Dear Friend in Christ,

There are moments in history when God calls His people to rebuild — not with stones and mortar alone, but with prayer, beauty, and fidelity. We live in such a moment now.

Across the landscape of our Western world, faith, once bright as dawn, has dimmed. Many hearts, weary and disoriented, have forgotten their home in the truth of Christ and the beauty of the Eucharist. And yet, even in the silence of our age, there are still souls who listen — who keep vigil — who pray.

Tucked away in quiet corners, Catholic hermits live lives of profound simplicity and sacrifice. Their prayers, often unseen by the world, are the lifeblood of renewal for the Church and her parishes. The Shire Foundation was born to support these faithful witnesses — to give strength to those who keep watch on the front lines of the spiritual battle through contemplation and fidelity.

The Shire Foundation envisions a world renewed by prayer, where the quiet witness of hermits strengthens the Church and draws souls closer to God. Through our support, these hermitages will remain a lasting sanctuary of peace, spiritual depth, and faithful intercession for generations.

Your support is needed today to support our hermitage right here in Central Kentucky.  The Shire Foundation has the opportunity to lease-to-own a 5-acre property in southwest Bourbon County. This property will allow us to support hermits, including Father Fister. It will ensure that those men called to this mission can restore our culture and revitalize our Church through their prayers and fidelity to the faith. The home is well situated to allow Father to continue praying his private daily mass while also providing space for communal gatherings, prayers, and spiritual guidance, as well as a workshop for him to provide for his basic needs. It is also well situated to support additional hermits as needed. 

Just as the Abbey of Gethsemane offers peace, tranquility, and strength to those in Nelson County, the Shire hopes to enhance parish life here by praying for the Catholic faithful on their pilgrimages through this life. 

Join us on this journey of restoration because we cannot do this without you.

Your support — your prayers, generosity, and belief in this vision — is the foundation upon which this work will rise. Every contribution helps us support the hermits who pray for the Church and brings us one step closer to renewal. To make this a reality, we need a commitment of at least 35 individuals or families willing to support at $100 a month. We will soon begin to fundraise for a larger capital campaign to purchase the property outright, but for now, we need your support to make this hermitage a reality. We are blessed to already have a foundation of support to kickstart our mission, but by joining us as a monthly, recurring donor, you can help us grow our impact while accurately planning for the future. 

Will you join us in this mission of hope? Will you commit to becoming a monthly donor and help us bring this vision to life? You can sign up by clicking the donate button now or mail a donation to The Shire Foundation, PO Box 910072, Lexington, KY, 40591.  We are actively building out our website to educate others on the vital role hermits play in this life—similar to that of monastic life—and how valuable they are to society. Check back frequently to see our updates!

Your support will help provide more than just a place for our hermits to live; it will also be a place for the faithful to gather and be revitalized. A place where prayers will be lifted daily and united with our Heavenly Lord and His Blessed Mother. A spiritual enclave supporting both the individual and the community to strengthen surrounding parishes and the larger Church. Your gift will ensure the sustainability of both the faith and the men who carry it forward. 

Together, we can help rebuild what has been lost, rekindle the light of Catholic culture, and help the Church once more become the soul of the world. 

Please join us in supporting our mission and becoming the foundation for our revitalization. 

With gratitude and prayer,

The Shire Foundation Board

“Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.” – Psalm 127:1