Meet Marie-Elisabeth, 27

I come from France, I worked in the banking field for 2 years. I choose to come to SPES specifically to deepen my faith, to learn to convey my faith as well as to understand more the roots of catechism. Day by day we learn to give up ourselves and try to live in charity within the community and the parish church with a strong life of prayers. It is demanding but so fruitful.

Cultural Night - USA: We cooked a turkey!

This Saturday we celebrated our First Cultural Night - Thanksgiving (United States). Lola and Desirae, both from Denver, Colorado, prepared a traditional Thanksgiving Dinner. We had a full course meal of Turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes (yams) with toasted marshmallows on top, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, corn and the most important dish, the dessert, Pumpkin Pie! We also went around the table and each of us said something we were thankful for (a Thanksgiving Day tradition). It was such a lovely evening and Lola and Desirae were so grateful to have shared it with such a wonderful group of people. Brother Basco and Brother Charles of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal joined us along with Fr. Francis our CCC lecturer, Fr. Matthew, and Teresa (SPES student 07-08).

Meet Marta - 27

Hello SPES enthusiasts! I'm Marta from Warsaw, Poland. I felt like I'd given up a lot to come to SPES this year but now I recognize it was definitely worthwhile! Our God is never outdone with generosity! SPES is so far so good. :) I'm absolutely delighted by our time spent in Open House on Tuesday's and with the L'Arche Community on Thursdays.

Meet Lola- 20

Hello friends of SPES, my names Lola, I'm 20 years old and from Denver, Colorado. I just graduated from Regis Jesuit High School in 2007 and I've just spent a year at Metropolitan State College. I converted to the Catholic faith for many reason when I was 16 and I'm really excited to be here in London at St. Patrick's. So far SPES has been no cake walk, but I'm grateful to have the opportunity to spend more time getting to know our Lord, especially in the Eucharist. It is truly beautiful how much he really does love us and is always seeking us! This year I'm looking forward to all the things we get to experience and understand about our faith! We've done so many cool things in just the few weeks I've been here, we've visited Our Lady of Walsingham, Holy Island and seen Scott Hahn and many other wonderful lectures.

November Retreat

Our retreat began in Durham with the Shogren family. The Shogren's gave us such a wonderful welcome and made us all feel at home. Mr. Shogren (Paul) took us on a walking pilgrimage to the Holy Island. Lola, Charlie, Petr, Peter and Paul all walked it bare foot!! We learned about St. Cuthburt and walked in the foot steps of St. John Boste. We then headed to Hare Street and stayed at the Cardinal's retreat house the former home of Robert H. Benton, author of Lord of the World - a very prophetic piece of work from 1909. We had a tour of Edmund's College and learned about the history of the Catholic Church in England during the time it was illegal to practice our faith. The house on Hare Street even had a "Priest Hole" where priest could hide from authorities. The punishment for being caught was quite horrific - hung, drawn and quartered! Here is a picture of Petr in the "Priest Hole"....!

Meet Petr - 29

Hello Friends! My name is Petr Machacek. I come from the town of Jihlava it is in the beautiful part of the Czech Republic. So far I am really enjoying the experience of street evangelisation, community life and studying the Catechism. I am grateful to God for this intensive and very interesting experience of my life.

Meet Charlie - 29

Hello Dear Friends of SPES, My name is Charlie. I am 29 years old and I was born and live in London. I was recently working as a project engineer in the wind energy sector until I joined the school. I have felt for over a year, a strong desire to receive a deep Catholic formation. I am delighted to be at St. Patrick's because all the ingredients for a life of devotion and commitment are here. There is a great strength of integrity & diversity. Bring it on!

Meet Peter - 22

SPES So Far

As a farm-boy from Cornwall, I have taken my time to adjust to the bright lights of London, but I think I have finally settled into life at SPES. Community life is really something to be prized.

Meet Desirae - 24

Hello! My name is Desirae. I am from Broomfield, Colorado, USA. I am very excited to be here in London, learning more about my faith and serving the local community in a variety of ways!! We have been so busy these past four weeks. Getting to know one another in community life, meeting new people at the Church and many wonderful priests, religious, and lay persons from around London! Last week the Sisters of the Community of St. Jean came from France to visit us. We also spent this past Saturday with the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal praying the Rosary outside of an abortion clinic - It was a very moving experience. Tomorrow you will meet Peter! God Bless!

They have arrived ...

... and are slowly settling in! We'll post a picture of our new 'mugs' for the year ahead - we're Desirae and Lola from USA, Petr from Czech Republic, Charlie and Peter from England, Marie-Elisabeth from France and Marta from Poland! Last week the students went with Teresa (a student from last year, coordinating this year) to Greenwich and this Saturday to Walsingham!!! Please pray for us!