The Community of Our Lady of Walsingham

Author: Nick

  • Mary’s House Chapel Appeal

    Mary’s House Chapel Appeal

    Happy Feast of Our Lady of Walsingham! As many of you will know, over the past two years we have been running a major fundraising campaign for the purchase of a house in Walsingham which we had been offered. We are delighted to announce that we have now purchased the property with our house in Dereham remaining as our formation house.

    When we first embarked on this campaign it was with total trust in God’s providence, recognising that if he wanted it, he would bring things through to completion. The campaign was called Mary’s House Appeal as we see our mission house being very much a house for Our Lady, to be used to spread the joy of the Annunciation and to be a place of welcome for all the people she may bring there in the future.

    We cannot thank you all enough for your donations and prayer support that made the purchase possible. We said throughout the fundraising campaign that even the smallest donation makes a difference and it really did: in the end it all built up and enabled us to obtain this amazing and unique property. As none of the rooms are suitable for a chapel, the fundraising will continue so we can eventually, with the necessary permissions, build a small chapel in the beautiful gardens.

  • Visit to the Cathedral of Our Lady of Walsingham

    Visit to the Cathedral of Our Lady of Walsingham

    Please pray for Sr Camilla and Sr Catherine as they cross the pond for a week’s visit to the Ordinariate Cathedral of Our Lady of Walsingham in Houston, Texas.

    Friends who live in the parish are generously organising our visit as we develop further links with the US. Since our visit to Virginia, New York and New Jersey last year we have sensed a real interest amongst Americans for the Church over here and affection for Our Lady of Walsingham. We look forward to visiting this amazing shrine to Our Lady of Walsingham, the largest Church dedicated to her in the US and a growing parish. They have a large replica of the arch in the original abbey grounds, as well as replica of the slipper chapel reredos.

    Replica of the Walsingham abbey arch in Houston

    We will be there to celebrate the patronal feast of Our Lady of Walsingham on Saturday 26th and look forward to meeting many people and experiencing the beauty of the Ordinariate Liturgy, as well as sharing snippets of our charism and the message of Walsingham.

    Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham in Houston

  • Sr Mairead Renews Her Vows

    Sr Mairead Renews Her Vows

    Having just finished her week of silent retreat in one of our shepherd’s huts, Sr Mairead renewed her vows during Mass on the Solemnity of Our Lady of Walsingham, 24th September. Not only is this day the major feast day of our community, it is also her birthday. So celebrations were bound to be extra special.

    Again we thank the Good Lord for the gift she is to our community and all the ways in which she serves him, especially through her prison chaplaincy work.

  • Job Opportunity — Administrator & Bookkeeper

    Job Opportunity — Administrator & Bookkeeper

    We are looking to hire a highly organised and proactive Administrator & Bookkeeper to support our day to day operations. This person will be responsible for administration on behalf of our new religious community with members from all states of life. This is a varied part-time permanent role, ideal for someone who enjoys working across multiple areas of a business and taking ownership of key processes.

    View details of the post and the application form.

    A sister at work in the community office

  • Come and See for Men — 2nd–4th July 2027

    Come and See for Men — 2nd–4th July 2027

    Friday 2 – Sunday 4 July 2027

    Location: The community’s formation house, Dereham

    “Jesus turned, and saw them following, and said to them ‘What do you seek?’ And they said to Him, ‘Rabbi, where are you staying?’ He said to them, ‘Come and see.’” — John 1:38–39

    If you are a young single man, between 18–40 years old, discerning a vocation and interested in our charism, you would be most welcome to come and see what life is like here over the weekend of 2nd–4th July 2027. As our statutes permit us to welcome brothers into the community, it would take interiorly strong and determined young men to have the courage to start the men’s branch of COLW. Could this be something God is asking of you?

    Complete the booking form

    Prayer with the community beside the outdoor crucifix

  • Come and See for Women — 25th–27th June 2027

    Friday 25 – Sunday 27 June 2027

    Location: The community’s formation house, Dereham

    “Jesus turned, and saw them following, and said to them ‘What do you seek?’ And they said to Him, ‘Rabbi, where are you staying?’ He said to them, ‘Come and see.’” — John 1:38–39

    If you are a young single woman, between 18–35 years old, discerning a vocation, you would be most welcome to come and see what life is like here. Over the weekend of 25th–27th June 2027 you will have the opportunity to live alongside us at our formation house in Dereham, experience our day-to-day life and answer all the questions you hold in your heart.

