Our story began in 1971 when Worth Abbey, a Benedictine monastery in Sussex, created a Lay Community. The monks invited lay men to come to Worth and live alongside the monks for a period of time. Very quickly, the invitation was extended to women and a pattern of life was established. A small group of men and women became ‘residents’ living at Worth for typically a year. They created a living community which prayed alongside the monks during the day in the monastic offices. Their main role was to offer hospitality to visitors, particularly groups from university chaplaincies who would come to Worth at weekends to experience monastic living. Over time, a community (Worth Abbey Lay community) was created of people who came time and time again to Worth Abbey attracted by prayer, formation and deep relationships formed with both monks and fellow lay community members.