Volunteering at the Friary
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Residential Worker Guests
Alnmouth Friary
The Brothers based in Alnmouth friary are members of the First Order of the Society of St. Francis (an Anglican religious order with life-vowed members). We are a male religious community.
Live-in volunteers come to share in the Franciscan life and work of the friary.
Our life is centred around the chapel and the refectory. Common prayer and meals
eaten together are the framework for everything else that goes on here.
Volunteers will have roles of responsibility in different areas. These can be domestic
chores such as cleaning rooms, light gardening tasks, preparing meals, washing dishes
and doing laundry. Every volunteer who comes will have different interests and skills.
Having a degree of flexibility is helpful. We all have different skills and strengths here at
Alnmouth friary, you can also learn new ones and share your talents with others here so
we can all support and help each other as needed.
Volunteers need to have a statutory check, which the friary can organise with you. An online food hygiene course will be completed by volunteers who are going to prepare meals.
We will provide free board and lodging. If you time to spare, are physically fit and want to experience life in Christian community then get in touch with the friary on 01665 830213 or email alnmouthssf@franciscans.org.uk
What you might do
● Admin roles; answering the phone and office related tasks
● Gardening, helping maintain the grounds of the friary.
● Caring for guests.
● Helping in the kitchen, cooking and cleaning.
● Using computer skills to help with publicity and office management.
● Laundry
● DIY; maintenance and painting
Volunteers will be based in the guest accommodation of the friary. Each volunteer will
have their own room that is furnished with the essentials. Of course all bedding and
towels are provided. There is a washing machine and drying room, and a clothes line
outside for when the weather is suitable. All live in volunteers have a weekly day off, usually Mondays. We are located near to Alnwick.
'I lived alongside the brothers for 6 months while discerning a religious vocation, and it was one of the most spiritually refreshing experiences I've ever had. Participating in the prayer life and helping with the friary's everyday tasks helped give me an unexpected clarity regarding my vocation.'
Thomas Bartlett
Local Volunteers
Become a Gardening Volunteer
Volunteers gardeners help to maintain gardens, and help keep them looking pleasant for everyone to enjoy. You don’t need to be an expert, or have any hands-on gardening experience, just enthusiasm, a love of fresh air and a little bit of exercise. A range of tasks are available. Volunteers can weed, rake leaves, cut back bushes and mow the grass.
Discerners living 'Alongside' the Brothers
Men in discernment
If you are a Christian man discerning a calling to religious life or priesthood you are welcome to live 'Alongside' the brothers at the friary. Being an 'Alongsider' is a great way to deepen your prayer life. For those exploring a religious vocation sharing in the life of the friary can be a helpful way to experience religious life as it is lived today. 'Alongsiders' can live in the friary for up to a year.