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Where are they now?

7/1/2019

Br. Luke Kral

Missionary: Kansas City & Washington DC 2012-2013

sWhat have you done since leaving ASH?
Short answer: I entered the monastery of Conception Abbey!
It was during ASH's annual silent retreat at Conception that I decided to apply. I had been thinking about religious life for a year or two, and had visited Conception before. Since entering, my time at ASH has colored my monastic experience.

What's your favorite memory from your time at A Simple House?
There are so many!

Ministry with a Capuchin friar [Br. Akolla], who was a good support and encouragement to me.
Giving steaming hotdogs to a crowd of hungry homeless people outside a shelter on a cold winter's day.
Buying donuts with a fellow missionary on October 4th for our patron's feast day, St. Francis! Actually, I didn't want us to buy donuts, thinking the money would be better spent on the poor. I mean, what would St. Francis think? But, she insisted. I guess there are times for feasting and times for fasting.
A tradition I had with one of our friends. She liked to share her home cooking, and I enjoyed eating it. She'd send me home with some of her cooking, and I'd call her up and say, "Mmm, Mm!"

What effect has your time at ASH had on your life?

I gained a better understanding of who are "the poor." I had preconceived notions about "the poor" before I joined ASH. I came to see beyond the stereotypes. I entered into the lives of people who were quite different from me. The time I spent in their homes or by their side was mostly listening. I now have names and faces I put with the prayers of the faithful whenever the Church prays for "the poor." Also, the Book of Psalms, which I pray every day as a monk, is full of references to the poor and needy, the downtrodden and oppressed.
I learned more about how to live in community. It's interesting to note the fact that the first Christians lived in common (Acts 2:42). ASH tries to live in that same spirit. The communal life has its challenges, but it's the joy of belonging and feeling part of a community that is its blessings. Now living in a house full of monks, I'm glad I had my first taste of communal living at ASH.

What would you say to someone considering becoming an ASH missionary?
Try it, jump in! Be not afraid. It's just one year, which can be a life-changing experience for you. You'll come to see the poor as they really are. You'll meet great people you'd never meet otherwise. You'll come to see them as your fellow human beings. Most importantly, with the eyes of Jesus, you'll come to love them in your heart. If you want to bring good news to those forgotten and marginalized and written off, then ASH is for you.

Watch this video of Br. Luke to learn more!

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Where are they Now?

6/10/2019

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Rachel Fontana Stelly

Missionary: Washington DC 2010-2011

What inspired you to become A Simple House missionary?
I was inspired to become a simple house missionary during my undergrad at LSU. I found myself drawn to the homeless and underserved in Baton Rouge, and it led me to search for ways I could help. My brother, a seminarian at the time at Mount St. Mary's, introduced me to Ryan and it just clicked.

What have you been up to since leaving ASH?
Since leaving ASH, I got my masters in Occupational Therapy and have been specializing in Neuro rehabilitation. So I work with individuals recovering from stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, and other Neuro degenerative diseases. I also got married! My husband and I live in Baton Rouge, LA with our two dogs and two cats.

What’s your favorite memory from your time at ASH?
My favorite memory...We took a young girl, Melissa, on a day trip around the city. She was always so shy and quiet but given love and attention by the end of the day we were laughing, dancing, and posing for these great pictures around Anacostia Park. I remember so clearly how confident and happy she was, no longer hiding in her sweatshirt, but really embracing herself. That was a really special moment. And I think it speaks beautifully to the mission of ASH - seeking Christ and spreading His love through genuine friendship and companionship.

What effect has your time at ASH had on your life?
I came into ASH at a somewhat tumultuous time in my life. The foundation of community, prayer, and pure service really changed my life. The growth I experienced there , and the witness in seeing Christ in the most vulnerable really challenged me to be brave and compassionate. In grad school, I worked in mental health facilities in Skid Row Los Angeles and in a psych hospital in Boston - the foundations I built through ASH helped me maintain my faith, but also have the patience to meet people where they are and love them. Now, in my work in Neuro rehab, I still draw on my experience from ASH. It is not easy to stay patient and compassionate with people, but I know to seek Christ in even the darkest places and sometimes my biggest job is to have the hope and light that they don’t believe is possible.

What would you say to someone considering becoming a Simple House missionary?
To someone considering ASH - do it. Challenge yourself, put yourself out there and be open to the growth you will experience! Saying yes to ASH was the best decision I ever made and I am forever grateful for the opportunity!

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Spring Break 3 | KC

4/22/2019

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Thank you to our students from UMSL Catholic Newman Center and Rolla Catholic Newman Center for joining us last month for an alternative spring break trip in KC! Aside from getting a lot of work done, we especially enjoyed having our very own 'Chopped' competition and our first-time ever Simple House Olympics! Thanks for joining in on the madness with us! 🍽🏆🇺🇸

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Spring break 2 | KC

4/8/2019

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Thank you ladies from SPO at the University of Minnesota for visiting our community in KC during spring break!! We had so much fun working alongside you, getting to know each of you, and singing our hearts out during our karaoke session...I think we uncovered some new talent at Simple House