Pictured: The Rt. Rev. Frederick G. Fick MSJ of Blessed Memory
Founded: The Feast of St. Nicholas, 2006, at St. John the Apostle Anglican Church, Clinton Twp. MI
Constituted and adopted the MSJ Rule of Life 2009 at Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Hurst TX. Founding Father General: The Rt. Rev. Frederick G. Fick MSJ.
Motherhouse: Christ the King Anglican Church, 1300 Halon Young Rd., Liberty, KY
The MSJ began in 2006 as a way of sustaining our existing ministries with Episcopal oversight. Furthermore, the society provided a united framework under Bp. Fred Fick, whereby we could continue to seek our place within the greater church Catholic. In the years following our foundation, (not by intention) many others adrift found in MSJ a place of safety, strength, and community with episcopal oversight. When we were graciously received into the Missionary Diocese of All Saints, one part of our purpose was fulfilled. We had found our place in Christ’s One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church. As such we have been able to concentrate our work, supporting and encouraging our missionaries in their individual ministries, as well as providing a point of entry for those who are still on a journey similar to ours. Our primary purpose now is to support and sustain, the existing ministries/missions of individual members and communities, as well as provide structure and oversight to new missions and ministries as the Holy Spirit leads. We do this through regular regional chapter meetings, our Annual Assembly, and visitation from the Father General. These meetings afford opportunities for worship, prayer, fellowship, continuing education, and strengthening of individual commitment to the Rule of Life, which in the Benedictine spirit exhorts us to a life of Prayer and work.
The Missionary Society of St. John the Evangelist is a vowed religious society, which provides a context for many different types of ministries. There are currently 60 vowed and Companion members, both lay and clergy, serving in 5 Chapters of the MSJ: Wisconsin/Northern Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and Texas, together with other members in Indiana, South Carolina, and Arizona. We are further accompanied by numerous “Friends ” of the Society, who while unable to commit to the Rule of Life, are nevertheless supporters of the MSJ both materially and spiritually.
If you have an interest in the MSJ, please reach out to our Father General, The Most Rev. Father Bob Lemmon at frlemmon@gmail.com.