At the heart of Worth Abbey is a community of 25 Catholic monks who follow the Rule of St Benedict, a Rule written 1,500 years ago but which still offers life-giving guidance to men and women today.

The monks of Worth have created a sanctuary where the Gospel of Christ is expressed through a community life of prayer and service. They take vows that involve sharing their possessions, living together without marrying and accepting the guidance of the community. They run a school, a parish and a retreat house, as well as more fluid responses to the changing needs of church and society. Currently, these include working with young people, with refugees and with the poor of Peru.

This web site helps you to find out more about the life of the monks at Worth (see Monastic Life) and offers you the opportunity to participate in some aspects of that life (see The Open Cloister).

There is more information about Worth Abbey in the web pages connected with 'The Monastery', a three-part TV series broadcast in May 2005, filmed at Worth Abbey.

Worth 75

In 2008-9 Worth Abbey celebrated 75 years since it was founded by monks from Downside Abbey in Somerset. A number of events took place to celebrate this anniversary starting with Solemn Vespers for Michaelmas Eve, 28th September 2008, exactly 75 years after Vespers was first celebrated at Worth in 1933. Further details are available on the Worth 75 website.