A Community of Friendship

The OAK, as the community is known, was birthed in order to foster the gifts of Friendship, Creativity, and Healing in Her members, the larger community, and in All of Creation, under the patronage of Saint Brigid of Kildare.

Where You'll Find Them

The Order is an inclusive, ecumenical Celtic Christian community based in the Nashville, Tennessee area.

Photo of a flower

~ OAK Community ~

The Order of the Anamchara of Kildare

A community dedicated to St. Brigid of Ireland

The Order of the Anamchara of Kildare is an independent Order of Spiritual Friendship, under the direction of the Reverend Cheryl Anne Mohr.

"A friend is a loved one
who awakens your life
in order to free
the wild possibilities
within you."
    ~John O'Donohue

On Thursday, May 4, 2006, a spiritual vision mingled beautifully with the gift of practical need. This union brought forth "The Order of the Anamchara of Kildare," an inclusive, ecumenical Celtic Christian community based in the Nashville, Tennessee area.

The OAK, as the community is known, was birthed in order to foster the gifts of Friendship, Creativity, and Healing in Her members, the larger community, and in All of Creation, under the patronage of Saint Brigid of Kildare and Saint Francis of Assisi. Like Brigid, members seek always to practice compassion, hospitality, and generosity. Like Francis, members seek always to live passionately, playfully, and with deep connection. Gatherings are held twice monthly, for prayer, celebration, and the nurturing and sharing of gifts and graces.

About the Abbess

The Foundress and Abbess of the OAK, Cheryl Anne Mohr, brings to her task a true holiness of vocation: a deep compassion for those who live in exile from the Established Church, and many years of experience in the ongoing work of spiritual and practical equipping for true Christ-centered ministry in the world. Cheryl Anne is a published poet and songwriter, religious educator, and inveterate tree hugger.

Cheryl Anne also serves as the director and primary educator of Saint Brigid's Hearth Natural Learning Center at Oak Abbey. This private school celebrates children's inherent curiosity and desire to learn, and honors their spiritual gifts and graces.

Reverend Cheryl Anne was ordained to the priesthood on September 26, 2007.

An Independent Community

The OAK is an independent community of the Anam Cara Conference, under the protection of Bishop Deborah Beach Giordano and in sisterhood with the Inklings Community. For additional information regarding the order, contact the Abbess at oakabbey@gmail.com

An OAK Blessing

May the fire be in your hand, to help and to heal.
May the fire be in your hearth, to nourish and to nurture.
May the fire be in your head, to contemplate and to create.
May the fire be in your heart, to live and to love.