Founded 1905
Registered Charity : No. 286615 (UK)
As Franciscan sisters, an autonomous part of the Society of St. Francis, our primary vocation is to live the gospel in the places to which we are called. The context is our life in community, under vows. Our wide range of backgrounds, abilities and gifts contributes to many ways of expressing the three elements of prayer, study and work. Prayer together and alone, with the Eucharist being central, is the heart of each house and each sister's life. Six sisters are priests; and three live the solitary life. Study nurtures our spiritual life and enables and enriches our ministries. Work encompasses practical domestic tasks and a wide range of ministries: currently these include hospitality, spiritual direction, hospice and theological college chaplaincy, administration, teaching computer skills, supporting people with various disabilities, parish work and missions, preaching, leading quiet days and retreats, writing, being a presence in poor urban areas, and work with deaf blind people. Some of this work is salaried, much is voluntary. Each new sister brings her unique gifts, thus enriching our shared life. Now in our second century, we are excited by the challenge of living the Franciscan life in today's world.
Name: Sister Helen Julian CSF
Minister General, assumed office February 2012
Address: Saint Alphege Clergy House,Pocock Street, Southwark, London, SE1 0BJ, England
Email: Click here for email
Website: www.franciscans.org.uk
Founded 1848
Registered Charity : No. MAR 210 254
Most people face times of transition when they are asked to let go of known securities and responded to new and challenging circumstances. As a small Community, we find ourselves in such a position, believing our stewardship of a large house is coming to an end and it is time to hand it on to others, who will have a Christian ministry The five members of the Community have found a smaller house we hope to move to in Birmingham, so please pray for this time of waiting and preparation.
What is so important about this move? We hope to maintain a ministry welcoming people to the house for quiet days and spiritual accompaniment that will meet their need for quiet reflection. Another hope is that Sisters will have more time for reading, study, developing their own ministry and time for recreation.
All smaller Communities are facing similar situation; an opportunity for discovering how Religious life might be lived in a new way.
Name: Sister Christine CSJD & Sister Margaret Angela CSJD
Leaders of the Community, assumed office April 2007
Address: St John's House,652 Alum Rock Road, Birmingham, B8 3NS, England
Tel: +44 (0)121 327 4174
Email: Click here for email
Website: www.csjd.org.uk
Founded 1921 (UK)
Registered Charity : No. 236464
The Society of St Francis has diverse origins in a number of Franciscan groups which drew together during the 1930s to found one Franciscan Society. SSF in its widest definition includes First Order Brothers, First Order Sisters (CSF), Second Order Sisters (OSC) and a Third Order (TSSF). The First Order shares a common life of prayer, fraternity and a commitment to issues of justice, peace and the integrity of creation. In its larger houses, this includes accommodation for short-term guests;in the city houses, the Brothers are engaged in a variety of ministries, chaplaincies and care for the poor and marginalised. They are also available for retreat work, counselling and sharing in the task of mission in parishes and schools. They also work in Europe and have houses in the Americas, Australasia, the Pacific, and Korea.
Name: Benedict SSF
Minister Provincial, European Province, assumed office June 2012
Address: 25 Karnac Road, Leeds, LS8 5BL, England
Email: Click here for email
Website: www.franciscans.org.uk
Founded 1911
Registered Charity : No. 800080
The Community was founded to serve Africa by a life of prayer and missionary work, bringing to Africans a knowledge of God's love. After the Church in Tanzania gained independence, and the Community of St Mary of Nazareth and Calvary (CMM), which they nurtured, became self-governing, CSP withdrew from Tanzania and now offers support from England. Much of the help is channelled through CMM to whom they offer encouragement, advice and financial support. The Sisters also collect money for some of the work that they founded, including the Polio Hostel at Kwa Mkono, caring for disabled children, and building work at the Nursing School at Muheza to cater for extra student nurses and modern equipment. At Shoreham, the Sisters offer hospitality for small day events and meetings. They are involved in guidance of individuals and have various contacts in the local community. The Sister who lives in Clapham is involved with the World Community for Christian Meditation and has contacts with people of various faiths. Prayer remains the foundation of the life of the Community.
