Lyall Bay Community

The Sisters of Compassion have a community of two Sisters living at Lyall Bay Wellington, and anyone interested in religious life is very welcome to live with the Sisters so as to experience community living. There are no obligations to become a religious, and interested people are able to continue with their careers or present employment. At present we have two people living with us and for the Sisters it is a very life giving and enriching experience.

The Members of Lyall Bay Community
offer hospitality to the Friends of
Compassion and relations
of the Sisters.

For further information contact either- Sisters Margaret Mary or Josephine Gorman on 04 387 1781.

Terri, and Christine, who are currently living with the Sisters of Compassion, have written their reflections on what it is like for them living in a “Come and See” community.

Terri’s reflection

Kia Ora,

My first day at Lyall Bay arriving on 9 June 2002 was a super day and the sea was absolutely flat with a wave or two rippling along the sea shore. A dream day. My room was prepared by Margaret Mary and Chris, cute with just the basics, never the less my room. I was taken on a grand tour which was all of 20 minutes, and that was O.K.

Watching the planes fly in and out, was also a sight to be seen and still fascinates me. Good views. I do find living community life quite challenging. We share the house work, cooking and any other work that needs to be attended to.

On Monday I work in the Soup kitchen and on Friday’s I visit some of the inmates at Arohata prison which I enjoy very much. Since living with the Sisters of Compassion I have attended courses at the Catholic Education Centre and Emmaus Retreat Centre.

I look forward to the future and what it holds for me.

Chris’s reflection:

At the beginning of this year I joined the Lyall Bay Community on a “Look and See” basis. This means I have the opportunity to participate in the life of a Religious Community and experience the living out of Compassion Spirituality in the most practical way. I have the opportunity over a 12 month period to reflect upon whether life as a Sister is a realistic and life – giving option for me. Of course, the Sisters themselves by extending such hospitality may be challenged by people such as myself who have been formed by different life experiences.

Until earlier this year I had the responsibilities of home ownership and demanding full time employment. This year I have opted for part-time work and greater involvement in community activity such as a weekly stint at the Soup Kitchen. Wellington is an exciting place to live. I remind myself regularly that “Come and See”, involves setting proprieties. I have taken “Time out” from “busyness” to nurture my faith life, dip my toes into a radically different life-style and consider the bigger questions.

“Come and See” is proving a surprising and enriching experience. I value the new friendships I have made and am grateful to have the chance to renew old friendships and make my own family part of this new chapter.

At Lyall I share the day to day duties of a religious community but also I share the hope and possibilities for the future. It is a privilege to be here.