Our Carmel Reynolds sm (third from left in photo) is part of a new venture explained below.

 

Catherine Jones SMSM (far left in team picture) and Kevin Mowbray SM write from London.

Sanctuary on the Square, staffed by a team of volunteers (and still recruiting), offers women a space at Maison Pierre Chanel where they can relax and feel at home in a friendly and confidential environment. 

Open every Wednesday afternoon, our guests can enjoy an afternoon of relaxation and friendship around a cup of tea and a bite to eat.  There is also a supervised children’s play corner, so women can bring their youngsters with them. Some have been happy just to sit and read a magazine, chat with a volunteer or another guest; others have taken part in recreational activities. There is plenty of laughter – and there have also been some tears. 

Through the blue door opposite Burger King"

The volunteers at this stage offer their hospitality and a listening ear, and we are gradually building up a file of referral services (counselling, housing, mental health, etc) when needed.   We are hoping to have enough volunteers to keep the Sanctuary open over the July-August summer holidays, aware that many other services are closed at that time, yet it is also a difficult time for many of the women we hope to serve.

 

Sanctuary on the Square has been going for just over a month now, and each week we are surprised at the diversity and giftedness of the women who call in, and how they heard of the centre.  We have a strong conviction that God’s providence is at work in this little initiative, and ask for your prayers.  Do call in on a Wednesday afternoon if you are in London!

 

It is a very Marist place to be in an attitude of attentive listening and presence to all who come, of being where something new is coming to birth. It is also a collaborative effort as there are Marists from three branches  -  Society of Mary, Marist Sisters (Carmel Reynolds SM) and SMSM."

Catherine Jones, smsm, (volunteer)  Kevin Mowbray, SM (accompaniment)