Name: Mother Philippa CSP
Mother Superior, assumed office 30 August 1999
Address: The Convent of the Sacred Passion,22 Buckingham Road, Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex, BN43 5UB, England
Tel: +44 (0)1273 453 807
Email: Click here for email
Founded 1953
This monastery is set in woodland. The Community of men and women lives a contemplative life, uniting silence, work and prayer in a simple life style based on the Rule of St Benedict. The Community is especially concerned with uniting the traditions of East and West, and has developed the Liturgy, Divine Office and use of the Jesus Prayer accordingly.
Name: Father Colin CSWG
Father Superior, assumed office 3 April 2008
Address: The Monastery of the Holy Trinity,Crawley Down, Crawley, West Sussex, RH10 4LH, England
Tel: +44 (0)1342 712074
Email: Click here for email
Founded 1960
The Community seeks to live a common-life centred upon daily work, prayer and worship. The corporate pattern of the monastic life is at the heart of our life together; which aims to be informal and inclusive both in worship and hospitality. From its beginning, CGA has had a vibrant sense of mission which we try to maintain through our friendship with those who stay or visit, and also through involvement with people in the local area.
Name: Sister Jean CGA
Prioress
Address: The Priory,38 Green Park Way, Chillington, Devon, TQ7 2HY, England
Tel: +44 (0)1548 580 939
Email: Click here for email
Founded 1960
The Community seeks to live a common-life centred upon daily work, prayer and worship. The corporate pattern of the monastic life is at the heart of our life together; which aims to be informal and inclusive both in worship and hospitality. From its beginning, CGA has had a vibrant sense of mission which we try to maintain through our friendship with those who stay or visit, and also through involvement with people in the local area.
Name: Brother Simon CGA
Prior, assumed office 20 May 1993
Address: The Priory,26 Helmers Way, Chillington, Kingsbridge, Devon, TQ7 2EZ, England
Tel: +44 (0)1548 511 474
Fax: +44 (0)1548 511 474
Email: Click here for email
Founded 1869
Registered Charity : No. X33170
A Community following the Rule of St Vincent de Paul and so committed to the service of those in need. The Sisters are involved in parish work and the Community also has a nursing home in Plympton.
Name: Mother Elizabeth Mary SC
Revd Mother, assumed office 21 April 2003
Address: 237 Ridgeway,Plympton, Plymouth, PL7 2HP, England
Tel: +44 (0)1752 336 112
Email: Click here for email
Founded 1935
Name: Reverend Mother FSJM
Address: Posbury St Francis, Crediton, Devon, EX17 3QG, England
Founded 1861
Registered Charity : No. 240675 (UK)
The Community was founded by Benjamin Lancaster, a Governor of St George's Hospital, Hyde Park, London. He wished his poorer patients to have convalescent care before returning to their homes. The Sisters also nursed cholera and TB patients, and opened orphanages and homes for children and the elderly. They were asked by priests to help in the parish and they were asked to go to Korea in 1892. They have close links with the Society of the Holy Cross in Korea, which was founded by the Community.
Since the closure of their Nursing,Care Home, new work is undertaken outside the Community in the way of continued care, using Sisters' abilities, talents and qualifications. The Sisters live in houses located where they can carry out their various works and ministry. They recite their fourfold daily Office either together in their houses or individually.
Name: Sister Angela CSP
Leader, assumed office 2015
Address: St Peter's Convent,c/o St Columba's House, Maybury Hill, Woking, Surrey, GU22 8AB, England
Tel: +44 (0)1483 750 739
Email: Click here for email
Founded 1858
The Community seeks to glorify God by a life of loving dedication to him, by worship and by serving Him in others. A variety of pastoral work is undertaken including Quiet Days, spiritual direction and ministry to individuals in need. The spirit of the community is Benedictine and the recitation of the Divine Office central to the life.
Name: The Sisters CSPH
Leadership team, assumed office 4 August 2014
Address: St Peter's Convent ,14 Spring End Road, Horbury, Wakefield, West Yorks, WF4 6DB, England
Tel: +44 (0)1924 272 181
Email: Click here for email
Founded 1892
Registered Charity : No. 232670
The Community consists of priests and laymen living a life of worship, work and study within the monastic life. They undertake a wide range of pastoral ministry including retreats, teaching and counselling.
