The decision to leave Saint Paul wasn’t easy. We’d been there for nearly twenty years. I loved my work as an appellate criminal prosecutor. We lived in a great neighborhood and  belonged to a rich Catholic community.

But we – especially my wife – desired something more: life lived and shared in common in Christian community. Notice the commonality between the words “common” and “community” and “communion.” “Common” can mean “occurring, found, or done often.” It can also mean “ordinary, typical, average, unexceptional, and everyday.” And further, it can mean “collective, communal, shared, and combined.” 

Long inspired by the likes of Dorothy Day, Peter Maurin, and Catherine Doherty, we envisioned making our home a house of hospitality. But the pace of our life and our obligations outside the home prevented us from more fully developing our vision in the home.

My wife and I thought we wanted more community. Be careful what you wish for.