Residence

The Diocese of Clifton has indicated that it will allow LAMB to use an ex-presbytery for a residence. Who will pay for its maintenance and upkeep? It is felt a building in the city will be more practical than one in the countryside. At the moment we are basing our considerations upon 2 brothers and 4 younger members living in the community. It will need to have enough accommodation for six persons, both male and female. It will need to facilitate meetings, have a chapel or prayer space and allow for the storage of music and resources. The possibility of having a “House Mass” there is an important consideration. The link with the diocese needs to be made clear. Will it be a permanent loan or for a number of years? What will the community’s link with the existing parish be?

Running Costs

Based upon 1B’s experience the cost of running the community will be in the region of £12,000. This will cover:-
Light
Heat
Council Tax
Water and Sewerage
Food
Running Repairs
Landline
Computer and Internet Access
There will also need to be some sort of community transport vehicle for example a community car or people carrier.
In addition the younger members of the community will need some form of “pocket money.” At about £30 per week this will mean an additional £5,000. It is assumed that the older members of the community will have some alternative source of income and will therefore be self –financing.
It is assumed the community will be self-catering and a rota of responsibility will be drawn up by the community. Associate Members could perhaps help with some of these chores, eg, shopping.

Insurance

Should Associate Members be covered to carry students in their cars? The brothers have offered to insure current LAMB events under the aegis of their own insurance. It is assumed that the community will automatically be covered by the brother’s insurance.

Personnel

At the moment the planning is for 2 older members and 4 younger members of the community in September 2004. There is the possibility of this number increasing in the future.
Personnel could be recruited through word of mouth, diocesan events, clergy, Kintbury, diocesan newsletter, Youth work magazine. LAMB is happy to pay for advertising.
The De La Salle Brothers are obviously responsible for appointing brothers to the community but it is hoped the brothers will consult and encourage the “Live Out” Community to assist in the appointment of younger people to the community.

Way of Life

We need to look at how other communities work and take elements from their experience. The aim of the community is to work with young people in a faith environment. Living in community should enable this to happen and in a context of fun.

Prayer is at the heart of the community. There should be time for prayer at regular intervals – “prayer slots.” Resources for prayer need to be to hand. Prayer should be open to all Lasalians and at least once a week to anyone who wishes to join, especially the young people from the schools.

Meals will be taken in common and could be shared with those outside of the community, within reason of course. There should be a rota for cooking, cleaning, washing, etc. There will be autonomy over their own rooms.

There should be community time together for recreation. Community Days are to be recommended and weekly community meetings with LAMB members allowed to be present. Time should be given at weekends for preparation of resources and for the possibility of Youth Events either in schools or in the diocese. Time must be given to proper training and perhaps the working towards a proper youth certificate or qualification? Perhaps the Peer Ministry Training at Ammerdown might be of use here? The community should feel able to visit other youth communities and conferences. There must also be proper time given to preparation for living in community. Perhaps community activities in August could help in the formation of community, eg, a pilgrimage. (One is planned by LAMB for August 2004 to Rome, perhaps this could be a community pilgrimage for the new community?)

We expect the community to go into schools about 3 or 4 times a week to be engaged in peer ministry. This will need basic counselling skills and a sound understanding of the skills necessary to run activities such as small group dynamics, artwork, drama, dance or music. There will need to be some training in the preparation of these sorts of activities. There needs to be proper training in Diocesan Child Protection Procedures.

Regularity of contact with the school is essential. Perhaps the whole team could go into each school once a week?

There needs to be close liaison with RE departments to set up a timetable and how best to use the team throughout the year, especially with a view to supporting special events, eg Carol Services, etc. There has to be a special liaison with chaplains. There will be a need to speak to school management and a link with LAMB members already in schools will be useful.

Relationship between LAMB and the Community

Perhaps there could be a “Buddy” system between members of the “Live In” community and the “Live out” in an attempt to provide an outlet and perspective on the problems of living in community. It is hoped that LAMB will be the “Living out” part of the community and that there will be a real sense that there is only one community in Bristol.

Job Specification for a Young Person

Young (Between 18 and 25)
Christian
Interested in living in community and working with and for young people for at least one year.
Creative
Willing to learn new skills (and receive accreditation if this is thought a god idea)
Sympathetic to Lasallian Spirituality
Energetic
Prepared to be a focus for worship and prayer
Prepared to be “poor” for at least a year having no other jobs or part-time work