Name: Father George Guiver CR
assumed office 29 December 2002
Address: House of the Resurrection, Mirfield, West Yorkshire, WF14 0BN, England
Tel: +44 (0)1924 494318
Fax: +44 (0)1924 490489
Email: Click here for email
Website: www.mirfieldcommunity.org.uk
Founded 1913
The Oratory of the Good Shepherd is a society of priests and laymen founded at Cambridge (UK), which now has province in North America, Australia, Southern Africa and Europe. Oratorians are bound together by a common Rule and discipline; members do not generally live together in community. The brethren are grouped in 'colleges' and meet regularly for prayer and support, and each province meets annually for retreat and chapter. Every three years, the General Chapter meets, presided over by the Superior of the whole Oratory, whose responsibility is to maintain the unity of the provinces.
Consecration of life in the Oratory has the twin purpose of fostering the individual brother's personal search for God in union with his brethren, and as a sign of the Kingdom. So through the apostolic work of the brethren, the Oratory seeks to make a contribution to the life and witness of the whole Church.
In common with traditional communities, the Oratory requires celibacy. Brothers are accountable to their brethren for their spending and are expected to live simply and with generosity. The ideal spiritual pattern includes daily Eucharist, Offices, and an hour of prayer. Study is also regarded as important in the life. During the time of probation which is for two years, the new brother is cared for and nurtured in the Oratory life by another brother of his College. The brother may then, with the consent of the province, make his first profession, which is renewed annually for at least five years, though with the hope of intention and perseverance for life. After five years, profession can be made for a longer period, and after ten years a brother may, with the consent of the whole Oratory, make his profession for life.
Name: Peter Walker OGS
Provincial, assumed office August 2013
Address: 38 Glynde Crescent, Felpham, West Sussex, PO22 8HT, England
Email: Click here for email
Website: www.ogs.net
Founded 1861
Registered Charity : No. 244321
In the mid 19th century Elizabeth Ferard felt called to restore the diaconate of women. She was authorized by the Bishop of London, A. C. Tait, to begin an Institute to train women as Deaconesses which started on St Andrew's Day, 1861. The Bishop commissioned Elizabeth as the first Deaconess of the Church of England on 18 July 1862. The Bishop laid hands on the head of each person to be made Deaconess, give her his blessing and she would be admitted to the Community of the London Diocesan Deaconess Institution. From about 1887 the Community evolved into a Religious Community known as the Deaconess Community of St Andrew: thus the dual vocation of life commitment in community and ordained ministry in the Church. The fundamental ministry is the offering of prayer and worship, evangelism, pastoral work and hospitality, now mainly through retirement ministries. In 2011 we celebrated our 150th anniversary as a Community. Because the restoration of the Deaconess Order began with us, in 2012 we co-sponsored the celebration of 150th anniversary of the Deaconess Order of the Church of England at Lambeth Palace.
Name: Mother Lillian CSA
Mother Superior, assumed office 6 November 2000
Address: St Mary's Convent & Nursing Home,Burlington Lane, Chiswick, London, W4 1YA, England
Founded 1866
Registered Charity : No. 209261
Living under the Rule of St Benedict, and dedicated to St Mary at the Cross, the vocation of this community is to stand with Christ's Mother beside those who suffer; its heart in prayer, the Divine Office & the Eucharist are central to its life.
Beginning in Shoreditch, Mother Monnica Skinner and Revd Henry Nihill worked together, drawn to the desperate poverty and sickness around them. Awareness of the needs, especially of 'incurable children', led to the building of a hospital, marking the beginning of the community's life work. Developing to meet the needs of each generation, this ministry continues today in the provision of Henry Nihill House, a 30-bed care home with nursing for disabled and elderly frail persons, in the beautiful grounds of Edgware Abbey.
Edgware Abbey is a haven of peace which enfolds many visitors. All are offered Benedictine hospitality with space for rest and renewal. The small comfortable Guest Wing provides short stay retreat accommodation, and space for parish Away Days and meetings. All guests are welcome to participate in the Community's offering of the Divine Office and Eucharist. Edgware Abbey is easily accessible from the M1, AI, tube and rail.
Name: Rt Revd Dame Mary Therese Zelent OSB
Abbess, elected 30 March 1993
Address: Edgware Abbey,94A Priory Field Drive, Edgware, Middlesex, HA8 9PU, England
Tel: +44 (0)20 8958 7868
Email: Click here for email
Website: www.edgwareabbey.org.uk
Founded 1866
The Society of Saint John the Evangelist is the oldest of the Anglican orders for men, founded at Cowley in Oxford in 1866 by Father Richard Meux Benson. From it grew the North American Congregation and we were also involved in the founding of several other Communities around the world both for men and women. SSJE worked as a Missionary Order in several countries, most notably India and South Africa. In 2012 the English Congregation closed its last House in London and went into retirement where they continue to live out their vows.
