God calls some Christians to the religious life. The expressions of religious life range from more contemplative communities to more active communities, or a blend of both.
What is central to all religious life is a daily pattern of prayer and a life of radical single-hearted focus on God. This traditionally includes a sharing in Christ’s celibacy, poverty and obedience. Below are some ways you can explore religious life.
Come and See weekend
11am Saturday 7 February - 2pm Sunday 8 February
Spend a weekend with the Sisters at St Mary's Convent, Wantage, for vocational explorers. Pray, sing, eat and chat with us, and explore the convent.
Visit a Religious House
Anyone can visit a Religious House as a guest by prior arrangement, even just for half a day. This will include being invited to join the community in their corporate prayer. It may also include eating with the Sisters or Brothers. Here are the Anglican Religious Houses within the diocese:
- The Sisters of the Love of God (SLG)
Convent of the Incarnation, Fairacres, Parker Street, Oxford, OX4 1TB - The Community of St Mary the Virgin (CSMV)
St Mary’s Convent, Denchworth Road, Wantage, OX12 9AU - The Community of St Clare (OSC)
St Mary’s Convent, 178 Wroslyn Road, Freeland, Witney, OX29 8AJ - The Community of the Sisters of the Church (CSC)
St Michael's Convent, Vicarage Way, Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire SL9 8AT - Society of the Precious Blood (SPB)
St Michael's Convent, Vicarage Way, Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire SL9 8AT - Online directory of all the Anglican Religious Communities
Find out more online
The Anglican Religious Life Project
A website devoted to helping people explore Anglican Religious Life. Their X feed sometimes advertises upcoming monastic taster days or online religious life enquiry events.
Anglican Sister Journey YouTube Channel
An Anglican woman in her 30s documents her journey as she prepares to enter a convent to explore her vocation, then gives updates as a Sister. She also answers many FAQs about Religious Life.
Nunbelievable on Spotify
Nunbelievable dives into the stories of Sisters and those who have chosen the Single Consecrated Life, offering honest, thought-provoking conversations about faith, community, and navigating the modern world. Series one covers the themes of hope, peace, joy and love.