Support Michael & Annette Cullen
Donation protected
God calls Cullens to improbable things and impossible things happen.
Across decades and countries, Michael and Nettie have opened up their homes, kitchens, and hearts to found ministries that bring God's love, hope, prayer, healing, and direction to thousands. Right now they could use our help and prayers.
In 1966, Michael and Annette believed God was calling them to create a home to serve Milwaukee's homeless and poor. After meeting Dorothy Day and joining the Catholic Worker Movement, they began inviting migrant workers into their home, which they named "Casa Maria." Since that time Hundreds of migrant workers, homeless mothers with children, people coming off drugs, and people getting on their feet have come through Casa Maria Catholic Worker House, which continues to this day providing shelter and community to Milwaukee's homeless. (See Casa Maria )
In the early years of Casa Maria, Michael and Annette believed God was calling them to create a space for direct personal sharing with the poor. They began inviting guests into their kitchen for a daily meal around their table. When the number of men, women, and children sharing in this meal rapidly outgrew their space, they collaborated with the Capuchins to establish St. Ben's Community Meal. Six nights a week an average of 300 people receive a warm meal around a table in community through St. Ben's, which continues today. (See St. Ben's Community Meal )
Living in Ireland in the late 70s, Michael and Annette believed God was calling them to create a place where young adults could live in community and be formed in the Catholic faith. The open invitation to their house brought over 60 young adults to live with them for a month. Their home was nicknamed "Camp Jesus," a name which stuck. Attracting hundreds of young people over the next few years, Camp Jesus rapidly outgrew their available spaces. In 1985, the Cullen's responded to the Lord's call to create a house of formation and renewal by building "Emmanuel House of Providence" on the site of a 6th century monastery of St. Brendan the Navigator. Hundreds of people have found peace and healing through Emmanuel House which still operates today. (See: Emmanuel House )
In 1991, God called the Cullens back to Wisconsin, and Michael was ordained a Deacon for the Catholic Diocese of Superior in 1997. While Michael tirelessly served a number of parishes (he has been Director of Religious Education, Parish Director, prison chaplain, and more), the Cullen's opened up their northern Wisconsin homestead to host Camp Jesus stateside, which is where (as a teen who was a mess) I found healing, peace, and purpose.
Michael and Annette will be the first to say that they did not build these ministries alone. But the truth is, they would not exist had Michael and Nettie not listened to the Lord's call each time and stepped out in faith--even when it looked impossible (and arguably a little crazy).
Most recently, Michael and Annette believed that God was calling them to build a home with rooms for private retreats on the land next to the former site of Camp Jesus stateside. Once again, they have been pouring their hearts and resources into building a home to serve others. Construction on Spirit House was just completed last summer when I was blessed to be there with a group of young people from Milwaukee. There are not words to express what a joy it was to see God use Deacon Mike and Annette's gifts and this holy place to bring healing and peace to a new generation.
As you may have heard, a few weeks ago, Deacon Michael had some trouble with his heart which culminated in a surgery and a pacemaker. Consequently, Michael will need to retire from his job as Parish Life Coordinator. Concern about decreased income, medical bills, and the costs of Spirit House has compelled the family to put Spirit House up for sale.
The Cullens have always lived simply, worked hard, and given with everything they have. God has led them again and again to start homes which became places of hope and healing for literally thousands, with ministries continuing in their spirit even after the Cullens were called away. Our world is better because they've been willing to do things that looked impossible (and arguably a little crazy).
Whenever Casa Maria or Camp Jesus would run low on food to feed the many people that came there or be low on money to continue this work, Michael would always say, “Just trust in God and God will provide.” And it would happen that way, someone would show up with food or donate money just when it was needed.
For this Camp Jesus Kid who doesn't know where she'd be if it wasn't for Michael and Annette, it seems tragic for them to lose Spirit House in these first few months of adjustment to Deacon Michael's new health needs.
If you have been blessed by Michael and Annette, please join me in working to give them a few secure months to heal, find out what life will be like for them once Michael's health stabilizes, and discern what might be possible for Spirit House.
$20,000 would give Michael and Annette six financial-worry-free months to heal and discern the future of Spirit House.
$220,000 would pay for Spirit House in full.
Gifts can be given through this GoFundMe.com account or sent to Michael and Annette Cullen, care of their daughter Catherine Koerpel, who is helping them manage their finances through this time:
Michael and Annette Cullen c/o
Catherine Koerpel
5156 Columbus Avenue S
Minneapolis, MN 55417
Please make checks payable to "Michael or Annette Cullen."
