Rogers couple opens up their second home for ministry

Parishioners say house for prayer was found and furnished through prayers

Published: July 28, 2012

By Alesia Schaefer
Rogers Correspondent

Alesia Schaefer

Patti and Rick Brunner, parishioners at St. Vincent de Paul Church in Rogers, stand in front of Patriarch House. They bought, remodeled and dedicated the ministry house adjacent to the church in the fall of 2011.

Alesia Schaefer

ROGERS -- For some couples in their golden years, purchasing a second home on the beach or at the lake is a lifelong dream. Rick and Patti Brunner, members of St. Vincent de Paul Church in Rogers, are no different. It's just that the location of their second home might surprise a few folks.

The Brunner's home away from home is the Patriarch House, a ministry house located less than a block from their church. Affectionately called the "river cabin" by the Brunners because of the reference in Ezekiel 47 to being approximately 1,000 cubits, or in their case .3 miles, from the tabernacle, the house does draw its similarities to a river house.

Dedicated in October 2011, Patriarch House's mission is to help bring the presence of God into the hearts and minds of the people of the parish community.

"We've opened the home to prayer ministry and small faith-sharing groups in our community," Rick Brunner said.

"The close location allows us to be available to minister to people seeking help, guidance and God's presence," Patti Brunner added.

The Brunners, who are retired, have three daughters, two sons-in-law and two grandchildren. One son-in-law, Greg Hines, is the mayor of Rogers and was instrumental in helping proclaim the dedication day as Patriarch House Day.

The Brunners heeded the call to look for a second house back in December 2010. By the spring of 2011, those small whisperings of God had directed their search to a one-mile perimeter around their home parish.

"We felt after looking at a few homes that the Lord was really trying to get us to purchase adjacent land to the church," Patti Brunner said. "We wanted a house that had at least one meeting area that could accommodate a large group of people. That was harder to find than we thought."

The 58-year-old house at 1230 West Poplar wasn't the first house or the most perfect house upon first review, but the proximity to the church kept the couple's attention. The private business zoning and the wood floors under the carpeting also contributed to the curb appeal. Their initial concerns about parking came in the answered prayer of a parishioner who owns the business next door. He granted use of parking in his lots. Another prayer for comfortable chairs was also answered unexpectedly after the Joplin tornado destroyed much of Mercy Hospital Joplin last May. This same parishioner cleaned and restored some of the damaged chairs and donated needed chairs to Patriarch House.

"We prayed through this project every step of the way," Rick Brunner said.

Today, after the almost four months of renovations, the house now has four meeting areas, the largest one seating 40 people. There are also two bathrooms, a meeting area with a pull-out sleeper for out-of-town speakers, a remodeled, up-to-date kitchen and plenty of storage. It has complete handicap accessibility.

Completely paid for and maintained by the Brunner family, the Patriarch House in itself is a testimony to the Brunner's trust in God. They do not rely on donations, nor is the house tax deductible.

"The Patriarch House was a dream of Rick and Patti," said pastor Msgr. David LeSieur. "In the short time it has been open, it has been like an oasis to people thirsting to hear God and be with other people of faith."

For the past 27 years, the Brunners have been involved in several activities. They are currently extraordinary ministers of holy Communion, members of the Healing Weekend prayer team and lead "Life in the Spirit" seminars. Individually, the couple also serves on the "Christ Renews His Parish" team. Patti's involvement also extends to being an RCIA teacher, as well as hosting a radio show titled, "Living Seasons of Change," with Msgr. LeSieur. The show has been airing on Paduamedia.com for five years.

"Lack of space is a factor, of course, in our parish," Patti Brunner said, "but the main purpose of Patriarch House is to build up the faith life of fellow Catholics."

Currently, the house hosts about six meetings a week. The "Life in the Spirit" series has been hosted at the house four times since it opened. Other groups meeting at the house have been the women, men and Moms Growing in Faith groups and natural family planning training.