On April 20, 2024, Br. David Relstab, O.S.A., made his Solemn Profession of Vows to the Augustinian Order at St. Jude Parish in New Lenox, IL. Br. David’s permanent vows were witnessed by his fellow Augustinians, family, friends, and students from his classes at Providence Catholic High School.
As a Solemnly Professed Augustinian, Br. David becomes one with the thousands of Augustinian Friars who, dating back to the 13th century, have committed their lives to the Order.
“To see throughout history all the ways various men and women have followed in the Rule of Augustine, in our spirituality, and have given their lives for the Church for the promotion of the Gospel, for the promotion of life and love… it’s something you just can’t put words to,” said Br. David. “Thinking of the first missionaries that came to the United States, the first men that came to the area that became the Midwest Province, and how as a younger Friar, now it’s up to me to lace up my boots and get out into the vineyard along with my fellow Augustinian brothers: it’s a great charge of how to live out my vocation.”
Br. David made his First Vows to the Augustinian Order on August 2, 2020, after his Novitiate year. He earned his Master’s in Pastoral Studies from Catholic Theological Union (CTU) in 2022 and a Master’s in STEM Education and Leadership from Illinois State University in 2023. He has an undergraduate degree from Ferris State University in Automotive Engineering Technology (2017).
Since 2021, Br. David has been assigned to Providence Catholic High School, where he has been supporting students in Campus Ministry and teaching in the classroom, a ministry he’s enjoyed and found to be a tremendous joy. Br. David’s first experience at a school was at St. Rita High School, where he lived as an Associate for six months. But Br. David comments that his first true spiritual assignment came earlier, when he first joined the Order.
“My first assignment, really, our first assignment [as Augustinians] is to live with one another, to be in community,” said Br. David. “And from that living as ‘brothers in common,’ the fruits of the Spirit that are kindled through that process then flow out into the people in the communities in which we serve, bringing the message of Jesus Christ, bringing those values of St. Augustine to the greater community.”
And Br. David is actively bringing his talents to the community – both in the faith community and more broadly through his work as an Adjunct Professor at Moraine Valley Community College where he teaches a course on Advanced Automotive Electrical Systems in addition to his position at Providence, or as a Chaplain for Scouting trips in collaboration with Catholic Scouting (Br. David is also an Eagle Scout).
Br. David continues to be ready and open to serve the changing needs of the community, especially now as a Solemnly Professed Augustinian.
“I’m open to the Spirit to see how the Lord's directing us and guiding us to live out our call, to live out His will, to serve the people,” says Br. David. “It has been a tremendous opportunity and invitation so far. And, only the Lord will know where that [invitation] continues to lead and guide me and my brothers.”
Congratulations, Br. David Relstab, O.S.A., for answering your call!