Thank you and God bless you,
--
Margaret Rhody
One Camp Jesus Kid who doesn't know where she'd be if it wasn't for Michael and Annette Cullen
Across decades and countries, Michael and Nettie have opened up their homes, kitchens, and hearts to found ministries that bring God's love, hope, prayer, healing, and direction to thousands. Right now they could use our help and prayers.
In 1966, Michael and Annette believed God was calling them to create a home to serve Milwaukee's homeless and poor. After meeting Dorothy Day and joining the Catholic Worker Movement, they began inviting migrant workers into their home, which they named "Casa Maria." Since that time Hundreds of migrant workers, homeless mothers with children, people coming off drugs, and people getting on their feet have come through Casa Maria Catholic Worker House, which continues to this day providing shelter and community to Milwaukee's homeless. (See Casa Maria )
In the early years of Casa Maria, Michael and Annette believed God was calling them to create a space for direct personal sharing with the poor. They began inviting guests into their kitchen for a daily meal around their table. When the number of men, women, and children sharing in this meal rapidly outgrew their space, they collaborated with the Capuchins to establish St. Ben's Community Meal. Six nights a week an average of 300 people receive a warm meal around a table in community through St. Ben's, which continues today. (See St. Ben's Community Meal )
Living in Ireland in the late 70s, Michael and Annette believed God was calling them to create a place where young adults could live in community and be formed in the Catholic faith. The open invitation to their house brought over 60 young adults to live with them for a month. Their home was nicknamed "Camp Jesus," a name which stuck. Attracting hundreds of young people over the next few years, Camp Jesus rapidly outgrew their available spaces. In 1985, the Cullen's responded to the Lord's call to create a house of formation and renewal by building "Emmanuel House of Providence" on the site of a 6th century monastery of St. Brendan the Navigator. Hundreds of people have found peace and healing through Emmanuel House which still operates today. (See: Emmanuel House )
In 1991, God called the Cullens back to Wisconsin, and Michael was ordained a Deacon for the Catholic Diocese of Superior in 1997. While Michael tirelessly served a number of parishes (he has been Director of Religious Education, Parish Director, prison chaplain, and more), the Cullen's opened up their northern Wisconsin homestead to host Camp Jesus stateside, which is where (as a teen who was a mess) I found healing, peace, and purpose.
Michael and Annette will be the first to say that they did not build these ministries alone. But the truth is, they would not exist had Michael and Nettie not listened to the Lord's call each time and stepped out in faith--even when it looked impossible (and arguably a little crazy).
Most recently, Michael and Annette believed that God was calling them to build a home with rooms for private retreats on the land next to the former site of Camp Jesus stateside. Once again, they have been pouring their hearts and resources into building a home to serve others. Construction on Spirit House was just completed last summer when I was blessed to be there with a group of young people from Milwaukee. There are not words to express what a joy it was to see God use Deacon Mike and Annette's gifts and this holy place to bring healing and peace to a new generation.
As you may have heard, a few weeks ago, Deacon Michael had some trouble with his heart which culminated in a surgery and a pacemaker. Consequently, Michael will need to retire from his job as Parish Life Coordinator. Concern about decreased income, medical bills, and the costs of Spirit House has compelled the family to put Spirit House up for sale.
The Cullens have always lived simply, worked hard, and given with everything they have. God has led them again and again to start homes which became places of hope and healing for literally thousands, with ministries continuing in their spirit even after the Cullens were called away. Our world is better because they've been willing to do things that looked impossible (and arguably a little crazy).
Whenever Casa Maria or Camp Jesus would run low on food to feed the many people that came there or be low on money to continue this work, Michael would always say, “Just trust in God and God will provide.” And it would happen that way, someone would show up with food or donate money just when it was needed.
For this Camp Jesus Kid who doesn't know where she'd be if it wasn't for Michael and Annette, it seems tragic for them to lose Spirit House in these first few months of adjustment to Deacon Michael's new health needs.
If you have been blessed by Michael and Annette, please join me in working to give them a few secure months to heal, find out what life will be like for them once Michael's health stabilizes, and discern what might be possible for Spirit House.
$20,000 would give Michael and Annette six financial-worry-free months to heal and discern the future of Spirit House.
$220,000 would pay for Spirit House in full.
Gifts can be given through this GoFundMe.com account or sent to Michael and Annette Cullen, care of their daughter Catherine Koerpel, who is helping them manage their finances through this time:
Michael and Annette Cullen c/o
Catherine Koerpel
5156 Columbus Avenue S
Minneapolis, MN 55417
Please make checks payable to "Michael or Annette Cullen."
Thank you and God bless you,
--
Margaret Rhody
One Camp Jesus Kid who doesn't know where she'd be if it wasn't for Michael and Annette Cullen
Organizer and beneficiary
Margaret Rhody
Organizer
Saint Francis, WI
Michael & Annette Cullen
Beneficiary