Name: Father Peter Huckle SSJE
in retirement
, England
Email: Click here for email
Founded 1855
Registered Charity : No. 231926
The Convent at Chiswick is one of the autonomous Convents that constitute the Society of St Margaret, founded by John Mason Neale. The Sisters' work is the worship of God, expressed in their life of prayer and service. At Chiswick they care for elderly people in a nursing home and have guests. There is a semi-autonomous house and a branch house in Sri Lanka. There are two Sisters in retirement flats in Uckfield who offer intercessory prayer, spiritual direction, pastoral support and other involvement in the life of the town and parish.
Name: Mother Jennifer Anne SSM
Mother Superior, assumed office 2 March 2015
Address: St Mary's Convent & Nursing Home,Burlington Lane, Chiswick, London, W4 2QE, England
Email: Click here for email
Website: http://www.saintmarysconventchiswick.org/
Founded 1855
St Saviour's founded 1866
Registered Charity : No. 230927
St Saviour's Priory is one of the autonomous Houses which constitute the Society of St Margaret founded by John Mason Neale. Exploring contemporary ways of living the Religious life, the community seeks, through a balance of prayer and ministry, to respond to some of the needs that arise amongst the marginalised in East London. The Office is four-fold and the Eucharist is offered daily. The Sisters' outreach to the local community includes: working as staff members (lay or ordained) in various parishes; supporting issues of justice and racial equality; supporting the gay community; Sunday Stall and Drop in Centre; Dunloe Centre for the homeless and alcoholics;complementary therapy;individual spiritual direction and retreats; dance workshops;art work and design. The Sisters also share their community building and resources of worship and space with individuals and groups.
Name: Sister Judith Blackburn SSM
Leader of the Community, assumed office 2013
Address: St Saviour's Priory,18 Queensbridge Road, London, E2 8NS, England
Tel: +44 0207 739 9976
Email: Click here for email
Website: www.stsaviourspriory.org.uk
Founded 1921 (UK)
Registered Charity : No. 236464
The Society of St Francis has diverse origins in a number of Franciscan groups which drew together during the 1930s to found one Franciscan Society. SSF in its widest definition includes First Order Brothers, First Order Sisters (CSF), Second Order Sisters (OSC) and a Third Order (TSSF). The First Order shares a common life of prayer, fraternity and a commitment to issues of justice, peace and the integrity of creation. In its larger houses, this includes accommodation for short-term guests;in the city houses, the Brothers are engaged in a variety of ministries, chaplaincies and care for the poor and marginalised. They are also available for retreat work, counselling and sharing in the task of mission in parishes and schools. They also work in Europe and have houses in the Americas, Australasia, the Pacific, and Korea.
Name: Samson Siho SSF
Minister Provincial, Solomon Islands, assumed office 2015
Address: Patteson House,PO Box 519, Honiara, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands
Tel: +677 22386
Fax: +677 258 10
Email: Click here for email
Founded 1855
Registered Charity : No. 255152
In January 1994, the Priory of Our Lady at Walsingham reverted to being an autonomous house of the Society of St Margaret. The Sisters are a Traditional Community whose daily life is centred on the Eucharist and the daily Office, from which flows their growing involvement in the ministry of healing, and reconciliation in the Shrine, the local parishes and the wider Church. They welcome guests for short periods of rest, relaxation and retreat, and are available to pilgrims and visitors. They also work in the Shrine shop and the Welcome Centre.
Name: Sister Mary Angela SSM
Leader, assumed office March 2015
Address: The Priory of our Lady,Bridewell Street, Walsingham, Norfolk, NR22 6ED, England
Tel: +44 01328 820 340
Email: Click here for email
Website: www.ssmwalsingham.moonfruit.com
Founded 1950
We follow a contemplative tradition that is eight hundred years old with a fresh and informal spirit. In the pattern of St Clare, hierarchy is tempered by mutuality and warm relations within the community. As the Second Order of the international Society of St Francis, we have brothers and sisters in the First and Third Orders, and we enjoy close, though informal, ties with the Roman Catholic Poor Clares.
