Mount Welcomes New Development Director 

When the Mount was searching for a new development director, Chris Jehle immediately stood out — not only because he stands at 6’1”! It was clear that Chris shares the Mount’s values of dignity for all, especially the vulnerable; the importance of education; and care for creation.

Chris is skilled in offering hospitality and care to persons in high-poverty neighborhoods through his work in establishing The Hope Center and Elevate Metro KC in Kansas City, Missouri. Thus, he understands the mission of Keeler Women’s Center (KWC), which the Mount began to serve people living in the urban core of Kansas City, Kansas. Chris also helped establish a neighborhood-based charter elementary school, so he appreciates the sisters’ history as educators and their ongoing educational efforts through KWC and Sophia Spirituality Center. As a lover of nature, Chris resonates with the efforts of the sisters to care for creation.

Chris has been working at the Mount since October 2025 and says, “I’m impressed with the depth of the sisters’ commitment to living a sacred way of life through the ordinariness of daily prayer and offering hospitality to guests. I love hearing stories of the small things the sisters do that reflect their values — such as the way Sr. Mary Grosdidier collects water from glasses and pitchers at the end of meals to use in watering plants, for example. I’m trying to connect with as many of the Mount’s donors as possible so I can share stories like these with them.”

Outside of work, Chris stays busy raising a blended family of six children (ranging in age from 8th-grade twins to a junior in college) with his wife, Melissa. They live in Lenexa, Kansas, and enjoy outdoor activities, such as camping and bicycling.

We are grateful to have found a faith-filled, experienced, and enthusiastic person to be our new development director and assist us in sharing our Benedictine values with the world! 

For information about how to support the Mount sisters, please contact Chris at cjehle@mountosb.org or 913-426-5185

Leaving a Legacy 

Dear Friends of the Mount,

In my few months on staff here at the Mount, I’ve collected quite a lengthy list of stories that portray the beautiful ethos of devotional service that permeates the community life here. Each day I learn something new, and I don’t expect that to stop any time soon. I think there’s an endless amount of these stories!  

As I continue to connect with those who support the Mount, I’m hearing your stories as well. Laced throughout these stories is gratitude. I hear your gratitude for how the sisters shaped you as a young person in high school or college, for the sisters’ care for the vulnerable and forgotten segments of your community, for the way they cared for your loved one who was dying, and for their prayers for your family and for society as a whole. 

I am especially thrilled that many of you have chosen to show your gratitude to the sisters of the Mount by including them in your estate plans. What an amazing way to say thank you! It’s also an astute investment, ensuring that the sisters’ life of prayer and service will continue to thrive well into the future.  

The Mount has received several legacy gifts since I became development director a few months ago, and it’s been humbling to learn about the donors’ connection to the Mount. It is touching to see someone’s generosity still expressed in their estate even after they have entered eternal life. It’s also beautiful to see the sisters faithfully offer prayers on the donor’s behalf, completing the circle of gratitude.   

Peace,
Chris Jehle 
Director of Development