https://clarepriory.org.uk/ en-us http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss How to find and contact usHow to contact our community, make enquiries and find Clare Priory.How to contact usCommunity01787 277326 | clarepriory@clarepriory.netBookings or general enquiries01787 277326 | Monday - Friday, 9:30 - 15:0001787 277779 | Outside of hoursWho we arePriory communityFr. Bernard Rolls OSA | PriorFr George Donaghy OSA | Sub Prior & Parish PriestFr. David Middleton OSA, Fr John Reid OSAHow to find usClare Priory, Ashen Road, Clare, SuffolkCO10 8NXArriving by road from the WestUpon arriving in Clare along the A1092:Turn right into Ashen Road (signposted ‘Clare Priory’).Cross the narrow bridge over the River Stour.After 150 metres you will find the Priory entrance (almost hidden) but look for a large blue & white sign, on your left. Turn in here and follow the left-hand drive to the Priory.Arriving by road from the EastTake the A1092 through the centre of Clare. Ignore the first sign for Clare Priory (this is for pedestrians only) and continue a short way along the road until you see a second sign for Clare Priory, which should point to a left turn down Ashen Road. Take this left turn and go across the narrow bridge over the River Stour.After 150 metres you will find the Priory entrance (almost hidden) on your left. Turn in here and follow the left-hand drive to the Priory. https://clarepriory.org.uk/contact Wed, 22 Sep 2021 07:47:54 +0000 https://clarepriory.org.uk/index.php?pcat=0&item=1 Welcome to Clare Priory A place of prayer since 1248 Upcoming retreats See all retreats What people say about our retreats Coming to Clare Priory for a day has helped me to re-set my inner compass after the distracting busyness of everyday life. It helped me to clarify the direction in which I want my life to go. A tranquil place of prayer Clare Priory is a retreat centre run by the Augustinian Friars and the Priory community. We welcome groups and individuals for retreats. About our retreatsAbout the Augustinian Friars Discover the Priory Explore one of the oldest religious houses in England, set in the large grounds and picturesque gardens of the Suffolk countryside. Find out more Our Parish Discover what’s happening in our local Catholic community. Connect with us GivePlease consider donating to Clare Priory so that we can continue to accompany people on their spiritual journey.Online givingThe Craft FairOur annual Craft Fair brings thousands of visitors to Clare Priory for a celebration of creativity and art.Connect with us Our parishDiscover what’s happening in our local Catholic community.Connect with usGivePlease consider donating to Clare Priory so that we can continue to accompany people on their spiritual journey.Online giving https://clarepriory.org.uk/home Sat, 18 Jan 2025 21:04:19 +0000 https://clarepriory.org.uk/index.php?pcat=0&item=2 Be still and know that I am God Join us for a retreat at Clare Priory and abide with God in this historic place of prayer. Calendar Our Facilities More retreats Retreats at Clare Priory Clare Priory is a fully functional retreat centre run by the Augustinian Friars and the Priory community. It is a tranquil place of prayer, natural beauty, and silence. Retreats are a part of most spiritual traditions and are a great way to step out of your everyday routine to connect more deeply with God. As Saint Augustine put it, ‘You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you.’ We welcome groups and individuals for retreats.Retreats can be booked by using the online booking form or by phoning the Priory Office on 01787 277326. Discover the Priory Discover the Augustinian Friars Experience our daily life of prayer If you would like to share in the daily life of prayer of the Priory community and enjoy the house grounds, you would be very welcome. We welcome individuals to join us at any time to enjoy the peace and prayerfulness of Clare Priory. If you would like to arrange a visit or require any further details, just get in touch. Get in touch https://clarepriory.org.uk/retreats Sat, 18 Jan 2025 21:19:07 +0000 https://clarepriory.org.uk/index.php?pcat=0&item=3 A place of prayer since 1248 Clare Priory is one of the oldest religious houses in England and is now a beloved retreat centre for many, situated in the beautiful countryside of Suffolk. Go on retreat Our parish community About Clare Priory Founded in 1248, Clare Priory was the first house of the Augustinian Friars in England and is now a parish and retreat centre run by the Friars and the Priory community.The Priory community live according to the Rule of St. Augustine. The Rule of Saint Augustine emphasises the need to search for God together in order to achieve oneness of mind and heart. As Saint Augustine writes, ‘Before all else, live together in harmony, being of one mind and one heart on the way to God.’ Discover the Augustinian Friars House & Grounds Our house and church are set in large grounds and picturesque gardens which day visitors and retreat members are welcome to enjoy, or you may wish to visit the adjacent grounds of Clare Castle Country Park and the ruins of Clare Castle.Alternatively, you may wish to visit the medieval town of Clare, which can be reached via the footbridge over the River Stour, just outside our rear gate - 5 minutes walk. The House The house contains a number of original features, including the Little Cloister with the Shrine, the vaulted porch and impressive stone and stained glass work throughout the house. It was built in the 13th/14th century and remodelled in the 15th whereas the bays extending into the cloister are additions of the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries. The Shrine The Shrine is dedicated to Mother of Good Counsel and is one of the oldest parts of the priory. It contains a relief of the Mother of Good Counsel by the well-known religious artist, Mother Concordia OSB, which is based on the original fresco at Genazzano near Rome. The New Extension A freestanding contemporary extension has been built alongside and linked to the existing church.The new building has been designed to avoid interfering with the fabric of the existing church and the archaeology of this special, historic site and to be in keeping with the peace and beauty of the setting. Our facilities Clare Priory offers excellent facilities for individual or group retreats. Accommodation The Priory can easily cater for small groups and families. Accommodation available:- 1 x 4 beds }- 2 x 3 beds } with adjacent bathrooms- 1 x 2 beds }- 1 en-suite The Stable House offers seven single rooms and one twin room, all with en-suite. Social spaces The Priory library offers a unique collection of books for spiritual reading. The large Dining Room is a popular social space and the large Cellarers Hall acts as a dining room for big groups, and is also another place to sit quietly. Meeting and prayer rooms Within the Priory, groups can use the large Parish Room which has great views of the courtyard garden and church and grounds. In the Stable House, there are also two small meeting rooms and a small prayer room. Groups can hold services within the Church or Oratory, and Mass is said each day at 10:00 in the Church. Individuals and groups are also welcome to join the Community in its daily prayer. The church is always open during the day for services or private prayer. Our community prayer times A Brief History of the Augustinians at Clare Founded in 1248, Clare Priory is one of the oldest religious houses in England, occupied by the order that founded it. The Augustinians came to Clare from northern France at the invitation of the Earl of Clare, Gloucester and Hertford, Sir Richard de Clare, to build their first foundation in the British Isles. The size of the community was never more than about thirty friars and was suppressed by Henry VIII's agents in 1538. No one knows what happened to the friars, though another Augustinian friar, John Stone, was executed in Canterbury in 1539 for refusing to sign the Oath of Supremacy and is now numbered among the forty Catholic Martyrs of England and Wales. After the suppression of the Priory, ownership of the buildings, goods, lands and revenues became the property of the Crown, and so passed into private ownership. The Augustinians returned to Clare in 1953 thanks to the generosity of the May family, who allowed the Order to purchase the house for only a fraction of its true value. More about the Augustinians Our parish Discover what’s happening in our local Catholic community. Connect with us Where we are How to find and contact Clare Priory. Find us https://clarepriory.org.uk/the-priory Sat, 18 Jan 2025 21:19:14 +0000 https://clarepriory.org.uk/index.php?pcat=0&item=4 Welcome to our parish community Since 1953, Clare Priory has been the home of Mother of Good Counsel parish, which serves the villages of Clare, Cavendish, Glemsford, Hundon, Stoke-by-Clare and more. Find us Join us for Mass Gather for worship with our whole community Mass Times Get involved Find out how you can make a difference and help others Explore Friends of Augustine A community inspired by Saint Augustine's way of life. Connect Parish newsletters The latest weekly Clare Priory newsletter can be downloaded by clicking the button below.