The Nazareth Community is a dipersed new monastic community based out of St. Martin-in-the-Fields, London. 5 years old, and 240 members strong (non-residential), the community take annual vows committing to the community’s rule of life, which is compatible with a range of lifestyles, from full-time professionals to the homeless.

In this interview Revd Richard Carter, founder of the community, shares more on the structure, spirituality and rhythms of the Nazareth Community and the importance and value of new monasticism.

The 41 Community is suited in large 4-storey London terrace which houses 10 young professionals who intentionally live together. Sharing in daily and weekly rhythms of meals, fun and housework, the 41 Community offers those working full-time somewhere to call home, belong and grow as individuals in the context of local and wider community.

Initially owned by an individual, and now hosted by a couple in partnership with a Christian charity, the 41 community is an exciting witness of urban community and the reclaiming of multi-roomed property for vibrant affordable living.

In this interview, Phil - who has been at no. 41 under its various stages of ownership and running - shares more about the 41 community, whilst also drawing on his experience of the L’Abri community and sharing his passion for urban models of community.

Drawing on community connections and curious friends, on Sunday 9th July a group of us gathered for Sunday lunch in London as a convening of community-minded people. Post a marvellous roast, we gathered over tea and homemade cookies to question and explore community living together, making the most of the collective wisdom and experience in the room.This recorded 8-way conversation starts with a ~20min overview of some observations from my 5 months visiting communities before collectively exploring some questions: What’s the ideal community size? How does architecture affect community living? How can communities support varying age groups and levels of physical and mental ability? And much more…!Listen in for an organic, weaving and deeply insightful conversation exploring various facets of community living and its practicalities.

(N.B. Some corrections on my part: Scargill closed in 2008, re-opening in 2009; the Bruderhof are ~3000 strong worldwide; I believe some Iona volunteers share dorms.)

And so my community travels are starting to come to a close… (though not quite!). Very briefly (3hrs!) stopping over in Cambridge for lunch on my way back up North, Chris suggested he could interview me as a conclusion to this special season, satiating his curiosity whilst offering me a space of reflection - I gladly took up his suggestion!In this laughter-filled chat, Chris probes into my community journey, drawing out both the practical steps and the spiritual growth this time has represented.

“Since 1958, the Pilsdon Community has been offering a refuge to people in crisis, welcoming those from all backgrounds and from many different walks of life – whether young or old, rich or poor. Pilsdon is a community that shares a common life of prayer, hospitality and work, providing an environment of acceptance and friendship where people can begin to rebuild their lives.” (as taken from the Pilsdon website).Sue is a wonderfully gentle and wise soul, which she shares so generously in this interview. Imbued with her spirituality and wisdom, Sue begins by sharing her fascinating story about what led her to being warden at Pilsdon, before expanding on the way of life at the community.

Revd Canon Jonathan Herbert has spent over 25 years living in community, split across the Pilsdon community and Hilfield Friary. He is an environmental activist, CofE chaplain to gypsies and travellers for the Salisbury diocese and author of “Accompaniment, Community and Nature: Overcoming Isolation, Marginalisation and Alienation Through Meaningful Connection”.Listen in for a gentle interview with Jonathan, drawing on his insights of community living whilst he weaves a willow basket at a gypsy and traveller fair (!).

Hilfield Friary is home to a mixed community of both monastics (Anglican Franciscans of the order of the Society of St. Francis [SSF]) and lay people. Together they share in a life of work and prayer with an emphasis on care for the environment and hospitality.In this conversation under an apple tree, 11-year long member Kerry gives an in-depth overview of Hilfield Friary and what it’s like to be a part of its community.

Windsor Hill Wood started with the Jones family wanting to extend their home as place of refuge, especially for people in most need of it. From its humble informal beginnings in 2010, Windsor Hill Wood has become an ever more established community and charity, having become a second home and significant place of growth and recovery for many.In this easy-to-listen-to conversation (under the beech tree!), Katherine shares her inspiring story to, and belief in community, before sharing more about Windsor Hill Wood, how it runs day-to-day, as well as some broader reflections on the history, growth and direction of the community.

The Catholic Worker Movement was founded in America during the great depression by a small group of individuals, including Dorothy Day and Peter Maurin. Having started out as a newspaper in 1933, the Catholic Worker Movement is now a global collection of autonomous communities striving to live out the gospel’s call for social justice by extending hospitality to the poor and most in need, and engaging politically.Find out more in this comprehensive conversation with Fr Martin touching on both the global and London Catholic Worker Movement.Link to the Passionists who are also referenced in this interview.

Due to a problem with the mics, this interview was conducted over phone. I apologise for the consequently lower audio quality, but I believe the wisdom shared is more than worth it!

The Chemin Neuf community was founded in France post-Vatican II, drawing on both Ignatian and charismatic spirituality. 50 years on, it now stands as a worldwide, ~ 2400-member strong community of single men and women, priests, consecrated singles (celibates), married couples and families. It is both Catholic and ecumenical in identity, with a mission for Church unity.

Learn more about this fascinatingly diverse community in conversation with Sr Joanna, current leader of Chemin Neuf UK.