My name is Paul. I am a retired teacher and I live in one of our smaller communities, composed mainly of elderly Sisters.

I joined the Holy Family in 1937. When I had completed my novitiate, I volunteered for our missions in South Africa, and taught there for fourteen years. On my return to England I taught in Liverpool, Leeds and Birkenhead, where I also served as Principal for a number of years.

In those days, Religious life was very different from what it is now. We lived a very structured life. Prior to Vatican II we seemed to be immune to change. After Vatican II we had to adapt to new situations, and were given more responsibility and the freedom to make decisions. Community life was less structured, more flexible and simple. These changes were very liberating.

As a group of elderly Sisters our ministry is mostly an interior ministry, consisting in large measure of caring for the frail and elderly. It is also, we hope, a powerhouse of prayer and a house where all visitors are made welcome. Our prayer life is nourished by daily participation in the Eucharist, reading and reflection on the Word of God, personal prayer and prayer together, especially the Rosary. Some of the local people join us for the Eucharist, which is celebrated by a Jesuit from a Community nearby.

We are very committed to ensuring that our Founder's charism is the source and inspiration for the way we live - affirming the dignity of every person and recognising that all people are children of God. Jesus' mission was to preach the Kingdom. Our mission, too, is to ensure that this same Kingdom of truth, love and justice is our priority: this will involve always being open to dialogue, to take risks, to respond creatively to new calls and to adapt to new situations.