‍The latest version will be uploaded over the Friday afternoon - Monday period. 1780066866_2026May31.pdf 1780066909_Churchwithoutwallsmeeting19thMay20261.docx Our parish priest To get in touch with Father George Donaghy OSA, call 01787-277326 or email below. Email Fr George Craft Fair Our annual Craft Fair brings thousands of visitors to Clare Priory for a celebration of creativity and art. Discover more Safeguarding We follow the national procedures for the safeguarding of children, young people and adults at risk. In the parish, our parish priest is an advisor. Sue Lees, Nicola Whitehead and Ian Constant are our safeguarding officers. Email: safeguarding@clarepriory.net Homilies & talks Explore inspiring Catholic homilies and thought-provoking talks on faith, spirituality, and Christian living. Listen to the homilies & talks https://clarepriory.org.uk/our-parish Sat, 18 Jan 2025 21:19:24 +0000 https://clarepriory.org.uk/index.php?pcat=0&item=5 The Craft FairSet in the beautiful grounds of Clare Priory, The Craft Fair has something for everyone.More about The Craft Fair2026 dates | Saturday 11th - Sunday 12th July, 10:00 - 17:00Admission | £6 for adults, £5 for seniors and free for accompanied under-16s, all proceeds go to charity.Celebrating creativity since 1993Since 1993, Clare Priory has been hosting a summer Craft Fair which has grown in popularity so much that it now receives around 10,000 visitors over the two days of the fair! The Fair brings together a diverse collection of beautiful handmade goods from 150 innovative and original makers to show and sell their work. This is the perfect place to buy completely individual gifts and enjoy a wonderful day out set in the beautiful grounds of Clare Priory. With beautiful and unique gifts, jewellery, glass, ceramics, furniture and much more across all price brackets, there really is something for everyone.Something for everyoneDisplays of arts and crafts from a number of exhibitors demonstrating, including lace-making, wool-spinning, metalwork, woodturning, and many more. Performances from children's entertainers, a traditional Punch & Judy show and a magician.Refreshments, hot and cold food, a licensed bar and live entertainment.Discover Clare PrioryArts & CraftWith over 150 exhibitors and 160 stalls, there is something for everyone at the Craft Fair. Crafts on display include blacksmithing, woodcraft, leatherwork, stick-making, textiles, ceramics, high-quality wooden furniture, metalwork, jewellery, lace-making, artists, plants and flowers, wool-spinning, artisan food and drink, glassware, pyrography, photography, decoupage, cards & stationery, clothing & accessories, candles, aromatherapy and beauty products.ParkingAll parking (including disabled parking) is at Clare Playing Fields (CO10 8PH).Free park-and-ride shuttle service: we have a fleet of minibuses (all with disabled facilities) running continuously to deliver you right to the Priory buildings (marked A on the map).Please do not park on the streets around the Priory or in Clare itself, they are quite narrow and it could cause problems for emergency access if needed, the Park-and-Ride really is very quick, easy and free.More informationSorry, we are unable to admit any dogs other than Assistance dogs.Cashpoint: Sorry, no facility on site. The nearest is at the Co-Op in Clare (CO10 8NY).For those preferring to walk the Priory is only a short distance away on foot via Cavendish Road, Market Hill and Maltings Lane, to arrive at the Priory rear gate (marked B on the map).Sign up as a new exhibitorWant to display and sell your work at the Craft Fair? Register as a new exhibitor and apply at the appropriate time (late February or early March).Once registered you do not need to re-register in subsequent years. Simply login and follow the "Apply" link"Find out moreCharities that we are supportingClare PrioryWithout the Priory and the kind permission of the community there would be no Craft Fair; the setting attracts thousands of visitors each year. This year’s donation to the Priory will go towards essential repairs that enable access to the grounds.REACH Foodbank (Haverhill)We were told of the pressing current need that the REACH team are helping with: debt & budgeting advice, threatened eviction, emergency food, client aid, benefits & housing applications, self-help & information. REACH is looking to help bridge the gap with food for a family or individual for at least three days (or until other agencies or services become available).More about REACHSt. Nicholas HospiceSt Nicholas Hospice provides specialist palliative care and support for people and their families faced with dying, caring and grief. Its services include emotional and wellbeing support as well as practical help and companionship from volunteer-led teams.More about St Nic’sEast Anglia Children’s Hospice (EACH)EACH Supports families and care for children and young people with life-threatening conditions across Cambridgeshire, Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk. They offer families flexibility and control over where they receive their care and support, including where their child dies; at home, in hospital or at one of three hospices.More about EACHCavendish CareCavendish Care provide important care for those in need in Cavendish and surrounding area, as well as a driver service for all types of medical appointments for those in need.Clare Playing FieldsWe would really struggle to run the Craft Fair without the Free Park-and-Ride at the Playing Fields. The donation will go towards work on the Pavilion enabling it to provide a warm space this winter.CLASPClare Liaison and Support Project (CLASP) was founded to provide help for people in need in Clare and the surrounding area, providing a driver service for all types of medical appointments plus an important day centre. They also support the Craft Fair by lending their minibus and a team of drivers.More about CLASPEast Anglian Air AmbulanceWith the combination of a quick response time, advanced critical care on scene and quick transfer to the appropriate hospital to save more lives across East Anglia. The missions attended are often life-changing for the patients. By offering dedicated aftercare support, helping patients and their families with their recovery journeys.More about EAAACancer Research UKCancer Research UK Funds pioneering discovery research - which means our researchers are seeking to discover entirely new knowledge about cancer. All new lifesaving tests and treatments for cancer are reliant on discovery research on projects funded by charitable donation.More about Cancer ResearchMary’s MealsMary’s Meals serves nutritious school meals to children living in some of the world's poorest countries. Their vision is that every child receives one daily meal in their place of education and that all those who have more than they need share with those who lack even the most basic things.More about Mary’s MealsAddenbrookes Bone Marrow UnitThe Centre includes the East Anglia Blood and Marrow Transplant Unit which provides a comprehensive service for the treatment of cancer, including offering high-dose therapy with bone marrow and peripheral blood stem-cell support, plus a dedicated outpatient department with day-case facilities for the treatment of patients undergoing transfusion, chemotherapy, and apheresis.More about Addenbrookes Bone Marrow UnitCompassioFounded by the Priory’s own Fr. Gladson Dabre OSA, the association works with poor people in northern India to enrich their lives through schemes such as Covid awareness, online tuition, and personal development.More about Compassio https://clarepriory.org.uk/craft-fair Sat, 18 Jan 2025 21:19:41 +0000 https://clarepriory.org.uk/index.php?pcat=0&item=6 Supporting spiritual growthHelp us to continue our important work of helping people to deepen their faith and to keep a historic place of prayer alive.RetreatsWho we areGift AidGift Aid is an arrangement that allows charities, including churches, to reclaim tax on donations made by a taxpayer. It covers weekly giving as well as one-off donations.This means that every donation you make is worth 25% more to your Church, at no cost to you. For example, if you donate £20, we will be able to reclaim £5 on your donation from the government, meaning the Church gets £20 from you and £5 from the government.If you’re already paying tax on earnings, pensions or income/capital gains from investments, the government simply gives back to the Church some of the tax you have already paid. Please help us to make the most of this scheme to benefit our Church. https://clarepriory.org.uk/give Sat, 18 Jan 2025 21:24:12 +0000 https://clarepriory.org.uk/index.php?pcat=0&item=7 Privacy PolicyDownload our privacy policy here. https://clarepriory.org.uk/privacy Fri, 11 Apr 2025 12:51:44 +0000 https://clarepriory.org.uk/index.php?pcat=0&item=22