    As places are limited, please fill out this form sooner rather than later.

    Complete the booking form

  • Come and See for Men — 29th–31st January 2027

    Come and See for Men — 29th–31st January 2027

    Friday 29 – Sunday 31 January 2027

    Location: The community’s formation house, Dereham

    “Jesus turned, and saw them following, and said to them ‘What do you seek?’ And they said to Him, ‘Rabbi, where are you staying?’ He said to them, ‘Come and see.’” — John 1:38–39

    If you are a young single man, between 18–40 years old, discerning a vocation and interested in our charism, you would be most welcome to come and see what life is like here over the weekend of 29th–31st January 2027. As our statutes permit us to welcome brothers into the community, it would take interiorly strong and determined young men to have the courage to start the men’s branch of COLW. Could this be something God is asking of you?

    Complete the booking form

    Prayer with the community beside the outdoor crucifix

  • Come and See for Women — 22nd–24th January 2027

    Friday 22 – Sunday 24 January 2027

    Location: The community’s formation house, Dereham

    “Jesus turned, and saw them following, and said to them ‘What do you seek?’ And they said to Him, ‘Rabbi, where are you staying?’ He said to them, ‘Come and see.’” — John 1:38–39

    If you are a young single woman, between 18–35 years old, discerning a vocation, you would be most welcome to come and see what life is like here. Over the weekend of 22nd–24th January 2027 you will have the opportunity to live alongside us at our formation house in Dereham, experience our day-to-day life and answer all the questions you hold in your heart.

    As places are limited, please fill out this form sooner rather than later.

    Complete the booking form

  • Carols at the Convent

    Carols at the Convent

    Saturday 5 December 2026

    Time: 12pm – 4pm

    Location: House of the Divine Will, Neatherd Moor, Dereham, NR20 4AZ

    Come and visit us in our home in Dereham on the 5th December for cakes, bakes, mince pies and some (optional!) carol singing.

    Carols at the Convent — 5 December 2026, 12pm–4pm

    Carol singing with the community

  • Parish Mission in Norwich

    Sunday 22 – Sunday 29 November 2026

    Location: St George’s Parish, Norwich

    From 22nd–29th November the sisters will be running another parish mission in St George’s parish, Norwich. Details to come, but please put the date in your diary already if you live in the area.

  • Diocesan Day for Men — The Fatherhood of God

    Saturday 7 November 2026

    Time: 10:30am – 4:30pm

    Location: House of the Divine Will, Neatherd Moor, Dereham, Norfolk, NR20 4AZ

    “One God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all.” — Ephesians 4:6 (NIV)

    Join the Community at our home in Dereham, Norfolk as we explore ways of growing in our vocation as fathers — whether physical and/or spiritual. The day will explore some of C. S. Lewis’s ideas on how our Heavenly Father desires to be in relationship with us. We learn that he always has the best intentions for his children and he always has the ability to carry them out.

    The day will include two talks, time for discussion and fellowship, Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament as well as a cream tea.

    Outline of the day

    • 10:30am — Arrivals
    • 11am — Session one
    • 12:30pm — Lunch and cream tea
    • 1:30pm — Session two, including comfort break
    • 3:30pm — Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
    • 4:30pm — Conclude
    • 5pm — Optional Vigil Mass in Dereham Sacred Heart Parish (5-minute drive or 15-minute walk)

    Practical information

    What3Words: ///kneeled.professed.missions

    Dereham has good public transport links including a direct bus from Norwich railway station if travelling from further afield. The closest bus stop is Crown Road / Dereham Sixth Form College and it is then a five-minute walk past the playground and up along the road through the country park.

    Parking: Available onsite.

    Cost: £15 per participant, paid directly to the Sisters on the day, cash or card.

    What to bring: A packed lunch, a notebook and a pen. Money if you wish to buy anything from the COLW shop.

    Food: Participants should bring a packed lunch. The Sisters will also provide a cream tea at lunchtime.

    Childcare: Any children attending remain the responsibility of their father throughout the day, though we can provide colouring sheets, books and activities on hand in the room.

    Booking: Due to limited space, booking is essential for this retreat. It will shortly be advertised via the diocesan website.

    Disabled access: There is not full disabled access. If you have reduced mobility please get in touch with Antonia first to check the accessibility of the house.

