Drawing inspiration from the life of St Chad, the 7th century missionary bishop of Lichfield, the Community of Saint Chad (CSC) is an expression of modern-day monasticism. It has a geographically dispersed membership united by a common commitment to a spiritual lifestyle shaped by five Rhythms of Grace, and by participation in a Spiritual Companionship Group. The Community of Saint Chad welcomes any Christian who longs to grow in depth of discipleship and who is prepared to journey with others in a quest for a life-changing faith.
Community Prayer
Be with us, Lord, as we seek to follow in the footsteps of your servant Chad, whose humility and prayerfulness attracted so many to your kingdom. Let our lives, like his, reflect the light of Christ and the hope of faith. In the name of your Son Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
The CSC Booklet provides information about the Rhythms of Grace and the small Spiritual Companion Groups, as well a variety of resources including a pattern for daily prayer which has been widely used. The Booklet has proved to be popular; 10,000 copies are in circulation and a new printing is planned. An electronic copy can be downloaded here.
Each year, there is an opportunity to become a member of the Community for a 12 months period or to renew membership; which indicates a commitment to follow the Five Rhythms of Grace and, if possible, to seek to be part of a small Spiritual Companion Group. This normally takes place around St Chad's Day (March 2nd). However, if you are unable to attend the annual service of commitment, you can use the Chad prayers which provide the liturgy used in joining the Community. An application form for membership can be downloaded in PDF or Word format. We will then send you the Community newsletters.
This is an introduction to the Community for those exploring, but please note it is open to existing members too!
There will be reflections on the life of St Chad and St Cuthbert, quiet time, a delicious lunch, and morning and evening prayer from the community booklet.
Cathedral Recommitment Service 2024
A few members enjoyed lunch together at Bistro 19 on Sunday 3rd March, a time to share news and get to know each other a little better. We were then able to spend some quiet time on the Cathedral before joining with other members, around 20 in all, for Patronal Choral Evensong. During the service Bishop Michael commissioned new and continuing members of the Community as they committed to a further year of being ‘a community in our generation, based on Five Rhythms of Grace, and walking in the way of Chad, who walked in the footsteps of Jesus.’
We encourage people to be part of a small group (often 3 members) in order to share the journey of faith in a context of trust, encouragement and mutual accountability. The booklet gives guidelines for how the groups might operate. In time we intend to provide information so that ideas can be shared and small groups might be able to meet up regionally. A template outline of a Spiritual Companion Group meeting is available here.
Community of St Chad: a gathering of pilgrims with Bishop Michael around St Chad's Well, Lichfield
This video includes an interview with Robert Mountford, author of The Mantle of Chad, as well as other insights into the Community of St Chad:
Chad Quiet Days, Teaching Events and Pilgrimages:
We are delighted to offer a range of these additional activites and events during the course of each year.
CSC Spiritual MOT Material:
The Community of St Chad helps us to take forward our Diocesan priorities of Developing Discipleship, Nurturing Vication and Enabling Evangelism. The Spiritual MOT provides resources for renewal and refreshment and is well suited for group work within a parish context.
To invest in your Spiritual Wellbeing, a copy of the Spiritual MOT Booklet is available here.
A copy of the latest Community of St Chad newsletter is available here
CSC Morning and Evening Prayer:
During Lockdown we started to hold Evening Prayer and Morning Prayer via Zoom. This still continues, on Tuesdays at 6pm and on Fridays at 9am. All are welcome to join us on this link. Audio versions of the Morning and Evening Prayer, led by Lindsey Hall and Phillip Swan, are also available below:
Two Kingdoms Way Pilgrimage
Ann Fisher has been engaged in creating and piloting the newly formed 'Two Kingdoms Way' from Lindisfarne to Lichfield. The route summary and overview provide details which enable pilgrims to walk stretches of the TKW between now and St Chad's Day 2022, which marks 1,350 years since the saint's death in 672.
Sister organisations and initiatives:
We are keen to stay connected with others in different dioceses and denominations who are on a similar journey, to learn from one another and pray together.
Facebook Link: http://bit.ly/2bCsET9
Co-leader Contact Details:
Revd Rosanne Wilshire: 01902 737793
Revd Chris Precious: 01948 740177
Email: thecommunityofstchad@gmail.com
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