Kevin Driedger

I am a pilgrim on the way, trying to live my life attentive to God’s presence. Contemplative practices of silence, photography, music, and lectio divina assist me along the way. These contemplative practices encourage me to engage the world with justice and compassion. I remain Mennonite, however I do not hold this identity too tightly.

“The Christian of the future will be a mystic or s/he will not exist at all.” Karl Rahner

In my mid-life I felt the Spirit's nudge to leave my career as a librarian and, together with my wife, join the staff and resident community at the Hermitage Community. This contemplative Christian retreat center in southwest Michigan has been an important part of our lives for nearly 20 years. I served as the Director. And after four years in this role my wife and I returned to Winkler, Manitoba, Canada, after a 30 year absence to be nearer my folks.

I have a deep interest in Benedictine, Carmelite, Orthodox, and Catholic Worker spiritualties. I am taken by Brother Lawrence and his emphasis on continual little prayer practices.

Silence is a gift, as is good sound. Noise can crush my spirit.  I am often my most engaged self when I am busy creating, whether it is on guitar, with a camera, or editing videos. I am exploring photography and creating video as contemplative practices. You can see some of this on the gallery page of this website and on my YouTube and Instagram pages.

I was raised on the Canadian prairies. I continue to be amazed at how that geography has shaped me. It has taught me much about spaciousness and vulnerability. 

Recently, engaging with my community has included working at Pembina Valley Local Immigration Partnership, volunteering at Winkler Arts & Culture, and serving on the board of the South Central Regional Library System. I lead a contemplative prayer gathering every Monday evening at Covenant Mennonite Church.

I am fortunate to be married to the lovely and talented June .