    Questions: Please contact Antonia Braithwaite at mflcoordinator@rcdea.org.uk.

    We warmly invite all men to join us for a day of reflection, prayer, and spiritual renewal.

  • Parish Mission in King’s Lynn — All Will Be Well

    Parish Mission in King’s Lynn — All Will Be Well

    Sunday 18 – Sunday 25 October 2026

    Location: Parish of Our Lady of the Annunciation, King’s Lynn

    If you are in the King’s Lynn area from 18th October–25th October feel free to pop in to the parish mission we are running in the parish of the Annunciation. Home of the original shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham, the mission is entitled “All Will Be Well: Called to the Fullness of Life”. This event will help you to journey deeper in your relationship with God and uncover more the great joy and peace that can be found in your daily life when lived in a deep relationship with him. Material will be provided for you to go away with and reflect upon, and opportunities to discuss thoughts and questions. The sisters will be available for spiritual accompaniment and visits to the sick and housebound during the day.

    Download the King’s Lynn mission programme and information (PDF)

    Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham in King’s Lynn

  • ECCOMI — Young Adults’ Group

    ECCOMI — Young Adults’ Group

    Friday 2 October 2026

    Time: 7:30pm – 9pm

    Location: Online via Zoom

    “Here I am Lord, I come to do your will!” — Psalm 40

    Come and be a part of our Young Adults’ Group!

    If you are aged 18–38 then why not come and join us on the first Friday of every month from 7:30pm–9pm for a time of prayer, formation and discussion?

    We live in a world so busy with many conflicting messages and desires which pull at our hearts and minds and it can be hard to know what the Will of God is and how to go about discerning it. Led by members of the Community of Our Lady of Walsingham, this group will present an opportunity to grow in your relationship with God and learn at a greater depth what his Will is for your life. Talks and discussions will cover themes such as identity, self-knowledge, emotional maturity, discernment and prayer.

    Resources will be emailed round following the session to pray and journey with over the ensuing weeks ahead of the next session.

    There will also be an opportunity to come together as a group once a year for a residential retreat with the Community of Our Lady of Walsingham full of fellowship, food, sharing and prayer! Dates to be confirmed.

    If you would like to be involved and come along to our monthly sessions over Zoom, please complete the registration form.

    Have any questions? Check the FAQs below or email mission@walsinghamcommunity.org.

    Frequently asked questions

    What is the age range for the group?

    This group is for those aged 18–38. If you are outside this age range there are other options you can explore which may be beneficial including spiritual direction and guided retreats. You can email us at accompaniment@walsinghamcommunity.org for further advice related to this.

    How will the sessions be structured?

    Whilst this is flexible, the general structure will be that we start with a brief time of prayer followed by input from a member of the Community of Our Lady of Walsingham (or a guest speaker) and then discussion in smaller groups. We will conclude with Night Prayer of the Church (Compline) at 8:45pm, ending at 9pm.

    Will this cost anything?

    If you are able to make a donation to the community this would be most welcome! But this is not obligatory.

    What if I can’t make it to all the sessions?

    We appreciate people lead busy lives which is why we have opted to have a session only once a month. We recommend you try to attend them all if you wish to be a part of the group but no worries if you miss a meeting or two.

    ECCOMI young adults’ group: first Fridays, 7:30pm–9pm

  • Retreat Day with St Bede’s Inter-Church School

    Retreat Day with St Bede’s Inter-Church School

    We had a wonderful day on Friday when we welcomed a group of Y11 girls from St Bede’s in Cambridge to our home in Dereham in the morning and then travelled with them to Walsingham. As a thank you, Ms Harvey who helped organise the trip made a mini Sr Catherine amigurumi figure! We think it will have to be our new mission mascot when we travel around.

    Sr Catherine and Ms Harvey with the handmade amigurumi figure

    We spent the morning sharing with the school group more about our life as religious sisters and showing them around our chapel and hermitages. After a packed lunch and a few games of table tennis we all headed to Walsingham for the afternoon, learning more about its message visiting the Anglican Shrine, the Church of the Annunciation and St. Seraphim’s Orthodox Chapel. We then parted ways at the Walsingham to Wells light railway as they headed over to the coast to end their day.

    Thank you to St Bede’s for the visit, we hope they enjoyed the day as much as we did!

