PRAYER & SPIRITUALITY

The Priory has been a place of prayer for over 800 years, developing the spiritual life of the founding Religious Community, of those who came to stay in the monastery, and of the local community. It seems that William Marshall intended that this should not be a place where the monks would live an enclosed life, one cut off from those around them, but rather that there should always be an altar at which the local people could worship. This may also have been why he chose the Augustinians to be the founding community; they regarded part of their mission to be the preaching of the gospel to the surrounding villages, as well as bringing to this part of the world a level of education not previously available.

Today we continue this heritage of providing services in the Priory where all are welcome, whether local, tourist, or pilgrim. The standard of worship is maintained at a very high level, with the team of servers, choir and music all playing their crucial parts.

It is the ambition of the present 'community' to ensure that the Priory, being a centre for Prayer and Spirituality, is available as a resource for the Diocese, the Deanery, and for others. We are indeed fortunate that there is already an overwhelmingly prayerful atmosphere in the Priory, created by 800 years of prayer having being offered in this place, and it is believed that it is this that assists people with their prayers, whether or not they are familiar with the activity.

At present, as well as the normal Sunday services and mid-week communion services, the Priory is used for:

1. The Daily Office - said each day Tue - Sat (see 'Services' for times)
2. Monks Mornings - visits by Primary School children who spend the morning learning about what it was like to be a monk in the 13th century.
3. The Mothers' Union - who use the Priory for services from time to time.
4. Diocesan, Deanery, Team and other Special Services - such as the recent ordination service and a special Taizé service after Brother Roger was murdered.
5. Children Services - a Toddlers' Church, and services for the schools of both primary and secondary level are held regularly.
6. Confessions - the opportunity to make one's confession can be arranged with the Team Vicar.

Pilgrimages

It is our intention that a Pilgrimage will be organised each year, alternating between destinations overseas and in the UK. In June 2006 a Pilgrimage for 22 people was organised from the Priory to Assisi, led by Canon Robert Bailey. Other destinations will include Holy Island, Rome, Iona, the Holy Land, and Walsingham.

School of Prayer

It is expected that there will be a School of Prayer each year, as well as Quiet Days and the opportunity to participate in Prayer Vigils, such as that held for 24 hours during the G8 summit.

Conclusion

"this is none other than the House of God, and this is the gate of heaven" (Genesis 28 v.17) This is our belief about Cartmel Priory, and we will support any initiative which we believe will enable it to become a reality for all, whether as individuals or as groups.


MOTHERS' UNION

Cartmel branch of Mothers' Union currently has 36 members. Meetings are usually held on the third Wednesday in the month from February until June and September until December. Meeting times vary from afternoon to evening depending on the time of year. Special days such as Mary Sumner Day and Womens' World Day of Prayer are often celebrated with a service in the Priory. A speaker is arranged for each meeting, giving a talk on the M.U. theme for the year.

An annual day-out to a chosen venue takes place refreshments in the summer and a visit to another branch of M.U. is usually arranged at the end of the day-out, with a service in their church and refreshments afterwards.

Various fund-raising events are held throughout the year, the proceeds of which are sent to different M.U. charities, i.e. Overseas Fund, Relief Fund or Action and Outreach.

The Mothers' Union Prayer

Loving Lord
We thank you for your love so freely given to us all. We pray for families around the world. Bless the work of the Mothers' Union as we seek to share your love through encouragement, strengthening and support of marriage and family life. Empowered by your Spirit, may we be united in prayer and worship, and in love and service, reach out as your hands across the world.
In Jesus' name. Amen.

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