Welcome to the Catholic Worker Farm
A Community of the London Catholic Worker
We here at The Catholic Worker Farm are working to support and accommodate destitute women (whom we call 'Guests'). These are vulnerable homeless women and children disentitled to benefits or work permits, literally "street homeless". The house is located near London, England, on a working farm, restored to suit the needs and comforts of our Guests, where we try to live each day by the love and values of Jesus Christ.
Are you looking for something meaningful to do in your gap year or pastoral placement? The Catholic Worker Farm is always looking for Christian women to join the internship program with us. Suitable candidates can volunteer all year round, the normal committment is 6 months to a year, although we do accept applications for those wanting to stay for 3 months. Please see the Interns and Volunteers page for more information.
Hospitality
We have received over 40 women since August of 2006. Along with our family, the house
permanently accommodates eight individuals who have battled through
horrific circumstances to reach the peace and safety which our
community endeavors to provide. As well as providing accommodation
and companionship within the life of the community, we also offer
to advocate on their behalf so that they can initiate progress
in their own lives. "For I was hungry and you gave me
food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you
welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for
me, in prison and you visited me." Matt. 25
Resistance
We also believe that our faith leads us into a life of repentance
and resistance. That is, God is calling us to change our minds
and hearts as well as the minds and hearts of the beloved community
outside our sphere of immediate influence, our brothers and sisters
on the street, in the military, at the Ministry of Defence and
at Downing Street, London. To create a place, through the guidance
of the Holy Spirit where Justice and Peace embrace. We vigil (stay
awake) outside Northwood Military Headquarters, Middlesex, U.K.
While the state wants us to remain sedated, we watch and pray
for just one hour.
Typically we vigil at Northwood Military Headquarters. Northwood is the headquarters for British joint forces (air, land and sea, as well as special forces like the SAS) deployed in Afghanistan and Iraq, as well as Trident nuclear submarines. The Northwood facility has 2,000 employees and is presently undergoing a major expansion, up-grading and refit to make it ready to work with the new European Defence Force. Its website asserts that “Northwood is very much in the front line” of military operations. "Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John replied, "Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God's sight to obey you rather than God. " Acts 4:18-19.
The Green Revolution
As well as this we garden. Adam's temptation to disobedience as well
as Jesus' temptation to "fight or flight" took place
in the garden. For us it is a place of deep prayer and contemplation.
A time to get in touch with the joys and sorrows of living with
the poor. When the disciples saw that the crowds were hungry,
they came to Jesus who said "feed them yourselves",
and this is what we endeavor to do. We grow Broccoli, Lettuce,
Courgettes, Pumpkin, Garlic, Kale, Spinach, Corn and Tomatoes.
"As evening approached, the disciples came to him and
said, "This is a remote place, and it's already getting late.
Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves
some food." Jesus replied, "They do not need to go away.
You give them something to eat." Matt 14:15-16.
Contact Details:
Phone: (44) (0)1923 777201 Mobile: (+44) 07983 477819
E-mail: thecatholicworkerfarm@yahoo.co.uk