Our worship and prayer throughout the day are interspersed with domestic tasks in the convent and guest house, and environmentally friendly work in the large garden and grounds where we raise fruit and vegetables to eat, and keep hens who give us eggs. We also engage in our industries (altar breads, printing, cards) which with the guest house help us to earn our living, and where possible to share with others.Responding to God’s call in our daily lives within the enclosure, we also enjoy visitors, holidays and the use of books, newspapers and the internet for a wider view of daily life.
Name: Sister Damien Davies OSC
Abbess, elected 13 May 2013
Address: St Mary's Convent,178 Wroslyn Road, Freeland, Witney, Oxon, OX29 8AJ, England
Tel: +44-(0)1993 881 225
Email: Click here for email
Website: www.oscfreeland.co.uk
Founded 1852
Registered Charity : No. 236939
Founded by Harriet Monsell and Thomas Thelluson Carter to help women rejected by the rest of society, we are now a Community of women who seek to offer our gifts to God in various ways. These include parish and retreat work, spiritual direction, and ministry to the elderly. Two sisters are ordained to the priesthood and preside regularly at the Community and College Eucharist. One is part od the College Chaplaincy team and the other assoists in local benefices. Sisters are also available to facilitate quiet days.
We have close links with the sisters of our affiliated community at Mendham, New Jersey, USA; and we also have links with the Justice and Peace Movement.
Daily life centres on the Eucharist and the Divine Office, and we live under the three vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. Following the Rule of St Augustine, we are encouraged to grow into 'an ever-deepening commitment of love for God and for each other as we strive to show forth the attractiveness of Christ to the world'.
Name: Sister Jane Olive CSJB
Sister Co-ordinator, assumed office February 2014
Address: Harriet Monsell House,Ripon College, Cuddesdon, Oxfordshire, OX44 9EX, England
Tel: +44 (0)1865 877 100
Email: Click here for email
Website: www.csjb.org.uk
Founded 1848
As Sisters of CSMV, we are called to respond to our vocation in the spirit of Mary, Mother of Jesus: 'Behold, I am the servant of the Lord. Let it be to me according to your word.' Our common life is centred in the worship of God through the Eucharist, the Divine Office and in personal prayer. From this all else flows. For some, it will be expressed in ministry in neighbourhood and parish, in offering people a quiet place for reflection and in pastoral care for the elderly. For others it may be expressed in spiritual direction or in art work. A CSMV sister is making vestments with the All Saints Embroiderers who now meet at the Convent.
In February 2014, we closed our Smethwick house and are now focussing on ways of living together cooperatively in one place, at present at the Convent. This involves being open and welcoming to those who wish to stay on the Guest Wing and share something of our life. We have recognised that we need to move out of the Convent buildings in Wantage and are actively searching for a property more suited to our vision and circumstances. We hope to be engaging more directly with those living around us.
Name: Sister Jean Frances CSMV
Sister-in-charge, assumed office January 2013
Address: St Mary's Convent,Challow Road, Wantage, Oxon, OX12 9DJ, England
Tel: +44 (0)1235 763 141
Email: Click here for email
Website: www.csmv.co.uk
Founded 1920
Registered Charity : No. 270317
When the Community was founded, the first Sisters were all teachers living alone or in small groups but coming together during the school holidays. In 1943, West Ogwell House in South Devon became the Mother House and the more usual form of conventual life was established as well. The work of Christian education has always been of primary concern to the Community, whether in England or overseas, although not all the Sisters have been teachers.
In 1996, the Community moved to Windsor to live and work alongside the Community of St John Baptist, while retaining its own ethos. The Community aims 'to express in service for others, Christ's loving care for his flock.' At present, this service includes offering help and encouragement to those seeking to grow in the spiritual life through spiritual direction and prayer, and especially the befriending of the elderly, lonely, deaf and those in need.
In 2012, the Community moved with CSJB to Ripon College, Cuddesdon.
Name: Mother Ann Verena CJGS
Mother Superior, assumed office 20 March 1996
Address: Harriet Monsell House,Ripon College, Cuddesdon, Oxfordshire, OX44 9EX, England
Tel: +44 (0)1865 877 103
Email: Click here for email
Founded 1906
Registered Charity : No. 261722
SLG Charitable Trust Ltd : registered in England 990049
A contemplative community with a strong monastic tradition founded in 1906, which seeks to witness to the priority of God and to respond to the love of God - God's love for us and our love for God. We believe that we are called to live a substantial degree of withdrawal, in order to give ourselves to a spiritual work of prayer which, beginning and ending in the praise and worship of God, is essential for the peace and well-being of the world. Through offering our lives to God within the Community, and through prayer and daily life together, we seek to deepen our relationship with Jesus Christ and one another. The Community has always drawn upon the spirituality of Carmel; life and prayer in silence and solitude is an important dimension in our vocation. The Community also draws from other traditions; therefore our Rule is not specifically Carmelite. Another important ingredient is an emphasis on the centrality of Divine Office and Eucharist together in choir, inspired partly by the Benedictine way of life.
