Seminar
St. Benedict’s Rule for Our Restless Age
Presented by Rev. Patricia Lyons, Senior Advisor for Evangelism Initiatives, Virginia Theological Seminary
2025 Seminar Information
In an age marked by hurry, noise, and distraction, the wisdom of the 6th-century Rule of St. Benedict speaks with surprising relevance. This year’s Friends of St. Benedict symposium explores how Benedict’s vision of balance, prayer, community, and hospitality can offer stability and peace in our restless lives.
Join us in one of three communities for a rich, reflective seminar led by The Rev. Patricia “Tricia” Lyons, a dynamic teacher, theologian, and advisor on evangelism initiatives at Virginia Theological Seminary. Through engaging talks and thoughtful discussion, we’ll consider how Benedictine principles can guide spiritual seekers, church leaders, and everyday people toward deeper purpose and grounded faith.
All are welcome—clergy, lay leaders, seekers, and anyone drawn to the quiet strength of Benedictine spirituality.
Symposium Dates & Locations
Washington, DC—REGISTER NOW
St. Alban’s Episcopal Church
3001 Wisconsin St NW, Washington, DC 20016
Saturday, September 20
10:00 AM Presentation | Noon Lunch
Chestertown, MD—REGISTER NOW
Emmanuel Episcopal Church
101 N Cross St, Chestertown, MD 21620
Saturday, October 18
12:30 PM Lunch | 1:15 PM Presentation
Washington, VA—REGISTER NOW
Trinity Episcopal Church
379 Gay St., Washington, VA 22747
Sunday, October 26
Breakfast | 9:15–10:30 AM Adult Forum
OUR SPEAKER
About Rev. Patricia “Tricia” Lyons
Rev. Lyons is a professor, parish priest, ministry farm co-founder and regenerative farmer, daily seeking a baptized life that is One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic in the Episcopal Church. She is Senior Lecturer in Theology at Virginia Seminary, teaching theology and evangelism since starting at VTS in 2004. She works with the VTS Lifelong Learning team and serves as the Senior Advisor to the Dean for Evangelism Initiatives. Tricia was a lay chaplain and teacher of religion in Episcopal Schools for 20 years before being ordained a priest and then serving urban parishes in Washington, DC, eventually serving as Canon for Evangelism in the Diocese of Washington. Tricia currently serves as a non-stipendiary priest at the Church of Saint Clement in Alexandria, VA. Her interest in the words and ways of St. Benedict have guided her formation since adolescence.
Tricia served on the Presiding Bishop’s Cabinet on Evangelism and was one of the writers of the “Way of Love” church-wide program to evangelize the Episcopal Church. She is an honors graduate from Harvard College, the Harvard Divinity School and received her doctorate from the Virginia Theological Seminary. Tricia also directs a five year, one million-dollar grant from the Lilly Foundation, Inc., to study models of mutual ministry across the country. She is the author of five books on faith formation, “The Soul of Adolescence,” “Teaching Faith with Harry Potter,” “What is Evangelism?” “The Evangelist’s Breviary,” and “Thirty Days: A Devotional.” Her upcoming publications in Winter 2025, “From Rome to Home: A 30-Day Devotional for those traveling from Roman Catholicism to the Episcopal Church,” and “Observant Christian: A Manual for 21st Century Seekers”
