By Madalaine Elhabbal
CNA Staff, Nov 30, 2024 / 06:00 am
Love at first sight may sound like a fairytale, but for Soren and Ever Johnson, it became a reality on the steps of the Dominican Priory in Krakow, Poland, 24 years ago. Their connection was instant, and within a few weeks, they knew they wanted to spend their lives together, dedicated to promoting Pope John Paul II’s new evangelization.
Fast forward to today, the couple recently celebrated the 10th anniversary of one of the fruits of their ministry – Trinity House Cafe, located in Leesburg, Virginia. Through an interview with CNA, the Johnsons shared how their shared love for St. John Paul II led them to open Trinity House on Oct. 24, 2014, and commit to a life of full-time ministry.
Reflecting on their journey, Soren expressed, “With our marriage, it was a gift of love at first sight and just finding our true love and best friend for life, and knowing that very quickly. Then, just given our inspiration, our faith, and the witness of our own parents and families, we saw how marriage is not a private good. It’s a gift, a sacrament that has such beautiful dimensions with regard to the community, to family.”
Instead of keeping their marriage and faith private, the Johnsons felt a deep calling to share their blessings with others. Soren emphasized, “We both felt very deeply early on in our marriage that we’ve been given this gift to share with others. And if we don’t share it, we really are not stewarding the gift as God intended.”
Welcome to Trinity House Cafe: A Place of Mission and Community
Trinity House Cafe was founded by the Johnsons, a couple with five children aged 13 to 21, who were driven by a deep sense of mission. The idea for the cafe stemmed from their involvement in the new evangelization movement, inspired by their work with Catholic intellectual George Weigel, author of a famous biography of Pope John Paul II.
As members of the John Paul II Fellowship, the couple organized various events to promote the new evangelization. However, they realized that they needed a more public platform to reach a wider audience. Thus, the idea for Trinity House Cafe was born.
After years of fundraising and searching for the perfect location, the Johnsons stumbled upon the building that would become Trinity House Cafe. The serendipitous discovery occurred on April 27, 2014, after attending a celebration of John Paul II’s canonization Mass.
Located in Leesburg, Virginia, Trinity House Cafe symbolizes the merging of faith and everyday life, as represented by the proximity of the Church and Market Street signs. The Johnsons’ vision of creating a welcoming space for the community to gather, enjoy good food, and engage in cultural and social events has come to life at Trinity House Cafe.
Since its founding, Trinity House Cafe has become a hub for mission and community in Leesburg. The Johnsons’ hope to purchase the building, ensuring that Trinity House Cafe remains a place where people can come together to share in faith, fellowship, and good conversation.
Are you looking for a unique and charming place to visit in Leesburg, Virginia? Look no further than the Trinity House Cafe + Market, a historic building with a rich history dating back to the 1700s. This building, once home to two generations of Methodist ministers, is now the flagship cafe and market location for the Trinity House Community. Founded by Soren and Ever Johnson, this community is dedicated to serving families and spreading the message of God’s love.
Recently, the Trinity House Community launched a $450,000 capital campaign to secure the building as their permanent location. The Johnsons have been offered an exclusive deal by their landlord, and they have decided to take advantage of this limited-time offer. This decision will allow them to continue their ministry to families and expand their reach even further.
One of the highlights of the Trinity House Cafe is the Trinitarian icon by the Russian monk Andre Rublev, displayed prominently above the fireplace. This icon represents the core of the Johnsons’ mission and their new evangelization curriculum model, “Heaven in Your Home.” Inspired by Church teachings on the Trinity, this model aims to strengthen families and deepen their faith.
As St. John Paul II once said, “the future of humanity passes by way of the family.” The Johnsons have taken this to heart and created a curriculum that emphasizes the importance of family life as a reflection of the communion of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Their work at Trinity House and with their curriculum is a testament to their dedication to spreading the message of God’s love and building strong, faith-filled families.
If you’re in Leesburg, Virginia, be sure to visit the Trinity House Cafe + Market and experience the warmth and community that the Johnsons have created. Subscribe to their daily newsletter to stay updated on their latest projects and events. Join them on their mission to bring “Heaven in Your Home” and make a difference in the lives of families everywhere.
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