Volunteer, Intern & Gap Year opportunities in New Forest

Geo House

A rare opportunities for residential volunteers, intern and gap year students is being offered by the Voluntary Missionary Movement (VMM) and the Montfort Missionaries at Geo House,their new retreat centre in the New Forest.

Geo House is a 20 bedroom property in Ashurst in the New Forest National Park.

In a statement the organisers say Geo House "is named after the 'earth' because at our most fundamental spiritual level we are all connected to one another on this planet and as people of the resurrection we confidently believe that Christ will renew then face of the earth. Missionaries and development workers, inspired by faith,cross global boundaries to share what they have with those who have least. As the Pope reminded us in Caritas in Veritate, authentic human flourishing involves enabling everyone to fulfil their God given potential. That is why issionaries throughout the world stand alongside the marginalised and challenge us to live in harmony with the rest of God's creation.

"Geo House will explore these issues,celebrate global mission, and warmly welcome missionaries and faith-inspired development workers both before and aftertheir service overseas."

"Our community is likely to be an eclectic mix of different personalities: there is no 'standard' volunteer.

If you can answer 'yes' to the following then a period at Geo House might be for you.

Are you over 21 years of age

Are you a committed Christian , ideally understanding of the Catholic tradition happy to explore aspects of your faith and wanting to deepen it?

Are you a UK resident, or do you have the right to stay in the UK (e.g. EU citizenship)?

Are you passionate about global justice and the role which every baptised person can play in bringing about change?

Are you inspired by being part of the Geo House team in its first year?

Person Specification:

Creative and flexible

Understanding of issues around global poverty and the mission of the Church

Excellent people skills especially in welcoming guests

Experience of getting involved with practical tasks of hospitality and event management
ideally facilitating groups.

What you will get

Living in the beautiful New Forest but close enough to Southampton (20minutes by bus) and London (90minutes direct train). Regular team social events. Opportunities to be part of the wider VMM team and their overseas/homeprogrammes. Agreed leave and days off site and a modest allowance. Full board and lodging.

Ideal to develop an interest or career in faith based development and global mission work.Opportunities to get involved with administrative support for the Catholic Missionary Union and its Mission Alive programme

What we will expect from you

Either a 3,6 or 9 month commitment Daily prayer/reflection. Openness to new experiences and concepts in this innovative project

Closing Dates and interview arrangements:

5pm 6th September for October 2011 starts or 6/9 months duration

Or 5pm 1st December 2011 for January 2012 starts of 6 month duration. Interviews in Liverpool or Ashurst, Hampshire in mid September and mid December.

To apply contact: Richard Owens, Project Co-ordinator 0151 291 3438 email: richard.vmm@gmail.com

Geo House, St Joseph's, Lyndhurst Road, Ashurst, Hampshire. SO40 7DU 023 8029 2337 (House)

For more information see www.vmminternational.org and www.montfort.org.uk