    Handmade Sr Catherine amigurumi figure

  • Sr Valentina Renews Her Vows

    Sr Valentina Renews Her Vows

    Congratulations to Sr. Valentina who renewed her vows on the Memoria of the Holy Name of Mary.

    We thank God for her yes and the spirit of joy she brings to our community. Please pray for her as she continues this journey of discernment.

    Sr Valentina renewing her vows in the chapel

    Once a sister has taken her first, or temporary vows she enters a stage of formation known as Juniorate during which vows are renewed annually for a minimum of three years whilst the journey of discernment and formation continues. The sister and community may then discern that the time has come for final vows or permanent profession where vows are made for the rest of one’s lifetime.

    The community gathered for Sr Valentina’s renewal of vows

  • Walsingham Spirituality 1 – Accepting God’s Will in our lives

    Friday 11th – Sunday 13th March 2022

    The first of a series of weekends to enable retreatants enter more deeply into the spirituality of Walsingham, learning in particular what it means to accept God’s Will in one’s life.

    One of the greatest obstacles to living in the Divine Will is the lack of acceptance of God’s Will in the reality of our daily lives. Over the weekend we will look at what in means in practical terms to accept his will as it manifests itself to us from moment to moment, especially in who we are as the beloved children of the Father and in our neighbour.

    Time
: Any time from 3pm on the Friday until the afternoon of the Sunday.

    What to bring: Personal items, writing materials, Bible.

    Directions: 
Dowry House Retreat Centre, 47-49 High St, Walsingham NR22 6BZ

    See here for details of costs. Call 01328 801018 for booking information.

  • World Meeting for Young Religious

    Four of us managed to go to Rome for the recent World Meeting of Young Consecrated men and women. Organised by the Vatican dicastery as one of the events for the Year of Consecrated life, t turned out to be an amazingly fruitful and graced time at so many levels.

    It was Carina’s first visit to Rome and Sr Camilla’s first time to act as one of two simultaneously Italian to English translators. Having hired a chalet we managed to self-cater for the week and survive the 32C temperatures by downing plenty of the famous roman ice-cream. The audience with Pope Francis for the 5,000 plus participants was one of the highlights and this together with all the other presentations can be listened to in several languages on this link: http://giovaniconsacrati.chemin-neuf.fr

     

  • Bishop Alan Williams SM

    We were so happy when Pope Francis last year appointed Father Alan Williams SM, the last Director of the National Shrine of Our Lady at Walsingham, as the seventh Bishop of Brentwood. Now we have two dioceses, that of Brentwood and that of East Anglia, headed by men who have a deep love for Our Lady of Walsingham.

    That couldn’t be better news for our little community. Mary is really moving things in England, her dowry. It also confirms our hunch that God is truly at work on the bigger picture (COLW being only a small part of this) and slowly but surely we will get more glimpses of the many graces he has destined for our land and beyond.

    His episcopal ordination took place at Brentwood Cathedral on 1st July 2014 at 12 noon. You will find some highlights on this page.

    Fr Alan says he thrives on working with people. “That brings out the best in me – we can learn together and go forward together.” He added: “I presume on the goodness of people. If you are open to people, they are open to you.”

  • Winds of Change Radio Show

    Take a listen to a recent interview that Sr Theresa and Jim (our first brother to be) recently had in Chicago on the Winds of Change Radio Show.

  • Smile though your heart is aching

    A Reflection from Sr Ruth Burrows for the Easter Tridiium

    • Download the article in PDF format by clicking here.

  • Year of Consecrated Life

    We are currently celebrating the Year of Consecrated Life, which began on 30th November 2014 and will end on the 2nd February 2016. The theme given it by the Vatican is ‘Wake up the World’.

    The year has a three-pronged focus

    • renewal for men and women in consecrated life,
    • thanksgiving among the faithful for the service of sisters, brothers, priests, and nuns,
    • invitation to young Catholics to consider a religious vocation.

    As a community we will be offering some events before and during this year in order in order to highlight this three-pronged focus.

  • ‘A Space for Silence’

    A piece on Abbotswick in The Tablet, 23 November 2013.

    • Download the article in PDF format by clicking here.

