and service in community. The Society’s monastery and guesthouse are located just outside Harvard Square in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where the Brothers welcome guests for worship, retreats, and spiritual renewal.
Learn more: https://www.ssje.org/
