By Cat Kerr
Brother Christopher sits at his desk at Samaritan House fifteen hours a week these days. He feels a nostalgia as he responds to incoming calls and emails. A Samaritan House staff member turned Capuchin, Brother Christopher has many moments of deja vu, with a new twist. The main difference from his experience at Samaritan House is his clothing and a deeper spiritual connection in his service.
Two years ago, he made the decision to leave his job as the intake specialist at Catholic Charities to pursue a deeper calling to serve. He joined the Capuchins in the summer of 2022 and took his initial vows this past August in his charism to continue to serve the poor. The Capuchin Order is a branch of the Franciscan Order, which follows the teachings and example of St. Francis of Assisi. The Capuchins emphasize a life of poverty, humility, simplicity and service to the poor, following the spirit of St. Francis.
His first pull toward service came when he decided to pursue social work studies in his home state of Kansas. To continue his education, he applied and got an interview at Samaritan House in 2019 soon after graduating. He made the eight-hour drive to make sure he landed the job, which he did. He decided to stay in Denver to accompany the homeless while he was on staff at Samaritan House from 2019 to 2021.
During his first two years in formation, Brother Christopher delved into theology, spirituality and community life. Through prayer and reflection, he grew in humility, learning to be present for others in their suffering and joy.
Now, returning to Samaritan House, he is no longer just Christopher Bennett the intake specialist. He is Brother Christopher, weaving his formation experiences into the interactions he has at Samaritan House.
“I get deja vu quite a bit, in a good way. It’s different now, because I notice more people come to me. They want to come to me to talk about God and why I wear what I do. It’s a change from before. I am able to develop more relationships and help people in their spiritual journey,” said Brother Christopher.
When Brother Christopher worked full time at Samaritan House, he was recognized for his dedication and patience with an employee of the month award at Catholic Charities — no small feat with an agency has over 500 employees and 76 locations. He brings these same qualities now when he’s working at Samaritan House as part of his formation. In three years, he will make his final vows.
Returning to the work that brought him to Denver in the first place, Brother Christopher knows he is exactly where he belongs. The mission of Catholic Charities entwines with Capuchins’, to be the hands and feet of Jesus Christ to serve the poor. Being back at Samaritan House is an acknowledgment for Brother Christopher that God placed him here for a reason. This next chapter of his life offers him a unique opportunity to blend the old with the new, past experiences with the present calling. Brother Christopher’s journey is just beginning, an ever-ongoing adventure of faith, service and brotherhood.
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