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| Welcome to Alton Abbey!
The Abbey has been in existence since 1895, the earliest of the present buildings was not constructed until 1901 and the Abbey Church was dedicated in 1930, in honour of Mary the Mother of Christ and John the beloved disciple.
Although the buildings are impressive, they are really only the roof over our heads. The real church is the people who gather here to worship, like you and me. The core of that worshipping community is the family of monks who live here. The wider family of Alton Abbey also includes: the Oblates, the external associate members of the Community who live under a Rule of Life; and the Companions of Our Lady and Saint John, together with people who choose regularly to worship with the monks. It is a joy that others also come to share in our life and worship from time to time: these include those staying in the Retreat House, in groups or as individuals, and those who wish to find sanctuary and a refuge from the pressures and demands of daily life through spending just an hour or two with us.
From the very earliest days of Benedictine monasticism, people have been attracted to Benedictine spirituality, and have sought a closer link with the monastic life through affiliation with a particular monastery. At Alton Abbey, the spiritual connection can be made in three ways: by joining the Community, by becoming an Oblate, or by becoming a Companion of Our Lady and Saint John.
Saint Benedict tells us in his Rule that the monastery is a school of the Lord’s service for beginners. Being a monk is a lifetime process of development. Discerning the will of God takes time and patience; this is especially true during the early stages of vocational discernment. Men aged over 18, and usually under 50, who may be considering a monastic vocation are welcome to explore the possibility of joining the family of monks.
Please take a tour round the gardens by clicking HERE |
Oblates
Living according to the spirit of Benedict’s Rule, and under a personal rule of life, the Oblates seek to bear witness to the Gospel by their way of life, in their homes and work-places. The Oblature at Alton Abbey is open to men who have passed the age of 18 years.
Contact: The Oblate Master
Companions of Our Lady and Saint John
Those who wish to be associated with the spiritual and liturgical life of Alton Abbey, and for whom Oblature is not appropriate, may join the Companions of Our Lady and Saint John. This opportunity is of special relevance to those who worship regularly in the Abbey Church or habitually make Retreat at the Abbey.
Contact: The Abbot
The Friends of Alton Abbey
There is a continual need for improved facilities for both the Community and its many visitors. To this end the Friends of Alton Abbey was established in 1980 with the object of raising funds to support the Abbey’s charitable work.
Contact: The Secretary of the Friends c/o Alton Abbey e-mail: foaa@candj.me.uk
Spiritual Direction and Confession
It is possible for individuals who desire the opportunity to make auricular confession and receive sacramental reconciliation to ask for this facility. Some of the monks are available to those who desire to explore the possibility of having a spiritual director, soul friend, or companion to assist them in the development of their personal spirituality.
Contact: The Abbot
The Retreat House
Individuals and groups are welcome to make use of the Retreat House facilities. The accommodation for guests includes 12 single bedrooms and 6 double bedrooms. Retreats, Quiet Days and Study Days are organised by the monks on a variety of themes, including aspects of the Church’s devotional year, local authors, and the spirituality and writing of icons.
Contact: The Guestmaster by phone 01420 562 145
(between 9.45 - 1015am or 4.00 - 4.45pm on weekdays)
Wafer Bakery
For over two decades, the monks at Alton Abbey have been involved in the manufacture, sale and distribution of Communion Wafers. The clientele of the Bakery includes a wide variety of Parish Churches, Cathedrals and religious houses in the UK. Samples and a price list are available on request and will be available on this site very shortly.
Contact: Alton Abbey Supplies Ltd. c/o Alton Abbey
Incense
The monks at Alton Abbey began the mixing and sale of Incense in the late 1890s. Samples and a price list are available on request.
Contact: Alton Abbey Supplies Ltd. c/o Alton Abbey | |
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