  • Meeting with Pope Francis – Saturday 6th July 2013

    We recently went with several discerners to a Year of Faith pilgrimage to Rome for novices, seminarians and those on a vocational journey. Pope Francis joined the 6000 people on this pilgrimage for a meeting in the Pope Paul VI audience hall. Before his arrival we were entertained by musicians (including The Priests) and heard several testimonies (including that of Fr Robert Barron). Go to the 1 hr 9 mins point of the video to see him arriving in the hall. Look out for Sr Theresa who managed to shake his hand!

    Download the full text of Pope Francis’s address (translated into English) and read what he shared with the everyone during this meeting).

  • The very modern lives of our nuns in Essex

    Echo – January 16, 2012

    It’s hard not to be in awe of the dedication of modern-day nuns, whether or not you have faith. Unflinching in their quest to tackle difficult issues head on, a nun’s life is anything but sheltered. And, it seems, more young women are looking to devote their life to God. Of those choosing to become nuns, the number of women under 40 has risen from 42 per cent in 2006 to 70 per cent in 2010, according to the National Office for Vocation.

    LOUISE HOWESON went to the Colchester Canonesses of the Holy Sepulchre and Our Lady of Walsingham in Brentwood to find out more…

    • Download the article in PDF format by clicking here.
  • Our Lady of Walsingham is yearning to save England – her dowry

    Our Lady of Walsingham is yearning to save England – her dowry

    Listen to Sr Camilla’s thoughts for the Sundays of Lent on BBC Radio Essex, each Sunday morning at around 6.50am and again at around 8.50am during the Sunday morning show hosted by Peter Holmes. Alternatively listen to them here where they will be uploaded each week once they have been broadcast.

    Sunday Week 1:

    Sunday Week 2:

    Sunday Week 3:

    Sunday Week 4:

    Sunday Week 5:

    Sunday Week 6:

  • Why Theresa chose to become a religious sister…

    Why Theresa chose to become a religious sister…

    Interview on BBC Radio Sussex , recorded in April 2011. Listen to the interview:

  • In Essex, the youngest religious order in the UK is welcoming new sisters… and its first man.

    In Essex, the youngest religious order in the UK is welcoming new sisters… and its first man.

    Interview on BBC Radio 4’s ‘Today’ programme, recorded in December 2009. Listen to the interview:

  • Wrangler Sisters

    It’s a busy Friday evening at Heathrow’s Terminal 5, and BA air stewardess Katie Colbran, 32, has just stepped off a flight from Milan. In September she’ll hang up her BA uniform for the last time, and in its place she’ll put on a powder-blue scapular and become Sister Katie of the Community of Our Lady of Walsingham…

    Please Note: This interview was conducted before our first brother joined the community.

    • For the full article click here
    • If the link is inactive, you can download the article in PDF format by clicking here.
  • New Order

    New Order

    The Times Magazine, 10th May 2009

    The number of women called to become nuns in Britain has shrunk to just a handful. Yet in Essex, the country’s youngest religious order is preparing to welcome new sisters – and perhaps even the odd brother – as the country’s first mixed convent takes shape

    • For the full article click here
    • If the link is inactive, you can download the article in PDF format by clicking here.

  • Running Out Of Nuns

    boloji.com, 2nd June 2007

    From oil-field workers to city traders, there has been a blaze of publicity in Britain about the need to bring more women into male-dominated careers. But far less media attention has been devoted to the fact that one of the few all-female callings is under threat. While more and more women are becoming nuns worldwide, the number of novices has fallen in Britain.

    • For the full article click here
    • If the link is inactive, you can download the article in PDF format by clicking here
  • “Now, how many Catholic nuns do you think there are in this country?”

    “Now, how many Catholic nuns do you think there are in this country?”

    On 24th June 2007, the Community of Our Lady of Walsingham was featured on the BBC Radio 4 Programme ‘Sunday’. Listen to the interview:

  • Of a quite different order

    The Tablet, 28th April 2007

    The new religious Community of Our Lady of Walsingham is the order that likes to say ‘yes’ – obedience, silent prayer,poverty and the rosary are in, but so are chilling out and trips to the movies. A distinctive departure from other orders, its statutes are designed to use the gifts of women more fully.

    • You can download the article in PDF format by clicking here.

  • Last orders

    The Guardian, Friday 23 February 2007

    Migrant worshippers are helping to swell Catholic congregations – and yet the ageing population of British nuns is teetering on the verge of extinction. Is there any hope for the religious sisterhood, asks Joanna Moorhead.

    • For the full article click here
    • If the link is inactive, you can download the article in PDF format by clicking here.