Anglican Religious Life

A yearbook of religious orders and communities in

the Anglican Communion and tertiaries, oblates,

associates and companions.

SOCIETY OF THE SISTERS OF BETHANY    SSB

 

By prayer and activity, the Sisters seek to share in the work of reconciling the divided Churches of Christendom and the whole world.  At the heart of each Sister’s vocation is a call to prayer.  Praying in the Spirit, which unites us all to Christ and in Christ, for the wholeness of broken humanity, for the integrity of creation, for the peace of the world and for the Kingdom of God.

The Community prays daily for the unity of Christians.  The intention of the Eucharist every Thursday is for Unity and is followed by their Office for Unity.  On Fridays a three-hour Prayer Watch is kept in Chapel, and in addition each sister has her own special intentions.

Each Sister makes the offering of herself in the hidden life of prayer within the Community, in the belief that God desires and accepts that offering.  They are encouraged to persevere by some words of Abbé Paul Couturier with which he concluded one of his letters to the Community: “In Christ let us pray, pray, pray for Unity.”

By simplicity of life-style, the Sisters try to identify with those for whom they share in Christ's work of intercession in the power of the Holy Spirit.  The work of the Sisters includes giving hospitality for those seeking spiritual or physical refreshment and arranging retreats and quiet days.  Some Sisters also give spiritual direction, lead quiet days and help in parishes.  From time to time they are engaged in missions and cathedral chaplaincy work.

The Community motto is: ‘Silentium et Spes’ - In Quietness and Confidence - Let us pray to the Lord [Isaiah 30:15].

 

The Community Collect:

Almighty God, whose Son Jesus Christ, when living amongst us, honoured with his presence the house of Bethany.  Give us grace like Lazarus, to walk in newness of life, like Martha to feed Christ in serving our brothers and sisters, and like Mary, attentive to your word, to be fed by him who is the bread of life, our Saviour; who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.  Amen.

 

 

7 Nelson Road, Southsea, Hampshire PO5 2AR

Tel: 02392 833498

Email: ssb@sistersofbethany.org.uk

 

Website: www.sistersofbethany.org.uk

 

Registered Charity No.: 226582

 

 

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