Name: Mother Clare-Louise SLG
Reverend Mother, assumed office 27 May 2015
Address: Convent of the Incarnation ,Fairacres, Parker Street, Oxford, OX4 1TB, England
Tel: +44 (0)1865 721301
Fax: +44 (0)1865 250798
Email: Click here for email
Website: www.slg.org.uk
Founded 1941
Registered Charity : No. 221617
The contemplative community of monks and nuns sold their former monastery in Burford in 2008 and bought a farm near Worcester and transformed it into a monastery incorporating as many 'sustainable' features as possible. Having moved into their new home in November 2010, the Community is seeking to maintain an atmosphere of stillness and silence in which the Community and its guests are enabled to be open and receptive to the presence of God. The recitation of the Divine Office and the celebration of the Eucharist constitute the principal work of the Community. The ministry of hospitality, the development of the surrounding 40 acres of land (which comprises a large kitchen garden, orchard, newly-planted woodland and hay meadows), the production of incense for a world-wide market, and various income-generating crafts provide a variety of manual work for members of the Community and those guests who wish to share in it. The monastery seeks to celebrate the wonder and richness of Creation and to model a responsible stewardship. The Community's concern has always been to pray for Christian Unity, and it now rejoices in having a Methodist presbyter in its number. Dialogue with people of other faiths and those seeking a spiritual way, either within or outside an established religious tradition, is a priority.
Name: Rt Revd Brother Stuart Burns OSB
Abbot, elected 14 October 1996
Address: Mucknell Abbey,Mucknell Farm Lane, Stoulton, Worcestershire, WR7 4RB, England
Tel: +1 (0)1905 345 900
Email: Click here for email
Website: www.mucknellabbey.org.uk
Founded 1914
Registered Charity : Pershore Nashdom & Elmore Trust - No. 220012
The monastery aims to provide an environment within which the traditional monastic balance between worship, study and work may be maintained with a characteristic Benedictine stress upon corporate worship and community life. To this end, outside commitments are kept to a minimum.
Name: Very Revd Dom Simon Jarratt OSB
Conventual Prior, elected 13 December 2005
Address: St Benedict's Priory,19A The Close, Salisbury, SP1 2EB, England
Tel: +44 (0)1722 335 868
Email: Click here for email
Founded 1851
As a small Community, we have the God-given opportunity to recognise the very diverse gifts and callings of each individual. Returning to the charism of our Founder, we believe that God calls us to be channels of love to those in need, however the Spirit may move us.
Freed from management responsibility, Sisters continue to be involved in St John's Home for frail and elderly people, Helen and Douglas House, Hospices for children and young adults, and the Steppin' Stone Centre for adults who are homeless or vulnerably housed.
The heart of our Community life is the worship of God in the daily Office and the Eucharist and our personal commitment to prayer and spiritual reading.
God renews our calling day by day, both as a Community and as individuals and we welcome any who are discernign God's will for them.
Name: Sister Jean Raphael ASSP
Community Leader, assumed office 18 October 2010
Address: All Saints Convent,15A Magadalen Road, Oxford, OX4 1RW, England
Tel: +44-(0)1865 249127
Email: Click here for email
Website: www.asspoxford.org
Founded 1905
Registered Charity : No. 900512
We are a contemplative community whose particular work within the whole body of Christ is worship, thanksgiving and intercession. Within these ancient Abbey walls, which date back to 1266, we continue to live the Augustinian monastic tradition of prayer, silence, fellowship and solitude. The Eucharist is the centre of our life, where we find ourselves most deeply united with Christ, one another and all for whom we pray. The work of prayer is continued in the Divine Office, in the Watch before the Blessed Sacrament and in our whole life of work, reading, creating, and learning to live together. This life of prayer finds an outward expression in welcoming guests, who come seeking an opportunity for quiet and reflection in which to deepen their own spiritual lives, or to explore the possibility of a religious vocation.
