Madonna House Lay Apostolate

Lived here about 8 mts. Maybe some of the best 8 mts of my life

A very holy place. If you visit, you will definitely grow interiorly and exteriorly.

Beautiful, in every way imaginable.

Imagine going to a place that accepts you as you are, doesn't ask personal questions, including what faith you have (or not); a place that is trying to be as poor and simple as Christ, which includes following St Benedict's exhortation, 'Let every guest be received as Christ' but is not a monastery … and you begin to get a picture of Madonna House.
Of course, along with this, you sleep in a dormitory, use outside toilets (camping style!) and one thing is asked - that you share in the Community life, you rise when they rise, go to the chapel when they do, eat with them, and so on. Don't worry, there's a bus out daily if you find it too much on any level and they'll take you to it with the same spirit they welcomed you with!
I have visited Madonna House more times than I can count over the years. (in fact I'm definitely over 35yrs, so they're careful what work they give me!) I have worked in the laundry, the farm, the clothing room and other physical tasks. Always, I come away feeling hopeful and encouraged. Our society presumes a 'who needs God anyway?' attitude. Madonna House just wouldn't exist without deep faith in God, His Son Jesus and His Blessed Mother. They are mendicants, entirely dependent on the goodness of others. These women, men and priests that make up Madonna House are a canonical community within the Catholic Church under the Bishop of Pembroke. They take promises of poverty, chastity and obedience; the priests say mass in the local parishes and do a lot of listening/spiritual guidance when asked. But enough - if in doubt, why not go and see for yourself!

Sue Lines

Great place for discernment for phycically and mentally healthy people (18-35 year olds). Stay is free. You are immediately involved in the life alongside people who have lived there for 50 years. The day after you arrive you may learn to be a cook, how to fold laundry, how to make a bed, how to grow plants, how to change a tire, how to be a lumberjack, carpenter, electrician, farmer or plumber. And the best part about it.... You will learn how to make all of these things a prayer. I couldn't recommend this place highly enough. One week minimum stay.