Samuel Group

Speak, Lord, your servant is listening.              (1 Sam. 3:10)

The Samuel Group is based on the story of Samuel told in Ch. 3 of the First Book of Samuel. Samuel, still a young boy, hears a voice call him by name and thinks it is the voice of the Prophet Eli. At first Eli does not realize what is happening but when the call is repeated a number of times he recognizes that this is the voice of God. He tells Samuel to answer when next he hears the voice, "Speak, Lord, your servant is listening." The story of Samuel's vocation begins.

A Samuel Group is for young people (20-30s) to help them discern their direction in life, whether this is to marriage or single life, to priesthood or religious life. It would also suit those who are making decisions about volunteering or a gap-year.

The Group meets once a month. Participants are introduced to Lectio Divina. They are invited to let the Word of God speak to their discernment process. There are alss guest speakers who share their journey and there is some input on approaches to decision making.

Belonging to the group requires a serious level of commitment. Participants are asked not only to attend the monthly meetings but also to receive spiritual direction. This is provided by those organizing the course where appropriate.

After a successful first Samuel Group last year, we are aiming to facilitate another Samuel Group Programme in Kensington, London, beginning October 2010. In the meantime, there will be stand alone retreat days [it is not necessary to make a commitment to attend more than one] facilitated by Fr. Iain OCD and Sr. Cathy r.a.

If you think you would like to find out more please contact: samuel.group@yahoo.co.uk