Anglican Communion News Service

Early this year, the Clare Community at Stroud, in the Diocese of Newcastle (NSW) closed down, following the departure of Sr Angela Solling to the United States and the move of Sr Andrea Sutherland to the Community of the Holy Name in Melbourne.

A group a supporters, with a passionate concern for this beautiful and holy place of God are seeking new ways in which this site can be used.

I was a novice sister in England when hundreds of people throughout the Diocese of Newcastle NSW came to a piece of land outside Stroud to spend their weekends puddling in mud. Without that help, the ongoing support of parishes through food hampers, and the local Stroud community, the Community of St Clare could not have even considered such a huge undertaking.

The Monastery of the Blessed Virgin Mary was truly 'built upon the foundation of' these generous people - ' the apostles and prophets'. It continued to be held together through the 1980s (I spent 1984-87 at Stroud) and 1990s by the 'mortar' of what Julian of Norwich called "my even Christians".

Who would have thought (certainly not me) that 13 years after leaving Stroud I'd be back, this time as part of a management team looking into the feasibility of using the venue FOR Samaritans staff and volunteers for various uses and to offer welcome to private retreatants, school groups (for days and weekends), youth camps and parish groups.

I am very much aware that the support of the local people remains strong and I believe many would wish the place to continue to be a sacred place in the diocese for people to 'come away awhile' with God.

The first meeting saw 14 people gather around a lovely log fire, representing various interested groups who may well be able to use the facilities. We all saw the potential as well as the hard work ahead.

We were unanimous in feeling it is important to be sensitive to the past (remember the buildings' dedication to the Glory of God), sensitive to the Franciscan brothers who will remain neighbours, and awake to the possibilities of the future.

The management committee met again on 1 September to go through the buildings and draw up a list of just what needs to be done - building repairs, cleaning, soft-furnishing cleaning and making, carpentry, gardening and grounds clearing.

The Samaritans Foundation has taken on this project by leasing the property for 12 months from the Franciscan Trust. On the Feast of the Stigmata of St Francis - 17 September - the Brothers held an open day for visitors and we used this opportunity to have a simple hand-over ceremony.

There is much to be achieved: much to look forward to. The management committee is will be organising working bees over the coming months. The first will be on Saturday, 7 October, for general cleaning, gardening and light maintenance.

Please Pray for Us
Barbara Hume
Marion Willey
Editor, Anglican Encounter
(Journal of the Diocese of Newcastle)