ABOUT US

 

THE SOCIETY OF ST. JOHN THE EVANGELIST

The Society of St. John the Evangelist is the oldest monastic Community for men in the Anglican Church. It was founded by Fr. Richard Meux Benson in Cowley in Oxford in 1866, hence its popular name of "the Cowley Fathers".

It still tries to remain true to its Founder's vision of a Society of Mission Priests and Lay Brothers, always available to preach and teach in the church wherever it may be asked. But we take "mission" in the widest sense of that word, and so our work now covers such diverse matters as teaching English to immigrants, conducting retreats, individual counselling and spiritual guidance, teaching liturgies, preaching wherever it may be asked and so on. Whatever talent an individual monk might have is used in whatever way the Community and the individual see as best giving that talent back to God's world.

Like all Communities, we also we also offer hospitality here at St. Edward's House. Contact the Guestmaster for details.

Most important of all, we believe that through our daily prayer life and acts of worship together, we are able to witness to the power of Jesus Christ in the world today.

 

 


Fr. Benson

 

THE FELLOWSHIP OF ST. JOHN

In 1997 the new Fellowship of St. John was created. The Fellowship is a group of men and women, ordained and lay. The members share a vision based on the spirit of St. John's gospel and the teaching of Fr. Benson, and commit themselves to the following obligations:

To pray daily for the Fellowship;
To join weekly in the worship of the Church;
To receive Holy Communion regularly;
To offer each day to God in union with the whole Church and try to be aware of the Divine presence throughout the day;
To treat all possessions as a trust from God, to be used not only for one's own good but also for that of others;
To make an annual donation to the Fellowship of St. John (UK) Trust Association;
To accept cheerfully all opportunities for self discipline which are encountered in daily life and witness;
To have a personal Rule of Life, preferably in consultation with a spiritual guide, checking and revising it at suitable intervals;
To keep in touch, at least annually, with the Fellowship by personal contact or by letter.

Anyone wishing to apply for membership should write to the Contacts Officer at St. Edward's House, 22 Great College Street, London SW1P 3QA, UK.
There is a period of mutual acquaintance - usually a year - before the admission ceremony.

  

 

VOCATIONS

If you feel called to explore the monastic life, or if you feel that the deeper commitment to a Christian lifestyle within your normal daily routines is for you, then please contact the Assistant Superior.

  

 

THE CHAPEL OF ST. PETER AND ST. JOHN

The Chapel is open daily between Mattins and Evensong. Visitors and guests are welcome to join us in the daily Office:

Mattins 7.00 (Sunday 7.30)
Eucharist 7.30 (Sunday 8.00)
Terce 9.00 (Sunday 9.30)
Sext 12.00
Evensong 6.30
Compline 9.30

Confessions may be heard by appointment

 
 
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