An invitation to rest
 


Grasping the essential
We need to pause because our life is in danger of losing its way amongst unimportant matters and menial tasks. We have no time to and no way of grasping the essential. We don't even have time to take stock or to know if we're wasting our time or really living. We need to let the sentiment from our activities settle then our life becomes transparent so that we can see what is really worthwhile in it.

 



Listening to the Word
We need to stop because we know there's something to listen out for, a hope for ourselves and for all the world, some good news to discover. Faith is not just a lesson learnt; we must keep learning and re-learning the lessons we already know in different ways, in order to hear - without any obstruction - a Word spoken on our behalf by the One who affirms and guarantees that Word. Once we've heard that Word, how

can we keep hold of it? How can we grow in faith ? How can we develop new ideas when all around, the world is changing at a great speed? How can we sustain a sense of wonder, how can we burst into joyful prayers of praise to the Father? Being still is not an end in itself, but if we wish to take God's Word seriously it is a means to that end.

Rediscovering prayer
It is difficult for us to pray. It just seems like meaningless repetition. But what do we get out of repeating these statements of faith? Only discouragement? We need to come to the moment where we turn to God and sing "Lord, open our lips, and our mouths will sing out your praise!" Prayer is not just for the individual, but is said in unison with the whole Christian community. Men and women who have been busily absorbed in different jobs and tasks come together in a place

where prayer dictates the rhythm of daily life. It's good to find brothers and sisters in this way- for just one day or for life- and to join voices together in praise, responding to God's word.  




Places of rest
There are many places of rest. Old monasteries, where the wellsprings of spiritual life have constantly been preserved down the ages, are sanctuaries for the people God. Everywhere we go we are offered rest, daily prayer, a place to stay, and brothers and sisters with whom we can share our experiences. Caulmont is a place like this, which offers

hospitality freely to the individual, to a couple, to a family with children.
And children are welcomed separately: they can ask their own questions, live the common life and discover the beauty of prayer and silence in the chapel...

Listen and come together
You are invited to make yourself available. Leave behind your worries, search for peace, make it your own. Here you will have the chance to find signposts for your life, to be filled with a sense of gratitude to God, to hear the voice of God drawing you aside in this quiet place to speak a word in your ear. Here you will find the opportunity to discuss with others your commitment to the Church and the world.



Welcoming Diversity
Here you will meet Christians from different Churches, from different traditions, with different spiritualities - and you will also meet unbelievers. Try to see in each the face of Christ ; do nothing to hurt anyone and be attentive to what is stirring their soul : all are brothers and sisters, people made in the image of God, like you.

Rediscover your life
Once your stay is finished, get ready to go back to everyday life. God now wants you to be a channel of grace, a witness to the truth of the gospel wherever you live : in family life, in your leisure activities, in your work, in the community, in the Church. You did not come here to escape but rather to refresh your faith and to renew your commitment on behalf of the people among whom you live.