The Community

The Canonry of Corpus Christi was established as a canonry of the Order of Canons Regular of Prémontré in 2004.

The Canons reside at St. Philip's Priory in Chelmsford where we serve two busy parishes. As well as the parishes, the canons are involved in a wide variety of apostolates that take them near and far. The apostolates taken by the Canons of Corpus Christi reflect both the active and contemplative natures of our life. One canon teaches at university, another is a school chaplain, another a chaplain to a convent of Dominican sisters. The parish apostolate is the main focus of our active life, but the contemplative nature also involves much labour. to this end the community is served by a dedicated cantor as we strive to make our worship of Almighty God the most solemn and beautiful way it can be. Our retired priests still dedicate their lives to the Order and Canonry by assisting in the parish and offering the Sacrifice of the Mass. Last year our community celebrated its first ordination and we are fortunate to have students for the priesthood, preparing both for ordination and solemn vows and studying both at home and in Rome to that end.

As Canons of the Order of Prémontré we hope that our life still bears witness to those first hopes and prayers of Our Holy Fathers Norbert and Augustine.