Name: Sister Victoria Mary SPB
Reverend Mother, assumed office 6 August 2011
Address: Burnham Abbey,Lake End Road, Taplow, Maidenhead, Berkshire, SL6 0PW, England
Tel: +44 01628 604 080
Email: Click here for email
Website: www.burnhamabbey.org
Founded 1866
Registered Charity : No. 226582
The Sisters of Bethany (SSB) are the founding community of a wider Bethany family that includes Associates, Oblates and the Order of Companions of Martha and Mary (OCMM). Associates are a body of close friends who live in their own homes and accept a simple Rule of Life. Oblates are a recent development (2014), who also live in their own homes. They have adopted the Rule of Life used by the Sisters, modified appropriately to their own circumstances. Oblates and Sisters live by a spirituality derived from the Salesian Rule of the Visitation Order. They share times of study and ongoing formation.
The Sisters’ online ministry using Twitter (twitter.com@bethanysister) and Facebook ([email protected]) engages with nearly 8,500 people, meeting them where they are and helping them see God in the ’everyday’.
Each member of the Bethany family makes the offering of herself in the hidden life of prayer, praying daily for the unity of Christians and, by prayer and activity, seeking to share in Christ’s mission reconciling the divided Churches of Christendom and the whole world.
Name: Mother Rita-Elizabeth SSB
Reverend Mother, assumed office 22 October 2009
Address: 7 Nelson Road, Southsea, Hampshire, PO5 2AR, England
Tel: +44 02392 833 948
Email: Click here for email
Website: www.sistersofbethany.org.uk
Founded 1891
Christians are called to seek and serve God in many different ways. The Rule of St. Benedict provides a way of life for those whose vocation is to seek God through prayer and life in community. We express this Benedictine tradition in our daily Eucharist and seven-fold sung Office, in personal prayer and lectio divina. These are complemented by work in the house and large gardens and hospitality to our many guests. Times for recreation, study, literary and artistic work and various crafts complete a full and satisfying day. A newcomer who wishes to explore her vocation to the enclosed Benedictine life is welcomed, first for several weeks as an aspirant, then for at least six years of training and discernment before she makes her solemn life vows. Each novice is encouraged to make her own unique contribution to the common life, while also entering into the community's heritage and traditions. These include our concern for God's creation, our work for Christian unity and interfaith dialogue, and the practical care of the Abbey's Norman and medieval buildings.
Name: Mother Abbess Mary David Best OSB
Abbess, elected 16 September 2008
Address: St Mary's Abbey,52 Swan Street, West Malling, Kent, ME19 6JX , England
Tel: +44 (0)1732 843309
Fax: +44 (0)1732 849016
Website: www.mallingabbey.org
Founded 1879
Registered Charity : No. 233026
The Community was founded for mission work at home and overseas. The remaining Sisters live in individual accommodation. The present dispersed community of men and women live with a Rule of Life based on the monastic virtues and a particular ministry towards encouragement in the practice of prayer and active service. There is a Board of Trustees responsible for financial matters.
Name: Mrs June Watt
Leader, assumed office October 2010
Address: 57 Archers Court,Castle Street, Salisbury, SP1 3WE, England
Founded 1870
Registered Charity No. for CSC : 200240 (England)
Founded by Emily Ayckbowm in 1870, the Community of the Sisters of the Church is an international body of lay and ordained women within the Anglican Communion. We are seeking to be faithful to the gospel values of Poverty, Chastity and Obedience, and to the traditions of Religious Life while exploring new ways of expressing them and of living community life and ministry today. By our worship, ministry and life in community, we desire to be channels of the reconciling love and acceptance of Christ, to acknowledge the dignity of every person, and to enable others to encounter the living God whom we seek.
The Community's patrons, St Michael and the Angels, point us to a life both of worship and active ministry, of mingled adoration and action. Our name, Sisters of the Church, reminds us that our particular dedication is to the mystery of the Church as the Body of Christ in the world.
The Eucharist and Divine Office (usually fourfold) are the heart of our Community life. Community houses provide different expressions of our life and ministry in inner city, suburban, coastal town and village setting.
Name: Susan Hird CSC
UK Provincial, assumed office September 2008
Address: St Michael's Convent,56 Ham Common, Richmond, Surrey, TW10 7JH, England
Tel: +44 0208 940 8711
Fax: +44 (0)20 8948 5525
Email: Click here for email
Website: www.sistersofthechurch.org
Founded 1893
Founded in 1893 by Father Herbert Kelly, the Society is a means of uniting the devotion of ordinary people, using it in the service of the Church. Members of the Society share a common life of prayer and fellowship in a variety of educational, pastoral and community activities in England, Australia, Japan, Lesotho, and South Africa.
