Our Ministries
Having told us that our first work is the call to personal holiness and union with God, Mother Emily said that we are a Community which combines the life of prayer with active and demanding work for others.
Joy comes to us in our being open to a costly yet fulfilling way of serving through our work, whatever it may be, by which we not only give glory to, but are co-workers with God.
from the Rule (1999)
Hospitality
Hospitality is an important part of our Community's ministry and takes different forms in each of our houses: befriending people who come to the Sisters’ door, offering a place ‘away from the hustle and bustle’ to rest, think, pray... companionship, friendship... being active in our local communities...
In the UK, at St. Michael's Convent, Gerrards Cross, we offer space for individuals and groups for retreat, reflection and renewal – by the day and residentially.
In the Solomon Islands, at Tetete ni Kolivuti near Honiara, the Sisters are building a Retreat House and would welcome financial support to complete the works and furnish it.
Listening Ministries
Sisters engage in a wide variety of listening ministries, both formally and informally.
A number of sisters offer Spiritual Direction.
In the UK there is also a sister available for professional Counselling and Psychotherapy (by appointment).
Retreats and Quiet Days
Retreats and Quiet Days are essential to our life as a Community. Since we value these times of prayer and reflection so highly, wherever possible, Sisters also lead Quiet Days for groups or individuals, and offer accompaniment to those in private retreat.
Justice and Peace
As part of our engagement with the world in which we live, we try to maintain an informed engagement with issues of justice and peace.
In our Bristol UK house that engagement is a very direct one: working alongside and befriending those who are living at the margins of society.
Our engagement with issues of justice & peace includes lobbying our local MP, writing letters of protests to corporations and seeking information and comment from government departments such as the Home and Foreign Office.
Often our Newsletter will reflect current themes relating to justice and peace and the environment.
Local Parishes
We maintain a close and friendly relationship with our local parishes. Work undertaken by Sisters in nearby churches includes preaching, leading quiet days, offering seminars, facilitating courses and offering a listening ear to clergy and parishioners.
In our larger houses our cycle of worship and daily living is much enhanced by local church groups coming to us for quiet days and sometimes sharing in our services, by local priests celebrating at our Eucharist, by members of local churches working for us on a voluntary basis and joining in our programme events.
The relationship between our Community houses and local parishes is enriching and life-giving.
Community Writings
Now is the Time: A Short History of the Community
Memoirs of Mother Emily
Little Book of Wisdom
The Little Book of Wisdom is provided for personal use only. For any other use, please contact us for permission by clicking here. Copyright is held by the Community of the Sisters of the Church, with all rights reserved.