'The Monastery'
BBC 2 at 9pm, May 10th, 17th, 24th 2005.
And in 2006... they came back! The follow-up programme titled 'The Monastery Revisited' was transmitted on BBC 2 on Wednesday June 7th 2006!
Did you watch BBC TV's 'The Monastery' last year? The programmes made for compelling viewing and have touched profoundly the many people who watched them, from BBC producers to TV critics and monks!
(Photograph: copyright Tiger Aspect/BBC 2005)
There is now a unique opportunity to experience 'The Monastery' for yourself.
"Finding there aren’t enough hours in the day? Stressed? Needing space? A series of tailor-made events are being offered for spiritual seekers this summer which are designed to cater for those seeking a break from, and a deeper meaning to, modern living.
In response to the BBC 2’s popular ‘reality television’ series ‘The Monastery’, two Roman Catholic venues are offering residential events for people wanting to experience authentic spirituality..."
For afternoon and weekend events please click here for more
Free Monastery resources...
Freebies Key
Word document 
Pdf format 
PowerPoint presentation 
*'The Monastery' leaflet - a free leaflet for viewers who want to know more.
*The Path to Self-Discovery and New Life - a free fact sheet about personal vocation produced by the National Office for Vocation in response to the programmes. For more please see: www.ukvocation.org
*'Me a monk? Are you interested in finding out more about monastic life? Why not contact the community at Worth Abbey? See: www.worthabbey.net
*A 'Monastery' web site has been created as a resource for viewers. Read for yourself Tony's remarkable story of being brought from the fringes of the soft-porn industry to a monastery. Please see: http://www.worthabbey.net/
*Recommended reading - this sheet lists some useful reading materials which relate to some of the spiritual themes which run through the series.
*Seekers' Prayer - would you like to say a prayer but are not sure how? Are you wondering if God really exists and if he is really there?
Monastery Sound Bites - send them to your friends. Surprise them by quoting Fr Abbot about life's purpose and meaning.
Monastic Sounds
Testimonies
Who becomes a monk or a nun? Why do they do it? What sustains them?
Br Ben shares his reasons for giving his life totally to God as a member of a religious community for men.
Sister Marianne provides an insight into what gives her life.
Br Brian left a live in academia to respond to a deep calling to live totally for God.
The Volunteers
A book has been published about Gary's life. Read about what led him to seek sanctuary at Worth Abbey.
'Me And My Bleeding Mouth' - a synopsis
Experience 'The Monastery' for yourself
1) The community at Worth Abbey are offering viewers the chance to experience monastic prayer first hand by inviting them to attend Evening Prayer (known as Vespers) at the Abbey starting at 5.30pm on Sunday 11th June 2006. Please meet in the Narthex (Entrance Hall) of the Abbey Church for an introductory reception. For more information please contact: Monastery Enquiries, PO Box 916, Worth Abbey, Crawley, RH10 4WT. Email: themonastery@worthabbey.net Website: www.worthabbey.net
2) For those living in Wales and the North of England there is an opportunity to spend a week-end at the Franciscan Friary at Pantasaph. The name of a the gathering will be 'A Catholic Experience Week-End', June 2nd- 4th 2006. This week-end is donation only and non-residential participants are also welcome. For more information please contact Br Loarne on tel. 01352 - 711 053. An additional donation only "Seeker Retreat" is being offered at Crewe from June 16th - 18th 2006. More events follow in the latter part of the year and into 2007. If you are seeking and would like to explore Catholic spirituality, join others for a unique experience. For more information please tel. Fr John Staack on tel .0121 643 0940
3) For a guide to places of interest for spiritual renewal and relaxation please see: Places to Visit 2006. This is a special publication available from: Gabriel Communications Ltd, First Floor, St James's Buildings, Oxford Street, Manchester. M1 6FP. Tel. 0161 236 8856 Email: advertising@the-universe.net
*Additional retreat opportunities can be found in Benedictine Monasteries across the U.K. For more information, please click here
Resources for Schools
Lesson Presentation on vocation 16-17 years
Vocation Materials for Young People 16-17
(Produced by The Jerusalem Trust who are an ecumenical body working in partnership with 'The Monastery' follow-up team)
Vocation Materials for University
Fr Christopher said in one of the programmes, “Superficially people have got everything, but they are not happy. We’ve got the answer.” Would you like to find who the answer to your questions and desires is? Click here