Name: Father Jonathan Ewer SSM
Provincial, assumed office February 2014
Address: The Well,Newport Road, Willen, MK15 9AA, England
Tel: +44 (0)1908 241 974
Email: Click here for email
Founded 1874
Registered Charity : No. 220282 (UK)
The Community was founded in 1874. The Sisters cared for the 'Treasures' of the Church - those in need of love and care, including elderly ladies. In 2001, the Community moved to a new purpose-built convent in Southwell, adjacent to Sacrista Prebend Retreat House and the Cathedral. The Convent closed in 2012.
Name: Sister Dorothea CSL & Sister Margareta Mary CSL
Address: Convent closed 2012, England
Founded 1855
Registered Charity : No. 230143
We are a group of women with diverse personalities and gifts called together in a common commitment to prayer and active work under the patronage of the Saints. Central to our life are the daily Eucharist and the Divine Office, combined with time for personal prayer, meditation and spiritual reading. Together they draw us deeper into the desire to "serve Christ in one another and love as He loves us". This overflows into our active works - particularly in our ministry of hospitality, expressed mainly through our Guest Houses, Spiritual Direction, and leading Retreats for individuals and small groups. It also includes some pastoral ministry at our All Hallows Hospital and Nursing Home, which were founded and developed by us, but now form a separate Charity. In addition there is a large Conference Centre and a Day Nursery within our grounds. Our former convent building opposite is now home to an Emmaus community for the homeless.
The ministry of hospitality and prayer continues to flourish at our house in Rouen Road, Norwich, which is closely linked with the adjacent Julian Shrine and Centre.
Name: Sisters Rachel & Sheila CAH
Joint leaders, assumed office 2013
Address: All Hallows Convent,Belsey Bridge Road, Ditchingham, Bungay, Suffolk, NR35 2DT, England
Tel: +44 (0)1986 892 749
Fax: +44 01986 895 838
Email: Click here for email
Website: www.all-hallows.org
Founded 1884
Registered Charity : No. 229216
The monks follow the Rule with its balance of prayer, work and study, supported by the vows of stability, conversion of life and obedience. A wide ministry of hospitality is offered, and visitors are welcome at the daily Mass and Divine Office. The purpose built monastery is built around two cloister garths; the Abbey Church dates from the beginning of the twentieth century. Set in extensive grounds, with contrast between areas that are cultivated and others that are a haven for wildlife, the Abbey is situated about four miles from Alton.
Name: Rt Revd Dom Giles Hill OSB
Abbot, elected 2013
Address: Alton Abbey,Abbey Road, Beech, Alton, Hampshire, GU34 4AP, England
Tel: +44 (0)1420 562 145
Email: Click here for email
Website: www.altonabbey.org.uk
Founded 1915
Registered Charity : No. 271117
Founded as an educational order, the sisters have diversified their work in UK to include hospitality, retreats and spiritual direction, hospital chaplaincy, inner city involvement, preaching and mission, and development work overseas.
The Mother House is at St. Hilda’s Priory, Whitby. Some sisters work in the adjacent Sneaton Castle Centre, which caters for a wide variety of day and residential groups. Other UK houses are in York, Dormanstown (near Redcar), Bishopsthorpe and Sleights (near Whitby).
The Order has had a long-standing commitment to Africa since 1926. Most of the work begun by the sisters has been handed over to local people who continue to run the projects. The Order has two houses in Ghana. In Jachie, Sister Aba runs an eye clinic while Sister Alberta makes tie-dye and batik. In Sunyani, Sister Mavis and Sister Benedicta Anne make communion hosts, have a shop and are beginning a small vocational school teaching computer and crafts to girls who were unable to complete their education. Both houses still foster vocations to the Religious life. Central to the Order’s life in all its houses are the Divine Office and Eucharist, and a strong emphasis on corporate activity.
Name: Sister Carole OHP
Prioress, assumed office November 2015
Address: St Hilda's Priory,Sneaton Castle, Whitby, North Yorks, YO21 3QN, England
Tel: +44 (0)1947 602079
Fax: +44 (0)1947 820854
Email: Click here for email
Website: www.ohpwhitby.org