Introduction to the community
The Community was founded to serve Africa by a life of prayer and missionary work, bringing to Africans a knowledge of God’s love. After the Church in Tanzania gained independence, and the Community of St Mary of Nazareth and Calvary (CMM), which they nurtured, became self-governing, CSP withdrew from Tanzania and now offers support from England. Much of the help is channelled through CMM to whom they offer encouragement, advice and financial support. The Sisters also collect money for some of the work that they founded, including the Polio Hostel at Kwa Mkono, caring for disabled children.
The Sisters continue to live out their vocation in Littlehampton and are at present discerning what contribution they are able to make locally. They continue to support work in Tanzania in cases where the local church still needs some financial support.
Prayer remains the foundation of the life of the Community.
Contact details
Address: The Convent of the Sacred Passion,Flat 52 Claridge House 14 Church Street Littlehampton BN17 5FE
Community information
Bishop Visitor: Rt Revd Ian Brackley
Publications
Sister Mary Stella CSP, She Won’t Say ‘No’: The history of the Community of the Sacred Passion, privately published, 1984.
Margaret Gooch, Zanzibar to Shoreham in 100 years, privately published 2011. Obtainable from the Convent for £10 plus £1.30 p & p, cheques payable to Community of the Sacred Passion.
Third Order, Fellowship, Associates
Oblates
These are men and women who feel called to associate themselves with the aims of the community, by prayer and service, and by a life under a Rule. They have their own Rule of Life, which will vary according to their particular circumstances. The Oblates are helped and advised by the Oblates’ Sister.
Associates
These are men and women who share in the work of the community by prayer, almsgiving and service of some kind. They pray regularly for the community.
Priest Associates
They pray regularly for the community and offer Mass for it three times a year, of which one is Passion Sunday (the Sunday before Palm Sunday).
Friends
Pray regularly for the community and help it in any way they can. Although those who are enrolled as ‘Associates’ will continue in that category no more Associates will be enrolled but interested people will be welcomed as ‘Friends’. Oblates and Priest Associates will continue to be accepted.
All those who are connected with the community are prayed for daily by the Sisters and remembered by name on their birthdays. They receive the four-monthly intercession paper, and newsletter.
