This isn’t the first time one of the brethren from Mirfield has joined us for this holy season. Some of you will remember Brother David CR who preached Holy Week here in 1998. Going further back, Fr Richard Oakley CR preached for the great Week in 1986, Fr George Sidebotham CR was our guest for Holy Week 1980, and Fr Baynham CR came in the late 1970s. Other Holy Week visitors have included Sister Anita of the Order of the Holy Paraclete in Whitby, who preached Holy Week 2002.
The Community of the Resurrection was founded in Oxford in 1892 and six years later moved to Mirfield, West Yorkshire, where its mother house can still be found. When men join the Community, they make the traditional vows of Stability, Obedience and Conversion of Life. The Community currently consists of 18 men, some of whom are priests and some of whom are laymen.
In 1902 the Community founded the College of the Resurrection to train priests, and this work continues today. During the twentieth century, the Community had a notable ministry in Africa: members of the Community included Raymond Raynes and Trevor Huddleston, who became famous in the struggle against Apartheid. The Community continues to have a significant ministry in sharing the Faith and building up the Body of Christ. Their work includes preaching and retreats, as well as publishing books, undertaking pastoral work and welcoming guests to their home for retreats and quiet days.
Prayer is the first and most important duty of the Church, and so the round of worship is maintained in the Community Church: the Eucharist and the offices are celebrated every day of the year. Please pray for those who serve God in the Religious Life, for an increase in vocations to the Religious Life, and that those whom God calls in this way will answer in faith and trust.