The Life

Our days are punctuated by the rhythm between prayer and work as we go from one to another.  All our work is underpinned by our prayer life, both communal and individual.  Central to our life is the Daily Eucharist and the Divine Office.   We also spend time each day in private worship, spiritual reading and regular periods of meditation.

Our daily work includes welcome and hospitality to guests in our retreathouses, hospital visits, individually guided retreats and spiritual direction, quiet days and writing letters of support and encouragement to those in need. Our work also includes the regular tasks of daily life - cleaning, washing, gardening etc - and in these we are aided by our staff.

The outward element of our life is vitally important to us. In the 155 years of service, the work of the Community has changed to adapt to different circumstances.  Although the nature of our work has changed with society and times, our desire to help others has remained a constant. We have always offered our space and resources to those in need. Now as a smaller Community, we have less resources then at times in our history. Our focus is with Guests, Spiritual Direction, retreat work and some pastoral work in the nearby All Hallows Hospital and Nursing Home. The Community supports and is supported by its Companions, Oblates and Associates.

Hospitality has always been an important part of the Community's life, opening up our grounds for those in need, whether this involved the House of Mercy girls as in earlier days or people in need of rest and refreshment as now.  Our gardens vary between formal and informal areas, providing variety for those in need of peace.

Times of silence and regular retreats help sustain us.  Our days are punctuated by the rhythm between prayer and work as we go from one to another. Some Sisters are involved in giving Retreats and Spiritual Direction; others have a valued correspondence ministry.  Communal prayer supports our life together, as do our regular get-togethers over a cup of tea and our times of celebration.