Community
Students at the College of the Resurrection greatly value the strong sense of community here. This sense of mutual commitment provides a supportive environment for study and formation. It also often provides the foundation for lifelong friendships, as students move into ordained ministry.
The sense of community which is fostered at the College provides students with a place to discover a new freedom for ministry – a freedom to put the needs of others ahead of their own preferences.
At the same time, each of us needs to care for his or her own needs – remembering that we are commanded to love our neighbours as ourselves. One important feature of common life is the support given to establish and maintain boundaries, both in College and in the parish, and to find our own balance between the public and the private.
Through the tutorial system the College staff help students to find the right balance between College and other commitments, and to see the importance of care for themselves and their families.
From the monastic tradition, we learn the importance within all Christian vocations of seeking a harmonious balance between prayer, study, work, rest, and hospitality.
Even when students leave College for parish or other ministries, they remain members of the College, and at Mirfield this is true in an especially grounded way. Colleges are, after all, often transient places, with students and staff changing over time. At Mirfield, the monastic Community remains as the beating heart of all that we do here. Many former students return to the College – regularly or occasionally – to meet up with members of the Community, to come on retreat, or for spiritual direction.
This coming year, we are beginning a programme of inviting groups of former students to visit the College for a few days for reflection, relaxation, and rest. This programme was initiated by a group of former students themselves. We hope to build on it in future years.
At Mirfield, you join a community for life.