The British Province of Carmelites is developing a new initiative at The Friars, Aylesford, in the heart of Kent. We are creating a space where young people and young adults can experience community, explore faith and grow in confidence and purpose.
Rooted in the Christian tradition and shaped by our Carmelite way of life, we walk alongside one another through listening, service and friendship, offering hospitality and accompaniment.
At the heart of the project is the Simon Stock Community, a growing community based at The Friars. Within this, a residential community will live on site, sharing daily life, prayer and ministry, and supporting children and young people through retreats, events and programmes.
Alongside the residential community, a wider network of supporters, volunteers and young adults will become part of this developing community, offering prayer, friendship and practical support.
Four connected expressions
The Simon Stock Community is developing through four connected expressions:
Volunteer Young Adult Community
An immersive residential experience for young adults aged 18 to 30, combining community life, prayer, formation and service.
Retreats and Programmes
Opportunities for schools, parishes, universities and other groups to experience The Friars through retreats, programmes and shared experiences.
Associate Community
A wider, non-residential community for young adults aged 18 to 35, offering opportunities for prayer, formation, friendship and service.
Advocates and Supporters
A growing network of people who will pray for, encourage and support the vision through friendship, volunteering and practical support.
Together, we seek to build a community that welcomes others, strengthens belonging and supports wellbeing. A community that inspires each person to recognise their significance and discover that every life has meaning.
At the heart of this is a belief that lives can be enriched through genuine encounter with Jesus Christ and that, together, we can make a positive difference in the world.
A vision becoming reality
Building work is now underway at The Friars, with the Simon Stock Community on course to welcome its first residential community in 2027.
Over the coming months, we will share more of the journey as the project develops, including updates on the building work, opportunities to get involved and stories from those helping to shape this new chapter.
Please keep the Simon Stock Community in your prayers as this exciting new chapter takes shape.
