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THE COMMUNITY OF ST FRANCIS COMPTON DURVILLE In the heart of rural Somerset, the sisters of the Community of St Francis, welcome guests and visitors to stay with them and to share their life. |
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| The Community of St Francis
is an Anglican Religious Order of sisters living together in community under
vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. Following Christ in the way of St
Francis, we seek to live a simple life inspired by the Gospel, recognising
in all people the image of God who created each of us, accepting all as our
brothers and sisters. We offer hospitality and welcome on this basis to
groups and individuals, women and men, of any faith or none and all
denominations who have respect for our way of life. Visitors are welcome to
join us in chapel for our regular daily services which are normally Morning Prayer, Midday
Prayer, Evening Prayer, Night Prayer and Holy Communion.
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Our main residential accommodation is in two buildings: a Grade II listed converted barn and a wing of the modern building. (14 single and 2 twin rooms). The oldest building on our site is a Grade II listed 17th century manor house with public access to the parlour which seats up to 15 people. A small quiet chapel can be entered through the back of the building. In the modern building are the chapel, refectory, conference room (for up to 60 people), smaller meeting room (up to 12 people) and library with over 8000 books. There is also a shop selling cards, a small selection of books, sweets and gifts. These facilities have wheelchair access. There are gound floor bedrooms which, though not accessible by wheelchair, are in this same building and have level access. Guests are free to wander in our grounds which include a Wild Garden and an orchard. Attractive rural lanes surround us. |
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For individuals we can provide a comfortable, quiet, friendly place to stay on retreat, for a few days ‘away from it all’, somewhere to relax, somewhere to work, somewhere to study, somewhere to pray or somewhere to spend time with God.
Sisters are often available to spend time with individuals or groups for retreats, talks, spiritual direction, prayer guidance, or simply to offer a listening ear. We also undertake engagements away from the house. All these ministries should be arranged well in advance. |
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Sisters present an annual programme of events at Compton Durville. Details are available for 2007 and 2008.
Booking enquiries should be addressed to the Guest Sister by e-mail, phone or post. Always include your phone number, and postal address. Usually good times to phone are: 9-11.45am, 2-5pm or 7-8.30pm. Our receipt of a completed booking form and a non-returnable deposit confirms a booking. |
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We welcome guests for residential or day visits. We are normally closed from Sunday afternoon until Tuesday morning. Guests normally eat lunch and supper in the refectory with the sisters. We can cater for most special diets but please let us know in advance. We can provide meals on trays for guests who wish to be in silence here.
Day groups normally bring packed lunches, we provide tea and coffee.
The Dower Cottage, five minutes walk away from the main buildings, has three bedrooms and is fully modernised.
The Hermitage has been recently refurbished. It is suitable for one person and set in an isolated position nearby.
Both are self-catering with linen provided. Bookings may begin any day except Monday, and may be for short or longer periods.
We will welcome you as our guest and offer you our Franciscan hospitality. It is important to us that you come and share our life, whatever your circumstances. We do not charge for your visit but would be glad to accept any donation towards the cost of running this house and its ministry. Our suggested donations can be found here.. As a registered charity we are able to reclaim tax on these and other donations from UK taxpayers who sign a Gift Aid declaration. Deposits may not be gift aided.
We also welcome working guests who stay and share our life and work for a period of time. If you are interested in this, please write to the Guardian.
The Sisters at Compton Durville held their Centenary Open Day in May 2005 which was well attended. The Right Rev'd. Peter Price, Bishop of Bath and Wells, presided and preached at the Eucharist.
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The Community of St Francis
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