Community of the Holy Name (CHN)

We are a community of Anglican Sisters who have been living, praying and ministering in Melbourne for more than 125 years. Nowadays, our main ministry is that of hospitality, offering our resources for spiritual renewal and refreshment.

The purpose of the Community is to give glory to God and to share in the ministry of God's healing and reconciling love through prayer and service, seeking to proclaim Jesus as Saviour and Lord. Each Sister offers herself to God to be used in his service. We believe that this is how we may best respond to his love for us.

Mother Esther, Founder of our Community said, “Few people seem aware of the many hungry souls there are, who are longing for some sympathetic soul to speak to them about spiritual things. Sanctified common sense is what is needed, tact to deal wisely with all comers.” This is as relevant today as it was in the 1800s, when the early ministry of the Sisters was the provision of material and spiritual help to the women and children of the backstreets of the inner City.

Many women and men feel called to share in the life and work of the Community, whether as Associates, Oblates, Alongsiders or professed Sisters.

The Community presently comprises of 18 Sisters, 34 Oblates and 66 Associates, as well as Priest Associates. The Sisters dedicate themselves to a radical following of Jesus, to the sharing of a common life within the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. Enquirers for Postulancy must be at least 21 years old, currently single, of sound mind and committed to community living.

The Oblates and Associates are men and women, who live outside the Community. The Oblates’ Rule of life includes a commitment to the spirit of poverty, chastity and obedience, adapted according to the situation of each member.

Associates keep a simple Rule, which includes praying for the Community.

An Alongsider is a woman who lives and works in the Community for a set period of time, learning about the Religious life and taking these core values back out “into the world”.

We also welcome volunteers to pray for our work and, where people have appropriate skills, their assistance in practical ways.

For further information, please refer to our website chnmelb.org

Click here for leaflet introducing CHN

Click here for leaflet on "Connecting with CHN"