Sister Miriam James Heidland announces discernment of new community

Sister Miriam James Heidland, SOLT, announced on Sept. 21 that she is entering a period of public discernment to establish a new religious community named Friends of the Bridegroom. Heidland, a speaker, author, and podcast host, stated that the move follows several years of private discernment.

The proposed community has the blessing of the Sisters of the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity (SOLT) and Archbishop Jeffrey S. Grob of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. Heidland has served as the executive director of the Friends of the Bridegroom apostolate alongside Father John Burns of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee.

The apostolate seeks to renew the Church by healing and expanding the priesthood and consecrated life. Heidland noted that her experience in healing ministry with priests, bishops, and religious sisters revealed a need for the renewal of these vocations. The new community would consist of priests, religious sisters, and laity working toward this goal.