Small Pilgrim Places - breathing spaces on the pilgrim journey
 

Good Practice for Small Pilgrim Places

Provisional Good Practice Guide

St. Non's Well, Permbrokeshire

St. Non's Well, Permbrokeshire

  1. Opening times that are publicly advertised.
  2. A written introductory guide to the place that both informs and encourages visitors to slow down and ponder, not simply describing a heritage trail.
  3. Hospitallers have the overall care of a place, establishing an atmosphere of welcome and prayer, and where possible being physically present, so as to add to the encouraging atmosphere, and convey their commitment to the place’s well being.
  4. Some places may be able to offer a spare key in a hidden location or issue spare keys to those who are bona fide so that the building can be always available.
  5. Hospitallers who keep the keys, who do the chores, who offer a welcome and a listening ear, who can introduce visitors to the silence, who can lead simple and short times or prayer or reflection.
  6. Simple hospitality and a warm reception, that is not effusive or intrusive, that does not overwhelm, but rather sensitively puts people at their ease.
  7. Hospitallers who are competent and confident. The parallel is the Samaritan rather than the professional counsellor, the first aid volunteer rather than the professional nurse.
  8. A support group for each hospitaller.
  9. An annual gathering of hospitallers to share stories and insights and to learn from one another, so building competence and confidence, and, especially in the foreseeable future, to discover further what makes for good practice.
  10. A supportive way of monitoring one another's practice which takes the task seriously without becoming legalistic.
  11. An opportunity for those coming new to the task to spend a time at two different SPPs.